06.25.09
Posted in Events
by Mark Dieterich at 7:13 am
| June 27, 2009 |
| 10:00 am | to | 4:00 pm |
Looking for a new-to-you bike? The crew over at Recycle-A-Bike is having a yard sale this Saturday, from 10am – 4pm. Here’s the full scoop:
Bike Yard Sale this Saturday, 6/27 10 AM – 4 PM (weather
permitting) at The Steel Yard (27 Sims Ave. – map). Rain date is 7/11,
10 AM – 4 PM.
Used bikes range from $25 – $350
Proceeds benefit Recycle-a-Bike. www.recycleabike.org
So not only can you get yourself a new set of wheels, you can support a great program!
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06.23.09
Posted in Advocacy, Announcements
by Mark Dieterich at 8:45 pm
From Barry Schiller:
The RI General Assembly may be going into its last week but there is still a chance to pass a bill to enhance safety for bicyclists and other roadway users by banning text-messaging while driving.
A bill sponsored by Senator Sue Sosnowski, S204A, to do this has already overwhelmingly passed the State Senate and was sent to the House Corporations Committee which also has a similar bill, H5021, sponsored by Representative Joe McNamara who has often helped us with bike safety bills. Despite support from RIDOT, AAA as well as the bike community, and even in light of the well publicized MBTA text-messaging accident, the House Corporations Committee has not yet acted.
So, if you support this bill, please call the Committee Chair, Representative Brian Patrick Kennedy, at the Corporations Committee, 222-2369 and at least leave a message with the clerk there. As the Speaker has a lot to say about what bills pass, similarly consider calling the Speaker’s Office, 222-2466 where they will take messages. If you know the sponsors or other legislators, ask them to help, this is a common-sense safety measure for all.
You can point out the recent accidents caused by people texting while driving. I have been told that three AAA roadside repairmen have been killed in the past five years by drivers texting while trying to operate an automobile.
If you have a question or suggestion, please call Barry Schiller, 353-6536
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06.17.09
Posted in Programs
by Mark Dieterich at 8:59 pm
Unfortunately, we will not be able to provide an East Bay Bike Train on Monday, June 22nd. Look for us running at our usual time on Monday, June 29th!
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06.16.09
Posted in Events
by Mark Dieterich at 8:48 pm
| June 27, 2009 |
| 12:00 pm | to | 5:00 pm |
On June 27th, from 12pm – 5pm
The Providence Foundation is partnering with 7 different residential properties to showcase downtown Providence as a vibrant, walkable, bike friendly place to live!
[They] are organizing a FREE Downtown Living Tour on Saturday, June 27th, from 12-5, with support from the Downtown Neighborhood Alliance and livedowncity.com. More details are online: www.providencedowntown.com
If you’ve ever thought about moving to downtown Providence, this might be a good way to see what’s available. The person who contacted me with information said they are trying to encourage participants to either walk or bicycle between the various event locations.
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Posted in Events
by Mark Dieterich at 8:25 pm
| September 13, 2009 |
| 10:00 am |
On Sept. 4th, 2007, Frank Cabral was killed while cycling on RI-1. This nearby 25.5 mile safe loop celebrates his life and raises “share the road” awareness.
Fun family event goes on rain or shine. Over 200 participants last year. Pre-registration strongly encouraged. Police stationed at crossings.
When: Sunday, September 13th, 2009, rain or shine.
Start: Matunuck School, Matunuck Beach Road. Ride: 25.5 mile loop ride, not a race, around RI-1.
Inducements: Commemorative tee shirt; drawings among pre-registered riders for cash, gift cards to local businesses, and other prizes. Win up to $200!
Post Ride: Grill catered by Dean Scanlon, Chef/Owner of Pawtuxet’s L’Attitude Restaurant of hamburgers, hot dogs and vegan fare, with bags of chips, bottled water, fruit, power bars and drinks. Party with entertainment.
Pre-registration: $25 before August 25th, strongly encouraged. All proceeds rolled into staging event; remainder, if any, used to promote cycling safety. Send Check & Form: Lori DiBiasio, 90 Sheffield Street, Warwick, RI 02889
More information vist http://www.franksride.com
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06.15.09
Posted in Bike Commuting
by Mark Dieterich at 3:55 pm
I had the misfortune of needing to commute by car a number of times last week. Having forgotten how much I detest sitting in traffic, I again questioned why anyone would choose to do this!
It was a joy to be back on my bike this morning. Officially, I was leading one of the PBC Monday bike trains, so I had an excuse to just ride easy, take some time to enjoy the scenery, take in the waterfowl, observe the goslings, and admire other sights along the way. Suddenly, I came to a realization that over time I had turned my bike commute into something resembling an automotive commute. On a daily basis, my focus had become to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible. While I certainly enjoyed riding my bike more than sitting in a car, I had completely forgotten about on of the best parts of bike commuting, the journey!
You can be sure I won’t be speeding along for some time to come. Rather I’m going to sit back, take an extra 10 minutes to commute, and just enjoy myself.
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06.11.09
Posted in Advocacy
by Mark Dieterich at 4:16 pm
At the beginning of the year, the House had two separate bills introduced. One would have banned text messaging while driving (H5021) and the other would have banned non-hands-free mobile phone and/or text messaging (H5022). In both cases, the House Corporations Committee has “recommended measure be held for further study”. In other words, the bills are effectively dead for this legislative session and will need to be reintroduced.
Keep your eyes open out there, people can still legally drive and text for at least another year 
Barry Schiller, who is much more knowledgeable in these matters than I am, added a comment to this post that just because it is held for further study, doesn’t mean it is completely dead. Furthermore, he adds that the Senate version of the bill has already passed and would encourage everyone to contact the House Corporations Committee and ask them to hear either H5021 and/or H5022. You can contact the chair of the House Corporations Committee via email at rep-kennedy@rilin.state.ri.us or phone (401) 377-8818. There is VERY LITTLE TIME left, so if you are interested in seeing this pass call or email now.
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Posted in Advocacy
by Mark Dieterich at 11:44 am
The House Judiciary Committee recommended the passage of H5074 Sub-A yesterday. As such, you can finally read the Sub A version of the bill online. The bill will now go before the entire House. My understanding is that in most cases this just a formality, as the House members typically follow the recommendation of the committee for non-controversial bills.
We must now find sponsors to introduce the legislation in the Senate. When the legislation is introduced to the Senate, there will be one final chance for public comment. We will post an update once we have any information about the status of this legislation in the Senate.
Ultimately, if the legislation is passed by both the House and the Senate, assuming the Governor doesn’t veto it (why would he?), it will become law.
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06.10.09
Posted in Advocacy
by Mark Dieterich at 10:02 pm
This afternoon, the House Judicary Committee was considering H5074. Dick and I stopped by the State House to show some support from the cycling community. Unfortunately, the bill being considered by the committee isn’t available online anywhere, so I can’t provide a pointer for everyone. We did manage to get our hands on a copy for long enough to read over the proposed legislation, not an easy task! The bill being considered can best be described as a generalized version of the original 3-foot legislation. It no longer mentions a required passing distance, nor does it have any mention of speeds at which motorists should pass cyclists.
From an enforcement point of view, it still leaves a lot of room for interpretation which likely means it could be challenged in court. It also makes it more difficult for police to enforce; another law on the books that just won’t be enforced? The fine for breaking this law? A laughable $85 dollar fine.
This is certainly not the more aggressive bill we were pressing for, based off the Oregon Vulnerable Roadway User law. However, it is some legislation that will continue to emphasize cyclist’s rights to the road. If it does move onto the full House and, ultimately, the Senate for consideration, and passes, we should make an effort to engage the local police and make sure they are aware of the new law.
I’ll post another update when we have more news.
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Posted in Alerts, Bike Commuting
by Mark Dieterich at 9:40 pm
Starting this past Tuesday, I noticed RIDOT crews out working on replacing the decking along the two wooden bridges near the Barrington/Warren town lines. Later, I noticed an announcement on the RIDOT website:
Cyclists along the path from Providence to Bristol already may have encountered construction work on the path. The $350,000 project will involve repairs at various locations, but the bulk of the work will take place in the Warren-Barrington area. The path will remain open throughout the project, although temporary closures may be needed due to construction – especially during weekdays. Cyclists and other path users are urged to exercise caution when using the path during this project.
The crews were just setting up when I’ve been riding into work and were long gone by the time I made it home. The replacement decking isn’t bad to ride over, certainly no worse than dealing with the old road signs used to patch holes in the bridge for the past year or more.
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