Wheels & Heels

Email news from MoDOT Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator Caryn Giarratano

Greetings Windbenders,

The progress we are making continues and seems to be gathering momentum. We
are pleased about the friendlier BP policy included in MoDOT's Practical
Design, the Kansas City Major River Crossing Task Force and federal
legislation (SAFETEA-LU) regarding Safe Routes to School and the
Nonmotorized Pilot Project.

SAFETEA-LU has included two new programs, the Safe Routes to School and the
Nonmotorized Pilot Project. MoDOT has hired Todd Messenger to serve as the
state SRTS coordinator. Columbia was chosen as one of the four locations
for the pilot project. Mayor Hindman and Ian Thomas with PedNet are leading
the charge with your friendly BPC (me!) serving as the MoDOT liaison to the
pilot project.

We are certainly implementing Missouri's Trailmap for Nonmotorized
Transportation, a strategic plan to help make Missouri a world-class state
in which to bike and walk and promote a higher quality of life for all
Missourians through safe and accessible nonmotorized transportation. See
http://www.modot.mo.gov/othertransportation/bike_ped/documents/Trailmap_013006.doc
.

Now that the entire length of Historic Route 66 has been designated as a
Scenic Byway, we have eight in Missouri. The possibilities of including
bicycle and pedestrian accommodations along this corridor are exciting. The
ribbon-cutting celebration will be May 5 at 11 a.m. in Springfield at the
southeast corner of Glenstone and Kearney. See
http://www.modot.mo.gov/business/Outdoor_Advertising/ScenicByways.htm and
http://www.bywaysonline.org/.

The new Show-Me Santa Fe Trail Byway ribbon cutting will be April 23 at 2
p.m. in Waverly at the junction of Highway 24 and Old Highway 65.

The state bicycle maps have new alignments for the TransAmerica Trail and
part of the Mississippi River Trail. I'll be collecting comments soon to
identify the best way to bike across the southern part of the state. See
http://www.modot.mo.gov/othertransportation/bike_ped/Bike-PedProgram--RoadandRouteInfo.htm
. To learn more about the MRT see
http://www.mississippirivertrail.org/mrt-mission-goals.php.

Columbia COLT Trail - The Columbia to Centralia Trail (COLT) received a
boost when Mayors Darwin Hindman and Jerry Parmeley announced plans for a
public forum to discuss the project. Columbia recently opened 700 feet of
the trail alongside the COLT railroad between Rogers and Fay Streets. See
http://columbiamissourian.com/news/story.php?ID=18712.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Reports:

Governmental relations (Jay Wunderlich)

On July 12, 2005, SB 372 was signed by the Governor to go into effect
August 28, 2005. SB 372, sponsored by Sen. Kevin Engler (R-Farmington),
provides for various measures relating to bicycle safety and the duties
owed to bicyclists by motorists. Some of the provisions in the bill include
the following.
* DESIGNATED BICYCLE LANES - This act prohibits blocking or obstructing
a designated bicycle lane with a parked or standing motor vehicle or other
stationary object. The act establishes standards for motorists crossing
bicycle lanes. The act defines a designated bicycle lane as a portion of
the roadway or highway, which has been designated by the governing body
having jurisdiction over the roadway by striping, signing and pavement
markings for the preferential or exclusive use of bicycles (Section
300.330).
* AVOIDING COLLISION WITH A BICYCLIST OR PEDESTRIAN - Under this act,
when passing a bicyclist, a motorist is required to leave a safe distance
between the motor vehicle and the bicycle (Section 300.411 and Section
304.678).
* DEFINITION OF BICYCLE - This act modifies the definition of bicycle to
include vehicles propelled by human power having two parallel wheels and
one forward or rear wheel, all of which are more than 14 inches in diameter
(Section 307.180).
* RIDING ON SHOULDERS - This act provides that bicycles operating at
less than the posted speed limit or slower than the flow of traffic may be
operated on the shoulder adjacent to the roadway (Section 307.191).
* BIKE HAND SIGNALS - This act provides that a bike rider shall signal
in the same manner as other vehicles except that the rider does not have to
continuously signal by hand and arm if the hand is needed for the control
or operation of the bicycle (section 307.192).
There is currently a resolution being drafted by Rep. Sutherland
encouraging safe routes to school. As of March 10, 2006, a final draft had
not been filed.

On February 28, 2006, HB 1899 was read a second time. The bill, sponsored
by Rep. Bill Deeken (R-Jefferson City), defines "designated bicycle lane"
and allows bicycles to be operated in the opposite direction as vehicles
when there is only one designated bicycle lane. The bill was referred to
the House Transportation Committee on March 7, 2006, where it awaits a
committee hearing.

District 1 - Three projects in the Northwest District were recently awarded
with enhancement grant funding. The city of St. Joseph plans to add another
section to their hike/bike trail network. When this section is completed,
it will connect two previously built sections and provide a 9.2-mile
north/south corridor through the city. Construction is anticipated to begin
in 2008 or 2009.

The city of Savannah received enhancement funding to begin a sidewalk
replacement program. This program will replace the worst sections of
sidewalks and help to promote a more walkable community for the city. MoDOT
will be constructing sidewalks on an urban widening and upgrading of US
Route 136 through Bethany. This portion of roadway currently does not have
sidewalks. Recently, businesses, restaurants and hotels have developed in
this area prompting a need to promote pedestrian traffic. This project will
be completed in the fall of 2006.

District 6 - Nearly $10 million in federal enhancement funds will be
available to the St. Louis region this year, and many of the applications
submitted this year could include significant bike-ped components in their
project scopes. Applications were due in late March and funding will be
awarded in July.

Although many local federal-aid projects provide sidewalks, ADA ramps,
etc., I am only sending you reports where bike-ped improvements are a major
part of the project's scope.

Completed
* The new Lemay Ferry Bridge over the Meramec River provides pedestrian
accommodations.
* Bike St. Louis - Signs and stripings were installed on MO Route 100
from Truman Parkway to Broadway and other city streets for bicyclists.
(Great Rivers Greenway is the project sponsor.)
* Share the Road signs extended from Route A and Route 21 to Jefferson
College.
* The crossings for the North Riverfront Trail connection to the Old
Chain of Rocks Bridge was completed including two pedestrian/bicycle
signals, with signs, and striping on Route H. (The city is the project
sponsor.)
* North County Bikeway includes a shared-use path from the University of
Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) to downtown Ferguson and on-road component from
the trail to St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley and beyond to
Redman Road at Route 367.

Construction Phase
* Wildwood Greenway-Phase 3 - Pedestrian/bicycle path along Eatherton
Road.
* Olive Boulevard Sidewalk and Median Enhancements - Cross Creek Drive
to Mason Road. New sidewalks, ped signals, crosswalks, striped bicycle
lanes, bike-safe grates, remove turn lane and replace with landscaped
medians and irrigation system, tree and shrub plantings.
* Olive Streetscape, Phase 2. University City. Plantings, pedestrian
facilities, signals. Will be completed this spring. Olive Blvd. from
Wellston to Olivette.
* Metro Link Access, University of Missouri-St. Louis. Pedestrian
facilities, plantings, removing utility poles. Will be completed this
spring. (Natural Bridge Road in front of UMSL.)
* St. Louis County Highways installing sidewalks throughout the county
where gaps exist in the system. This project involves four sites in North
County, two sites in South County and one site in West County. Will be
completed this summer.
* Manchester Road Sidewalks, city of Ballwin. Installing sidewalks and
ADA ramps along Manchester in Ballwin. This project is substantially
complete. (Manchester Road in Ballwin, from Winchester to Ellisville)
* MO Route 367 has bike paths along outer roads (on shoulders) and
improved pedestrian access across Route 367.

Design Phase
* Delmar Median and Streetscape Project - This enhancement project
includes reconstruction of sidewalks along this stretch of Delmar from
Union to Kingshighway, which is located between the Delmar Loop area and
the Central West End. Project is currently in the early design phase.
* Seventh Street Enhancement Project - This project will provide
sidewalk improvements, street lighting, intersection improvements to
accommodate pedestrians and other enhancements to this stretch between the
new Busch Stadium and the historic Soulard area. Project is currently in
the early design phase.
* Soulard Bike Path Extension - Federal funds were earmarked for this
project, which will provide bike route improvements such as Share the Road
signs, striping, bike racks and benches. Project's limits are roughly from
the Laclede Power building on the Mississippi Riverfront to the
Anheuser-Busch headquarters in south St. Louis City. Project is currently
in the early design phase.
* Great Rivers Greenway - Working on a trail agreement for trails under
bridges North 67, I-70, etc.
* MoDOT is currently designing the replacement of Gravois Bridge over
Gravois Creek (in front of Grant's Farm and adjacent to Grant's Trail).
The new bridge will accommodate pedestrians/bicyclists; therefore allowing
a safe connection from Grant's Trail to the west along Route 30.
* Page Avenue Bicycle Trail - Great Rivers Greenway sponsor.
Construction of bike/ped trail along the Page Avenue right of way from the
existing Katy Trail parking lot to Heritage Crossing and Old Highway 94.
Includes Share the Road signing, pedestrian bridge over Page Avenue and new
Highway 94. Project is currently in the early phases of design.
* Jung's Station Phase 2, Upper Bottom Road to Greens Bottom Road - Add
turn lane, shoulders, curb and gutters, sidewalks. Missouri Department of
Natural Resources signed off on two Katy Trail crossings on this large,
three-phase project. At least one crossing is near off-street parking for
users of the Katy Trail. Another phase of this same overall project is
STP-5414(601) (mostly along Greens Bottom Road.) The third phase is up for
selection on this year's TIP application process. Has not yet been
approved or had a project number assigned.

Programming Phase
* Festus Bikeway System - Linear bikeway system from Sunset Park at City
Hall to West City Park. Right of way was certified clear on Dec. 20, 2005.
City has authority to advertise for bids.
* Olivette Bikeway Phase 2 - New bike/ped trail on abandoned railroad
line between Price Road and Rothwell Heights Place. The project scope was
recently reduced to eliminate the need for a proposed bridge to replace a
failing railroad bridge within the original alignment. Preliminary plans
approved Oct. 2004. No PSE submittal yet.
* Great Rivers Greenway - River Des Peres Bikeway (Along River Des
Peres, parallel to Germania from I-55 to Morganford) Discretionary Program
project (earmarked funds). The scope of work includes asphalt bike trail,
seating, lighting, pedestrian signals, signing, landscape plantings.
* Great Rivers Greenway (Bike St. Louis - Phase 2 North City, South
City, Maplewood, Clayton). This will triple the miles of urban core bike
routes. This project is all on streets with lane markings and signing.
* There are two sections of the Katy Trail that are inactive and
essentially in limbo due to legal issues. (Machens)

District 7 - The amount for Enhancement Funds for Southwest District this
round is $2.21 million. No project will be able to exceed $300,000. All of
last year's approved projects incorporated bicycle/pedestrian components.
* The city of Diamond project included 2,300 linear feet of sidewalks
along South Main Street.
* The Newton County project calls for the removal of an existing feed
mill with new sidewalks being part of the overall development plan.
* As a part of the city of Butler downtown improvement projects,
pedestrian crossing with bump-outs and extensive sidewalk improvements will
be constructed or improved.
* The city of Aurora projects incorporates 861 feet of curbing and
sidewalks replacing existing non-conforming facilities.

Additional bicycle/pedestrian friendly projects for District 7 included
adding sidewalks along Business Route 71 (Range Line Road) in Joplin from
7th to 15th Streets. In September 2006, additional sidewalks are scheduled
to be installed along this route from 20th to 24th Streets including a
pedestrian crossing at 20th and Range Line. District 7 is proceeding with a
cost-share project with the city of Adrian to redo a two-block section of
Highway 18 (Main Street) that includes improved crosswalks.

District 7 staff has been coordinating with local area bicycling interests
to establish a new route for the Trans-America Trail. The proposed new
route directs cyclists through Stockton State Park, Golden City, and Lamar
and near Prairie State Park before heading into Kansas.

Department of Tourism - The Missouri Division of Tourism continues its
efforts to promote bicycling and walking in Missouri. The 2006 Missouri
Tourism Photography Contest Grand Prize Winner was an image of bike racers
in the Soulard Criterium, taken by Burt Remis of St. Louis. It is featured
on page 17 of the 2006 Missouri Vacation Planner. Also, MDT has outdoor
links to biking and hiking trail resources on its Web site. MDT posts
itineraries to the MRCUSA.com Web site welcoming submissions of biking
itineraries. If you would like to submit an itinerary for a themed bicycle
itinerary, please contact Debra Lee at debra.lee@ded.mo.gov. See ...
www.visitmo.com.

Ozark Transportation Organization - The Board of Directors of the OTO has
approved the Comprehensive OTO Area Bicycle/Pedestrian Plan that was
developed last fall. As a result of this progress, the OTO has now formed a
Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee to implement recommendations
contained within this plan. This is the first comprehensive plan to address
BP issues for the OTO. The committee will meet bi-monthly. Focus of the
committee will be on connectivity of the BP transportation system and
getting a SR2S initiative up and running. Additional bike-route signage and
street-lane marking for bicyclists continue by the city of Springfield
Department of Public Works. The Greene County Highway Department remains
supportive of assisting the local bike advocacy committee with the
placement of Share the Road signs where appropriate and as funding permits.
See http://www.ozarkstransportation.org/.

Ozark Greenways - 350 trail supporters attended the official grand opening
of the Frisco Highline Trail last September. This is the second longest
rail-trail in Missouri - connecting Springfield and Bolivar - for a total
of 35 miles. John Robinson, director of Missouri Division of Tourism, was
the keynote guest at the dedication. Ozark Greenways (OG) has requested
that MoDOT consider the possibilities of signing Highway 13 with Share the
Road signs to promote this route as a connection between Bolivar (on the
Frisco Highline Trail) and Clinton (on the Katy Trail). Ozark Greenways and
the Springfield Greene County Park Board completed 5.7 miles of new trail
in 2005, creating a 58-mile network of linear parks.

OG partnered with the Discovery Center in August for a Moonlight Bike Ride
attracting 300 riders. Two local League of American Bicyclists instructors,
Coy Hart and David Hutchison, successfully trained 24 individuals in the
LAB Road I course last year. Twelve of the participants were staff members
of the Springfield Greene County Park Board's SPARK (School Park) program.
The SPARK staff has interest in implementing bicycle training and education
into its school/park program.

Trailnet - Trailnet has been involved in implementing East-West Gateway's
recently adopted Regional Bicycling and Walking Transportation plan.
Trailnet and its partners are creating a bike/walk facility plan that
includes education and marketing efforts. The educational component will
consist of Mandy Brady taking the lead to help to create a Safe Routes to
School (SRTS) program and encouraging bike/ped for transportation. The
marketing aspect seeks to raise awareness of facilities and bike/ped as
viable transportation modes.

The 2006 Calendar of Rides with 26 weekend rides including interpretive
tours for beginners and families to grow cycling is available. There are
five free weeknight rides throughout the season. Trailnet hopes to build on
its rider ship of over 12,000 and an average of 600 riders per ride last
year.

For the sixth year, Trailnet will be challenging the St. Louis region to
use bikes as transportation during National Bike Month. Take the "Drive
Your Bike Challenge" by using a bike instead of a car during the month of
May. Anything from running an errand to dropping off a video or
supplementing a commute with MetroBus or MetroLink to abandoning a car
completely. At the end of May, visit http://www.trailnet.org/ to enter the
drawing to win one of two bikes donated by Sunset Cyclery (one men's and
one women's). During National Bike to Work Day, be sure to refuel your
engine at one of three Companion Baking Refueling Stations. Rub elbows with
fellow cyclists, meet local dignitaries and perhaps get in on the media
coverage. If you're hesitant to start commuting or just have a lingering
question, ask one of the bike mentors for sage advice at
http://www.trailnet.org/.

Pednet Coalition - During the last three months, the Walking School Bus
program in Columbia was expanded and 700 children participated in
International Walk-to-School Day, a detailed communication plan for a
social marketing campaign was created; $3.5 million of public funding was
approved by voters for sidewalk projects about half of which is designated
for school routes, and a proposal for the design of Columbia's $25 million
federally funded bicycle/pedestrian network was developed.

A total of nine Walking School Bus (WSB) teams took part in the fall
program, several of them continuing after the official end of the program
on October 31 into November and even December. With the appointment of
Margy Tonnies as the new WSB coordinator, the hope is to provide trained
community volunteers to lead more WSB routes in addition to those that have
been organized by parents. The new program will be offered at Grant,
Russell, Ridgeway and West Boulevard Elementary Schools and possibly
Fairview and Lee. A WSB exhibit is being designed for the YouZeum, to
promote participation in the program.

About 450 children (out of the 1,100 who registered) achieved the "Passport
to Fitness Challenge" by engaging in at least 240 minutes of physical
activity per week for the month of October. The program will continue
through the summer, and there was another prize month in March. Mayor's
Council on Physical Fitness and Health members are currently recruiting new
schools to join the 11 that participated in the fall.

The Rails to Trails Conservancy and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
invited Mayor Hindman, Public Works Director John Glascock, Planning
Director Tim Teddy, Missouri Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator Caryn
Giarratano, Brad McMahon of the FHWA Divisional Office and Ian Thomas from
PedNet to attend a summit last December with representatives of the other
three pilot program communities - Minneapolis, Sheboygan County, WI, and
Marin County, CA.

Columbia's share of the funding ($25 million) will be available early in
2006. This earmark requires the building of "sidewalks, bicycle lanes and
pedestrian and bicycle trails that connect directly with transit stations,
schools, businesses, recreation areas and other community activity centers.
PedNet has developed a "Hub, Spoke and Wheel" proposal (see
http://www.pednet.org/) and a plan for identifying specific engineering
solutions to connectivity barriers. Policy Coordinator Fred Schmidt will
oversee a grassroots research effort in which several teams of PedNet
advocates will study a selected "spokes," take photographs and write
recommendations on how to provide the best possible bike/ped/wheelchair
access.

Mid-America Running Association - The Mid-America Running Association
(MARA) manages the MARA Grand Prix race series, and provides many services
for Kansas City area events, including providing results using the
ChampionChip® system, renting equipment, providing volunteers and
publishing race results. MARA (http://www.mararunning.org/) also publishes
a bi-monthly magazine called Masterpieces for its members.

Kansas City Track Club - The Kansas City Track Club (
http://www.kctrack.com/) is an adult road running club that provides finish
line services (mark the course, time the runners, post the results) for 30
races each year plus organizes social runs on Monday and Wednesday
evenings. The club is also active in trail running and ultra running. The
mission is to support and encourage runners in the greater Kansas City area
by organizing quality events to promote the competitive, recreational and
social aspects of running.

NATIONAL NEWS

Ride of Silence - Bicyclists take to the roads in a silent procession to
honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while bicycling on public
roadways. Although bicyclists have a legal right to share the road with
motorists, the public often isn't aware of these rights and sometimes not
aware of the cyclists themselves. See
http://www.rideofsilence.org/main.php.

OTHER NEWS

More Roads = More Congestion - The evidence is clear that expanding roadway
and parking capacity only exacerbates the congestion problem. See
http://tinyurl.com/p3ej7.

Riding Route 66 - Buddy Boren is planning his fifth long-distance bike
ride, this time on Route 66 for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. His start
point is Chicago on July 8. He plans to ride to St. Louis on July 13 and
stop in Sullivan. Other stops include St. Robert (14th), Springfield (15th)
and Joplin (16th). Track his progress or join his ride. See
Cycletravler@aol.com or http://www.tourderoute66.com.

DNR Is Accepting Trail Applications - The Recreational Trails Program is
funded through the Federal Highway Administration as part of the Safe,
Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for
Users (SAFETEA-LU). A minimum of $900,000 is expected in this cycle.
Contact the Department of Natural Resources, Division of State Parks,
Grants Management Section, 1659 E Elm St, Jefferson City, MO 65101,
573-751-0848, www.mostateparks.com/grantinfo.htm. See
www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel.

INTERESTING WEB SITES

Google Map Pedometer - This is a tool that allows people to plot and
calculate the distance of their own walking routes. There is also a calorie
converter to calculate how many calories are burned on a walk. See
http://tinyurl.com/9tx7t.

Great River Road - The National Scenic and Historic Highway, known as the
Great River Road, is one of the oldest, longest and most unique scenic
byways in North America. The 4,800-kilometer road stretches continuously
from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico - from near the headwaters of the mighty
Mississippi River in Minnesota and crisscrossing the river through 10
states. Celebrating its 60th birthday this year, the Great River Road still
offers respite to millions each year for a day's drive or for an extended
vacation. See http://www.tfhrc.gov/pubrds/novdec98/great.htm.

Hazards of Inactivity - You often hear the advice, "Be sure to get
permission from your doctor before you begin an exercise program," but how
often do you hear, "Talk to your doctor before becoming sedentary?" See
www.pednet.org.

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Adventure Cycling http://www.adventurecycling.org
American Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals http://www.apbp.org/
Bikes Belong Coalition http://www.bikesbelong.org
BPC Contact Info
http://www.bikewalk.org/contacts_links/state_bikeped_coord.htm
Channing-Bete Company www.channing-bete.com
Columbia PedNet Coalition http://www.pednet.org
Complete the Streets www.completestreets.org
Institute of Transportation Engineers http://www.ite.org/
League of American Bicyclists http://www.bikeleague.org,
bill@bikeleague.org
MRT Listserv http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mississippirivertrail/ and
http://mississippirivertrail.org
Missouri Bicycle Federation www.mobikefed.org, brent@brenthugh.com
National Center for Bicycling & Walking http://www.bikewalk.org,
info@bikewalk.org
Rails to Trails Conservancy http://www.railtrails.org/,
membership@railtrails.org
Traffic Safety Center http://www.tsc.berkeley.edu/
Transportation Research Board http://www.trb.org, rhouston@nas.edu
Victoria Transport Policy Institute litman@vtpi.org, http://www.vtpi.org

CALENDAR

May 7: Bike, Walk, and Wheel Week will take place between May 6-13 with
Senator Chuck Graham as the honorary chairman. See www.pednet.org.

May 9-11: Thunderhead Training, Washington, D.C. See
http://www.thunderheadalliance.org.

May 15-19: Bike to Work/School Week.
May 19: Bike to Work/School Day. See
http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bikemonth/

May 17: Ride of Silence at 7 p.m. to honor bicyclists killed or injured
while riding on the road. See www.rideofsilence.org.

September 5-8: ProWalk/ProBike, the 14th International Conference on
Bicycling and Walking in Madison, WI. See http://www.mononaterrace.com/.

Please forward this newsletter to anyone you feel may be interested. If you
are not on the mailing list and would like to be added, please tell me!

Tailwinds, Caryn

Caryn Giarratano, Ph.D.
MoDOT Transportation Planning Coordinator
Bicycle and Pedestrian Program/Scenic Byways
573-522-9297, caryn.giarratano AT modot.mo.gov
P.O.Box 270, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0270, 573-526-8052 (fax)
www.modot.mo.gov/othertransportation/bike_ped/Bikepedprogramintro.htm
permanent link to article: "Wheels & Heels - April 2006"
posted by Brent Hugh at 4/18/2006 09:39:00 PM |comment on this article

Email news from MoDOT Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator Caryn Giarratano

Greetings Windbenders,

Scenic Byway Program
I have been assigned a new responsibility -- coordinator of the Missouri Scenic Byways Program. I am looking forward to learning how we can connect this program to the bike/ped program to advance both in our state. See http://www.modot.mo.gov/business/outdoor_advertising/ScenicByways.htm.

Pilot Project
Congress designated Columbia and three other cities to each receive about $20 million to build an interconnected nonmotorized transportation system within the city to create a modal shift from the use of cars to bicycling and walking to reduce traffic congestion. The four cities are working together with the Federal Highway Administration to determine how to measure the baseline rate of current bicycle/pedestrian trips. Columbia is reviewing its present interconnected nonmotorized transportation plan, working out the necessary staffing, and appointing advisory and technical committees to work on planning and choosing projects. The ultimate decisions lie with the Columbia city council. It is hoped the first projects will be started during the next construction season.

See http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/.

Trailmap
The Missouri Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee has created a state strategic plan, Missouri's Trailmap for Nonmotorized Transportation. The Trailmap is a guide for BPAC and potential partners. It is designed to increase the visibility of the bike/ped direction needed for Missouri, to enhance understanding of this direction and to build support with regular updates planned. The vision is to make Missouri a world-class state in which to bike and walk, and the mission is to promote a higher quality of life for all Missourians through safe and accessible nonmotorized transportation. This plan addresses bicycle and pedestrian needs in our state in four categories: engineering, enforcement, education and encouragement. Send comments to Caryn.

See http://www.modot.mo.gov/othertransportation/ bike_ped/BikePedProgram--BPAC.htm .

Bike Maps Make News
MoDOT released its first draft state bicycle maps in October. Comments were collected and updates to the maps are in progress. Some bicyclists asked for the inclusion of paved county and city roads. MoDOT does not currently have that information. MoDOT is in the process of adding national trail routes to the maps. Please see the maps for the Joplin area (District 7), the Springfield area (District 8), the south central area (District 9) and the southeast area (District 10) to view the proposed TransAmerica Trail route. Send comments to Caryn.

See http://www.modot.mo.gov/othertransportation/ bike_ped/Bike-PedProgram--RoadandRouteInfo.htm .

Plans to Create Katy Trail Spur
The city of Jefferson has received approval to receive $700,000 in transportation enhancement funds to develop the $898,000 Trailhead Park at the corner of Jefferson and Capital Avenue as the first step toward getting the Katy Trail extended across the Missouri River bridge and connecting it to the greenway system. The local match of $198,000 will come from Capital Improvement Sales Tax and Local Parks Sales Tax funds designated for greenway improvements as well as in-kind donations of land and project management services from the Missouri Office of Administration, Division of Design and Construction.

See http://www.bikekatytrail.com/jeffersoncity.asp.

State Statutes
We have updated copies of Missouri State Statutes regarding bicyclists and pedestrians that are printed on tyvek paper. Email me to request copies or see the MoDOT Web site to download an electronic copy http://www.modot.mo.gov/othertransportation/bike_ped/ BikePedPolicyandLegislation.htm .

MO SR2S Coordinator Hired
Todd Messenger has been selected as the coordinator for the Safe Routes to School Program. He has 12 years of experience with MoDOT serving as a district utilities engineer, highway designer, bridge inspector, construction inspector and survey crew instrument operator. He joined the Highway Safety Division January 17.

Tour de Missouri???
If you would like to be involved in the discussion stage regarding a professional bicycle race in Missouri, please contact Jody Larison in Governor Blunt's office at 573-751-2829 or email her at jody.larison@mo.gov.

Web Cam at Hermann Bridge
View the progress of the bridge construction, and watch bicycle and pedestrian accommodations be included!

See http://www.modot.mo.gov/hermannbridge.htm.

A New Game
You Decide How to Spend Transportation Funds - A funding allocation game, challenges players to take care of the state's roads and bridges, as well as other modes of transportation that include aviation, waterways, public transportation and rails. It offers questions about freight, safety, technology, bicyclists and pedestrians and shows players the current funding allocation MoDOT uses. The game is part of MoDOT's Missouri Advance Planning or MAP initiative, which is a long-range planning effort based on public participation. It includes a statewide dialogue about what Missouri's transportation system could and should do for its citizens and how best to fulfill the expectations.

See www.mapourfuture.org.

BP Funding Option
A new round of applications will be accepted February 1 to May 18 for the MoDOT Transportation Enhancement Program. This program will distribute $37.5 million in 2006 to eligible projects. Representatives of local agencies or registered non-for-profit organizations may apply if the proposed project meets at least one of the federally established 12 eligible funding categories. The categories include Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities, and Safety and Education Activities for Bicycles and Pedestrians. Contact Brad Temme at 573-522-6995, or see the new guide (after February 1) http://www.modot.mo.gov/business/manuals/localpublicagency.htm.

More Rail-Trail in St. Louis
The Great Rivers Greenway District has acquired a two-mile stretch of an abandoned rail corridor from the Mississippi River to downtown St. Louis. Originally part of the Illinois Traction System streetcar network, the corridor includes a historic steel trestle and will be developed by the GRGD as a biking and pedestrian route.

See http://www.confluencegreenway.org/m-whatsnew.php.

Missouri Fatality Rate Low
According to the 2004 Traffic Safety Facts from the National Center for Statistics and Analysis, Missouri ranks third lowest in bicyclist fatalities.

See http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pdf/nrd-30/NCSA/TSF2004/809912.pdf.

NATIONAL NEWS

Safe Routes to School Model
The new federal transportation law, SAFETEA-LU, requires each state department of transportation to hire one full-time Safe Routes to School Coordinator. The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation and the League of Illinois Bicyclists have created a model for other states to follow.

See
http://www.biketraffic.org/downloads/SR2S .

National SR2S Guidance
The Federal Highway Administration Office of Safety will provide guidance through its Web site at http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/saferoutes/index.htm or contact Tim Arnade, Safe Routes to School Program Manager, FHWA Office of Safety, 202-366-2205, tim.arnade@fhwa.dot.gov. Bikes Belong has information to help set up local Safe Routes to School programs.

See http://bikesbelong.org/site/page.cfm?PageID=294.

Spotlight on Bikes Belong
This group is the national coalition of bicycle suppliers and retailers working together to put more people on bicycles more often. Through national leadership, grassroots support and promotion, the group works to make bicycling safe, convenient and fun. It helped gain $4.5 billion for bicyclists and pedestrians in the federal transportation law, provides seed money for the Safe Routes to School National Partnership and gives cash grants for bicycle projects that leverage federal funding.

Goals achieved in 2005 include the following:

* Funded the successful campaign that secured $4.5 billion in new federal funding for bicycling and walking

* Launched the Safe Routes to School National Partnership to boost the new national Safe Routes to School program

* Continued as lead sponsor of the League of American Bicyclists Bicycle Friendly Communities program; Served as title sponsor for the National Bike Summit--the powerful annual lobbying event on Capitol Hill

* Awarded $160,000 in grassroots grants across the country to build more facilities and get more people riding bikes

* Completed a full-color booklet, Bicycling: Moving America Forward, to portray the benefits of bicycling in America

* Collected $30,000 in individual donations for BikesPAC, and contributed the money to campaigns of members of Congress who support bicycling.

See http://bikesbelong.org.

Draft Public Rights of Way Accessibility Guidelines
The US Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board) has draft guidelines, which address accessibility in the public rights of way. The board will issue a notice of proposed rulemaking at a future date and will solicit comments at that time, prior to issuing a final rule.
See http://tinyurl.com/9ugsw and http://tinyurl.com/7nzmd.

OTHER NEWS

When Can Johnny Walk to School Again?
As students at Fairfield Senior High School in suburban Cincinnati headed back to school this year, they got a message from the local police: Don't even think about walking. Law officers issued the warning after the school district eliminated bus service for high school kids during a budget crisis. The school, built in 1997, is set among busy, multi-lane roads with no sidewalks; even students living within a mile of the school were taking the bus if they didn't go by car. Police were terrified about kids trying to navigate that dangerous environment on foot.

See http://www.nsbn.org/articles/item.php?id=131.

Bike Skyways Designed
Toronto (Canada) architect Chris Hardwicke has created an interesting conceptual design, a network of elevated tubes above the city for bikes. Using a fluid-dynamics system, bicyclists would always have a tailwind while traveling in the tubes, permitting higher than average travel speeds.

See http://www.velo-city.ca/MainFrameset.htm.

New Vehicle "Sees" Pedestrians
A car capable of spotting pedestrians who stray into the road is called the Save-U system. Developed by a consortium including Volkswagen, DaimlerChrysler and several other technical companies, a prototype has already undergone successful testing in the UK.

See http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn8574.

Pedestrians Have Speed Limits in Ireland
The Irish government is cracking down on reckless pedestrians in Dublin. New speed limits will be imposed on pedestrians walking along busy city centre streets such as Grafton St and Henry St.

See http://tinyurl.com/9cy2r

INTERESTING WEBSITES

Walkable Community Information
America's Walking list - http://tinyurl.com/98llo
Cool Town Studios' list - http://tinyurl.com/7utb6
E Podunk's list - http://tinyurl.com/8sebm
America Walks - http://tinyurl.com/b2cz8

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Adventure Cycling http://www.adventurecycling.org
American Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals http://www.apbp.org/
Bikes Belong Coalition http://www.bikesbelong.org
BPC Contact Info http://www.bikewalk.org/contacts_links/state_bikeped_coord.htm
Channing-Bete Company www.channing-bete.com
Columbia PedNet Coalition http://www.pednet.org
Complete the Streets www.completestreets.org
Institute of Transportation Engineers http://www.ite.org/
League of American Bicyclists http://www.bikeleague.org,
bill@bikeleague.org
MRT Listserv http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mississippirivertrail/ and
http://mississippirivertrail.org
Missouri Bicycle Federation www.mobikefed.org, brent@brenthugh.com
National Center for Bicycling & Walking http://www.bikewalk.org,
info@bikewalk.org
Rails to Trails Conservancy http://www.railtrails.org/,
membership@railtrails.org
Traffic Safety Center http://www.tsc.berkeley.edu/
Transportation Research Board http://www.trb.org, rhouston@nas.edu
Victoria Transport Policy Institute litman@vtpi.org, http://www.vtpi.org

CALENDAR

March 1-3: National Bike Summit, Washington, D.C. See http://tinyurl.com/b92du

March 28-30: Transportation and Economic Development 2006, Little Rock, AR.
Contact Mark Norman at MNorman@nas.edu, http://tinyurl.com/am3hk.

May 9-11: Thunderhead Training, Washington, D.C. See http://www.thunderheadalliance.org.

May 15-19: Bike to Work/School Week.

May 17: Ride of Silence at 7 p.m. to honor bicyclists killed or injured
while riding on the road. See www.rideofsilence.org.

June 1-4: Congress for New Urbanism, Providence, RI. See http://www.cnu.org.

September 5-8: ProWalk/ProBike, the 14th International Conference on
Bicycling and Walking in Madison, WI. See http://www.mononaterrace.com/.

Please forward this newsletter to anyone you feel may be interested. If you
are not on the mailing list and would like to be added, please tell me!

Tailwinds, Caryn

Caryn Giarratano, Ph.D.
MoDOT Transportation Planning Coordinator
Bicycle and Pedestrian Program/Scenic Byways
573-522-9297, caryn.giarratano [at] modot.mo.gov
P.O.Box 270, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0270, 573-526-8052 (fax)
www.modot.mo.gov/othertransportation/bike_ped/ Bikepedprogramintro.htm

Related:

permanent link to article: "Wheels and Heels - January 2006"
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