Martin Pion, 1936-2018: Pioneering Missouri bicyclist, advocate, educator
Martin Pion, a long-time bike ed instructor and bicycle advocate, passed away at his home in Florissant Monday at age 81.
Martin's Twitter profile sums up the outline of his life:
Born London, England, 1936. Scientist. Keen gardener, environmentalist, bicycle instructor, & smokefree air advocate. Living N. St. Louis County, MO, since 1980
Martin taught bike ed classes for over 20 years, reaching thousands of students, advocated for better bicycling laws and policies, and wrote many articles about bicycle-related issues.
Just a few of the accomplishments in Martin's long and productive life:
- In 1997, became one of the first in Missouri to become a certified League Cycling Instructor and teach regular bike ed classes to many students.
- With Springfield advocate and academic Andrew Cline published an article "Promoting Equality through Bicycle Edcuation in the United States" in the peer-reviewed ITE Journal.
- In January 2018 published another artile in the ITE Journal, Routine Accommodation for Vehicular Cyclists as part of Complete Streets
- Published many articles with analysis detailed discussion of issues in his ThinkBicycling blog. You can find several of Martin's videos on his Vimeo site.
- Published several opinion articles in the St. Louis Post Dispatch on bicycle issues and history--along with another passion, reducing second-hand cigarette smoke--including:
National Bike Month: A chance to review bicycle history and challenges
Speed humps can slow down traffic, protect pedestrians (traffic calming was another of Martin's particular interests)
Published a detailed and influential analysis of the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of bicycle advocate Susie Stephens, who was killed walking across a St. Louis street while visiting Missouri to attend a conference. (More info about Susie Stephens.)
Advocated for bicycling in Ferguson and around the metro area, including Ferguson's Live Well Ferguson program and an advocacy project that brought "Bicyclists May Use Full Lane" signs to many streets in Ferguson.
Advocated for an updated and modernized bicycle law in Ferguson, passed in 2012, that is still one of the best such ordinances in Missouri and the midwest.
In 2013, Martin, along with Gerry Noll, Elizabeth Simons, and the City of Ferguson was awarded a "Friend of Bicycling" award by the Missouri Bicycle & Pedestrian Federation for the work in passing the updated Ferguson bicycle law. The award text read:
In 2012 the City of Ferguson passed a groundbreaking new bicycle law clarifying the ability of bicyclists to have full use of the right lane. This new law may be a model showing the way for other Missouri communities and for the state to improve their bicycle laws.
Martin is a long-time bicycle transportation advocate and educator. He started the process after nearly being ticketted for controlling the curb lane while bicycling on a four-lane road in Ferguson.
Gerry, a local cyclist, cycling instructor, and bike shop owner, brought business support to the initiative.
Elizabeth is Program Manager for Live Well Ferguson, a collaboration between the city and Trailnet that helps Ferguson residents lead healthier lifestyles through active living and improved dietary habits. Live Well Ferguson has taken on many projects, like the "full use of right lane" law, that impact policy, enhance the built environment and create healthy social networks.
City Manager John Shaw, Assistant City Manager Pam Hylton, and Police Chief Tom Jackson, all cyclists, were instrumental in helping to draft the law.
Mayor James W. Knowles III signed the ordinance, which was sponsored by city council members Mike Salant, Tim Larson, and Dwayne T. James. The ordinance passed the city council by a vote of 5-1.
As you can see from Martin's blog posts and Post-Dispatch editorials, he thought about things deeply and wrote at length. He explored ideas in detail and made logical connections. He brought his training as a scientist to bear on topics such as bicycling, road design, collision analysis, and prevention. He was influential with many in the bicycle community who took the time to really read and think about the arguments he made.
Martin's obituary and notice about Thursday's memorial service:
Martin Pion, 81, passed away on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at his home.
Dear husband of Joyce Pion; dear father of Jerome (Sarah) Pion; Loving grandfather of David and Katie Pion; beloved uncle of Nicola (Kim) Teoh, Stephan (Jenny) Williams and Karen (Stacey) Williams dear great uncle to James and Andrew.
Martin and his family came from England in 1977. He loved the environment, bicycling and was foundering member and president of GASP (Group Against Smoking Pollution).
Memorial visitation will be Thursday, March 29, 4-7pm at HUTCHENS Mortuary, 675 Graham Rd, Florissant.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to charity of choice
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