First 2014 Bike Rack Installation

Thanks to Nazih Yaghnam, owner of Organic Bliss on King Road, we installed our first bike rack of the 2014 season today. Nazih, a bicycle commuter himself, recognized the need to provide parking for the many cyclists that visit his shoppe off the University Parks Trail. We placed the rack to allow room for 1-2 more bike racks as needed. Next time to ride to the end of the U/P, drop in for lunch or something sweet and be sure that say "Thank you"! You can find Organic Bliss on our bike rack map.

What is a Bicycle Friendly Business?

Check out the new Starbucks Coffee on Central Avenue! As part of Starbuck's "Green Store" initiatives, they routinely provide bike parking as part of new store construction. Based on the number of bike riders in the area, I think they will consider to install additional parking as warranted. Be sure to drop in and thank them for providing bike parking and welcome them to the neighborhood.

Their grand opening is February 6, 2014 [NOW OPEN]

We couldn't wait to add them to our Bike Rack Mapping Project, check it out here!

Preventing the RIGHT HOOK...

Right Hook Prevention in Bike Lanes from Keri Caffrey on Vimeo.

In this video, we examine the two common types of right hook: 1) when a motorist passes a bicyclist and turns right; 2) when a bicyclist rides into the blind spot of a motorist who is turning right. As with most crashes, a right hook can be prevented by one party regardless of error or legal fault on the part of the other. We show how either the bicyclist or the motorist can prevent this conflict.

This video focuses on bike lane dynamics. Right hooks can happen on roads without bike lanes — in wide lanes or narrow lanes. The cause and prevention are the same in those cases as well.

For more resources: http://cyclingsavvy.org/2013/09/smart-moves-video-preventing-right-hooks/

Where to Ride in the Road!?!

Watch this informative video on where you should position yourself in the travel lane. Check out the Ohio Revised Code after the break.

Based on ORC 4511.55, Operating bicycles and motorcycles on roadway, here is law pertaining to lane positioning:

Ride near to the right side of the roadway as "practicable"
Ride no more that two abreast in a single lane
You are not required to ride at the edge of the roadway when:
1) It is unreasonable or unsafe to do so
2) To avoid fixed or moving objects, parked or moving vehicles, surface hazards, etc.
3) If the lane is too narrow for the bicycle and an overtaking vehicle to travel safely side by side.

So, if the lane is too narrow to "share", you should command the lane to signal for motorists to change lanes to pass safely.

Commuter Special Use Trail Permit

UPDATE January 27, 2014 -- Current permit holders will receive an application by (e)mail to renew for 2014 (you will receive a new pass). Your 2013 pass is valid until the new passes are distributed.

UPDATE March 12, 2014 -- Just received the 2014 pass, thank you Metroparks!

Regional trails are used for commuting as well as recreation, fitness and enjoying nature. Because trail hours are the same as the Metroparks - 7 a.m. until dark every day of the year - it limits some commuters' options. For example, someone bicycling to work, school or church during open hours would be unable to return on the same trail after dark.

For this reason, Metroparks Toledo issues special permits for after hours commuting on the University Parks Trail and the Wabash Cannonball Trail.

Download an Application Form

Commuter permits can be attached to a bicycle to show that the commuter has received permission to use a trail for transportation during hours when the trail is closed. The Blade published a story here.

Intersections and Facility Transitions

Oh where, oh where did my bike lane go...

Intersections can be tricky to navigate depending on the facility that you choose to drive in. Bike lanes are really just a wider travel lane with a stripe of paint between you and the motorist. What should you do when your bike lane ends? This is a common situation as bike lanes are generally added in sections when a road is reconstructed.

Coming Soon-- Instructional videos to help you navigate through intersections like this one at Sylvania Ave. and Holland-Sylvania.

2013 Roadway Capital Improvements (Proposed)

Here are the roads being considered for resurface (blue) or reconstruction (red) as released by Mayor Bell on November 28 for council review. You can download a copy of the list here. In addition to blacktop, the northern section of what is known (today) as the Westside Corridor will receive a gravel surface allowing access between Monroe Ave. and Bowman Park (see purple line).

View 2013 Roadway Capital Improvement Program in a larger map

Bikes, People, a Bus and Cars

Another re-creation in Australia of the world-famous transport photo. On Sunday 9th September 69 volunteers, 69 bicycles, 60 cars and one bus gathered in Canberra to recreate a world-renowned photograph taken more than 20 years ago to demonstrate the advantages of bus and bicycle travel in congested cities.

The image shows the typical space occupied in a city street by three common modes of transport—cars, bicycles and a bus—and is being made available free of charge to organisations, group and individuals to help promote the efficiency of public transport and cycling in congested cities.

Source: http://www.cyclingpromotion.com.au/content/view/566/9/