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CURRENT
FROM THE COALITION (Click to go directly to story):
3-FOOT
LAW
JOB OPENING
ANNUAL OUTING ANNOUNCEMENT
JUST
DESSERTS
STORYWALK
DRIVER’S ED REPORT
NEW BUMPER STICKERS
NEWSLETTER
RAFFLE WINNERS
HOW TO RESPOND TO A DISCOURTEOUS MOTORIST
BIKE/PED FUNDING REPORT
BIKE HELMETS FROM VT SAFEKIDS
BIKESMART SUMMARY
HARPOON POINT-TO-POINT RIDE
3-FOOT
LAW IN VERMONT
Read
the Bills here: H-577 (Vulnerable Users), H-578
(3-Foot Law), S-275 (3-Foot Law, Senate version)
A
3' Safe Passing Distance Needs Your Support
In Vermont law, cyclists assume the same rights and responsibilities
as drivers of motor vehicles, except where a law does not apply (seat
belts and speed) or there are specific exceptions (such as allowing
riding two abreast, but not to impede the normal and reasonable flow
of traffic ). Since cyclists are not encased in steel like motorists
are, they are much more vulnerable than motorists, not only in accidents
but in close interactions.
Motorists passing bicyclists too closely create a dangerous situation
by not allowing cyclists maneuvering room to avoid hazards, or by causing
a dangerous wind blast. A 3' minimum passing distance addresses this
inherent vulnerability by placing the responsibility on motorists, who
are not only protected but have better visibility since they are the
passing vehicle, to leave adequate room.
Having a specific minimum passing distance will also be important in
motorist/cyclist education programs, as most folks can more or less
visualize 3'. Many drivers simply do not know that cyclists need enough
space on the road and so should be educated. In addition, cyclists need
to be mindful of their own riding patterns, both individually and in
groups, and ride responsibly and safely.
In the event of an accident or very close call, the bill creates an
infraction of Vermont traffic laws. Currently, many drivers are not
now cited if they hit a cyclist unless they are driving drunk, driving
without a license, leave the scene of the accident or if the responding
officers cannot show intent!
The House version H. 578 also clarifies the ability to "take the
lane" for a left lane or passing straight through an intersection,
ensures that motorists leave enough room when turning right (to avoid
the dreaded "right hook") and allows cyclists to ride to the
right of stopped traffic if it can be done safely.
Please sign the Vermont Bicycle and Pedestrian Coalition's petition
in support of the bills H.0578 and S.0275. Sign
your name above or click
here to download a copy (PDF) of the petition
and collect signatures in your area. Please mail it back to: VBPC, PO
Box 1234, Montpelier, VT 05601. Click
here to ask us to send you a hard copy. Don't orget to tell all
of your friends!
OFFICIAL
LANGUAGE OF 3 FOOT LAW HOUSE VERSION
OFFICIAL
LANGUAGE OF 3-FOOT LAW SENATE VERSION
OFFICIAL
LANGUAGE FOR VULNERABLE USERS BILL
(addresses pedestrian safety)
______________________________________________________________________
JOB
OPENING:
Later
this summer, the VBPC will be seeking a dedicated and computer-savvy
Membership & Office Coordinator to work part-time in our Montpelier
office. The Membership & Office Coordinator is responsible for maintaining
the contact with members, the membership database, renewals and recruitments,
website updating, and general office help. If you are interested or
would like more information, please contact Nancy at 225-8904 or nancy@vtbikeped.org.
______________________________________________________________________
A
Good Time Ahead at the Lake Morey Resort
Please mark your calendars! The VBPC’s Annual Outing
is scheduled for Saturday, September 13 at the beautiful
Lake Morey Resort in Fairlee. In addition to a range of bicycle rides
of various difficulties, there will be a Nordic walk around Lake Morey,
a variety of hikes, an instructional workshop on riding unicycles and
recumbent bicycles, a wonderful hot lunch and spectacular dessert. More
information will be forthcoming. Please tell your friends and reserve
the date for a really fun time in the Upper Connecticut Valley.
REGISTRATION
is FREE but REQUIRED: Call the VBPC office (802) 225-8904 or
e-mail.
_______________________________________________________________________
Baked
Alaska, Anyone?
What would you like the Coalition to serve for dessert at the VBPC
Annual Outing at Lake Morey on Saturday, September 13? We need
your help deciding because the options all sound delicious. Look over
this list and vote for your top four favorites. We’ll go with
the desserts that get the most votes. The options are: mousse (chocolate,
white chocolate, strawberry, and orange), apple crisp, peach & blueberry
crisp, chocolate bread budding, pecan pie, lemon meringue pie, key lime
pie, chocolate cream pie, Boston cream pie, banana cream pie, coconut
pie, carrot cake, chocolate cake, German chocolate cake, lemon cake,
baked Alaska, coconut cake, cheese cake (chocolate raspberry, caramel
apple, key lime, orange cream, strawberry, or plain), lemon berry mascarpone
cake, fresh fruit salad, chocolate chambord cake, tiramisu, truffled
chocolate mousse cake, and raspberry cream cake. Vote for your four
favorite desserts by e-mailing info@vtbikeped.org.
Remember that there will be a variety of hikes, walks, and bike rides
offered at the outing so you’ll have ample opportunity to burn
up the calories from dessert. This day of great food and fun is free
but pre-registration is required. Sign up now by e-mailing info@vtbikeped.org
or calling our office at 225-8904.
________________________________________________________________________
StoryWalk
Makes a Splash!
StoryWalk, an exciting initiative that combines a children’s story
with a popular walking route, was developed last September by Anne Ferguson,
a volunteer with the Coalition. Ferguson selects a children’s
book, separates the pages, laminates them, and attaches them to wooden
stakes. She then drives the stakes into the ground at regular intervals
along paths so readers can follow the story as they walk the route.
Ferguson conceived of StoryWalk as a way to inspire parents, teachers,
and caregivers to take young children on a short stroll that will be
fun for all. StoryWalk helps build children’s interest in reading
while encouraging healthy outdoor activity for both adults and children.
Reviews from the first four installations of StoryWalk were extremely
enthusiastic. StoryWalk debuted in Montpelier but both Ferguson and
the Coalition are eager for the initiative to be adopted throughout
Vermont and beyond. Communities that have installed a StoryWalk (or
are considering it) include Milton, Brookfield, Newport, Rutland, Stowe,
Richford, and Barre City. StoryWalk will appear at the Burlington Book
Festival in September and will be featured in the Appalachian Mountain
Club’s magazine. Windham, Maine is the first out-of-state location
to host StoryWalk. The Coalition has applied for grants to support the
development of StoryWalk and is awaiting responses to these applications.
StoryWalk aligns perfectly with the No Child Left Inside philosophy
that stresses the vital importance of reconnecting children with the
natural world.
All are welcome to visit StoryWalk and the experience is free. Visitors
are encouraged to share the joy of reading and record their responses
in the comment book located at the end of the route. If you would like
StoryWalk to come to your community, please contact the Coalition.
________________________________________________________________________
Report
on VT Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition Meeting with Driver Educators
by Nancy Schulz, Executive Director, VBPC
On Friday, October 26, 2007, I met with 77 of the state’s driver
educators in Rutland. The session was prompted by a desire to improve
relations among bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorists. By establishing
a link to the driver educators, the Coalition hopes to collect ideas
and explore methods to spread the “share the road” concept.
As part of my preparation for the meeting, I emailed VBPC members to
gather their suggestions, questions, and concerns. I also asked the
Department of Education to share videos and relevant sections of texts
that are used by the driver educators. In addition, driver educator
and VBPC member John Lynch loaned me some CDs that he uses in his teaching.
Click
here to read the entire report.
________________________________________________________________________
Find
out what's Happening with the Burlington Livable Community Project at
www.blcp.org and learn more about
AARP Vermont at www.aarp.org/vt
________________________________________________________________________
NEW
SHARE THE ROAD BUMPER STICKERS!
The
VBPC is proud to introduce the new share the road bumper stickers with
some great improvements! That's right, it is now bumper stickerS--plural!
We're finally giving you a choice of which sticker will go on your bumper.
Of course, if you don't like picking favorites, you can always sport
both--no arguments from this end. The stickers have great additions,
like a runner or walker, and the white text and cyclist is now colored
for better recognition from a distance (at least 3 feet of distance,
right?). There's still a little sticker to slap on your bike (or shoe,
if you prefer) and the back gives you all of the Vermont laws regarding
cyclists.
Getting
your new bumber sticker(s) is easy: JOIN
US! Or, if you're already a member, just let us know which one you'd
like and kindly send in a $1/sticker donation to offset sticker costs.
E-mail info@vtbikeped.org, call
225-8904 or send in your request and donation to PO Box 1234, Montpelier,
VT 05601. Happy sharing!
_______________________________________________________________________
Winter
2008 Newsletter (PDF).
The newsletter is also mailed in hard copy to all members. If you're
not yet a member, and want a hard copy, please Join
Us and we'll be happy to send one with your welcome packet!
_______________________________________________________________________
Congratulations!
Thank
you to everyone who contributed to our 2007-2008 Annual Appeal: it is
because of your support that we are able to continue the advocacy for,
education about and promotion of bicycling and walking in Vermont throughout
the year.
Congratulations
to the winners of the Raffle:
- Overnight,
3-course dinner and country breakfast for two at the Trapp Family
Lodge: David Ellenbogen
- Tubbs
snowshoes and poles: Rick Molz & Jill Aspinall
- Exel
Nordic Walking poles: P. Alexander Graham
- Rossignol
adjustable poles donated by Burrow's Specialized Sports: Resource
Systems Group, Inc.
- Pair
of lift tickets to Mad River Glen: Elisabeth Wegner
- Camelback
from Peter Glenn: Lucy Gibson & Greg De Francis
- Organic
Coffee Gift Box: name withheld at request of winner
________________________________________________________________________
How
To Respond to a Discourteous Motorist
Unfortunately,
the VBPC office gets a few calls and e-mails from cyclists around the
state who have had a bad experience with a motorist on the road (though
we also get a lot of calls from people telling us how wonderful it is
to ride in Vermont). The VBPC usually recommends that dangerous and/or
threatening driving be reported to the local police force as well as
to the local city council/
selectboard. If a description of the car, license plate, driver, etc.
can be obtained, that is all the better. Local cops and elected officials
need to know what's happening on local roads so they can take corrective
action, especially if any patterns are developing.
Swear out an affidavit of the situation with the local law enforcement
(if your municipality has it), or the State Police and ask what they
recommend.
The
VBPC does not recommend fighting fire with fire: do not yell back, make
obscene gesture, etc.; this will do little to solve the problem. Having
Share the Road cards on hand at the time certainly doesn't hurt in case
anyone needs a reminder of the rules of the road (call or e-mail
the VBPC if you'd like some extras).
______________________________________________________________________
BIKE/PED
FUNDING REPORTS
At
the request of the legislature, the Vermont Agency of Transportation
(VTrans) submitted the following reports in mid-January. Click here
to read Funding Alternatives for Larger
Bicycle & Pedestrian Facilities or Bicycle
- Pedestrians Accommodations Activities Report.
______________________________________________________________________
BIKE
HELMETS FROM SAFE KIDS VERMONT
Safe
Kids Vermont is pleased to offer the same high quality Bell bicycle
helmets at the same low price of $8.50 each that they have been able
to
offer in the past.
This year, when you order helmets, you will be provided with a free
copy
of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration video "Ride
Smart"
that discusses helmet use and why it is important. This 9 minute video
will be a good tool for you to use as part of your safety education
efforts. You will also be sent a supply of "Be a Safe Bike Driver"
flyers to hand out to kids and their parents when they receive a helmet.
These flyers discuss the basics of safe bicycle driving.
The 2008 helmet order form (pdf) can be
found by clicking here or you can contact Jon Kaplan at (802) 828-0059
or by email at jon.kaplan@state.vt.us
to get a copy of the form.
________________________________________________________________________
Summary
of Vermont Bicycle and Pedestrian Coalition’s Education Program,
BikeSmart
The
program, named BikeSmart by the Coalition, targeted elementary (grades
4-5) school children with an interactive bicycle safety lesson with
four key elements: helmet fitting and usage, safe attire for riding,
a pre-drive bicycle safety check, and most importantly, coverage of
the basic rules of the road. The schools applied to VTrans to receive
the program, and were selected by the VTrans Bicycle & Pedestrian
Program staff.
From 2003 to 2006, BikeSmart instruction was provided in 145 schools
across the state, reaching more than 11,000 schoolchildren. The instruction
in the schools was provided by an instructor corps trained and managed
by the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition under a three-year
contract with VTrans.
In 2005 and 2006, more schools requested the program than VTrans and
the Coalition were able to serve. The program also reached more schools
(145) than it was originally scoped to accommodate (110). In addition,
some BikeSmart-trained instructors provided instruction in the schools
without the financial and administrative support of VTrans or the Vermont
Bicycle and Pedestrian Coalition.
For the first full curriculum year of BikeSmart, (2004-2005), the VT
Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition collected pre-and-post presentation
quiz scores from 24 schools. The average pre-BikeSmart presentation
score was 80%, and the average post-presentation was 92%, a 12% improvement.
In the final year with an improved curriculum, and a more challenging
quiz, the mean score on the pre-test, (before training) was 5.99 correct
out of 9. The mean score on the post-test (one week after the BikeSmart
presentation) was 7.25 out of 9, an improvement in the scores of 14.0%.
On the question about which side of the road bicyclists should ride
on, the scores improved even more dramatically, from an average of 41%
of students per class answering correctly before BikeSmart, to an average
of 75% of students answering correctly after BikeSmart – an improvement
of 34 per cent. Statistical analysis of the test results showed these
differences to be significant, with a 95% confidence level. One can
therefore infer from this data that the BikeSmart training program was
effective in raising student awareness of bicycle safety issues, as
is evidenced by the improved quiz scores.
Excerpted
from the BikeSmart Report and Assessment, prepared for the Vermont Agency
of Transportation, December 2006. A fully copy of the BikeSmart report
is available from VTrans or the Coalition.
_________________________________________________________________________
Harpoon Point to Point Ride
to benefit the Vermont Foodbank
August 16, 7:00 AM: 25, 50 or 110 miles
The 7th Annual Harpoon Point to Point is a day of bicycle rides across
the state of Vermont to benefit the Vermont Foodbank. The 110-mile ride
starts at the Catamount Family Center in Williston, the 50-mile ride
in South Royalton and the 25-mile ride is an out and back from the Harpoon
Brewery in Windsor. All riders finish at the Harpoon Brewery for a BBQ
with fresh Harpoon beer and soda.
For more info: hp2p@harpoonbrewery.com,
www.harpoonbrewery.com/pointtopoint,
888-HARPOON
x546
Registration opens: Jan. 15th
________________________________________________________________________
Share
the Road Campaign
--Have you ever wanted to reach out and talk to a driver in their car
about how to share the road? VT
Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition is doing just that. We are
broadcasting 30-second ads during "Drive Time" to reach folks
as they are actually behind the wheel! Working with media gurus Marketing
Partners, we have a radio line-up for statewide coverage, plus some
TV ads on WCAX.
But this
campaign has a grassroots component, too. We
could use your help to put up flyers in your area, or write a letter
to the editor for your newspaper. Here's the links you need:
PLEASE
JOIN US. Stand up and be counted! The
Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition is a member-supported non-profit
organization (not a governmental agency). Our existence depends on bicyclists
& pedestrians across the state putting together our membership dues
to enable us to have a staffed office to represent our interests. If
you're not already a member, please CLICK
HERE TO JOIN TODAY!
Jobs
Available - As a mostly-volunteer organization, we can always
use volunteers interested in teaching bike safety, helping to represent
us at events, or interested in helping at the office. Contact the office
- info@vtbikeped.org - if you
can help!
Our
E-Newsletter:
Selected
editions Winter 2008
(PDF) Fall 2007
(PDF 5M), Spring 2007 (PDF),
Winter 2007 (PDF),
Fall 2006 (PDF),
Winter
2006 (PDF, 702k), Winter
2005 (PDF 3.2M), Summer
2004 (PDF), Spring
2004 (PDF), Winter
2004 (PDF), Fall
2003 (PDF)
The
Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition promotes
bicycling & walking safety, education, and access, to make Vermont
bicycle- & pedestrian-friendly for residents and visitors alike.
We also support bicycling and walking for transportation, health, recreation,
and fun to enhance our communities, environment, and economy.
Our
vision: Those who wish to walk or bicycle may travel safely
from anywhere in Vermont to anywhere else on a network of quiet country
roads, shared roadways, bike lanes, wide-shouldered roads, sidewalks,
or bike paths.
Our
core programs:
The
Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition is a member-supported organization.
Please join us, and share the word!
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