Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Final Meeting for the VTrans On-Road Bike Plan - 12/1

From Local Motion
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Displaying On Tuesday, December 1st from 6pm to 8pm, join the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) for a final public meeting about the VTrans On-Road Bike Plan (Phase 1). We will be there and hope you will will too! 
The goal of the plan is to identify opportunities to enhance bicycle conditions on state roads designated as high-use priority bicycle corridors with the intent of making Vermont roads work better and be safer for everyone -- families, commuters and recreational riders. Phase 1 categorized state roads into high-, moderate- and low-use corridors based on their current and potential use.

 At the public meeting you will be able to:
  • See results of phase 1 of the project: the VTrans Bicycle Corridor Priority map, which thousands of people from around the state participated in crafting.
  • Learn more about the next phases of the project: VTrans' assessment of safety and other deficiencies and identification of projects to address those gaps along high priority corridors. 
The meeting will use Vermont Interactive Technologies (VIT) to broadcast to locations around the state. You can attend the meeting at a VIT site to participate in the meeting in real time or participate via webcast at home. Look for emails from Local Motion and check the VTrans On-Road Bike Plan website in the near future for
details.  

Monday, November 16, 2015

Shifting Gears to Cycling Would be Big Climate Boost

From ClimateCentral.org

Something green is happening in larger cities throughout the U.S. — green-colored bike lanes are spreading like bubble tea shops throughout Manhattan. Salt Lake City just installed America’s first urban street intersectiondesigned to protect cyclists. Motor vehicle lanes are shrinking in Los Angeles to accommodate more bike commuters.
The climate would benefit in a big way if urban commuters worldwide would leave their cars at home and use those dedicated bike lanes to cycle to work, and if more cities would prioritize bike commuting in their urban planning, according to a University of California-Davis report published Thursday.
A bike lane in Florida. Credit: Daniel Oines/flickr
Greenhouse gas emissions coming from motor vehicles in big cities worldwide would dive about 11 percent, saving society $24 trillion in infrastructure and other costs between today and 2050 if city dwellers would use bicycles and electric bikes for about 10 percent of their urban trips instead of using motor vehicles, the report says.
The study was commissioned by three pro-bicycle groups — the European Cyclists’ Federation, the Bicycle Product Suppliers Association and the Union Cycliste Internationale — but researchers and scientists not associated with those groups by and large supported the findings.
Today, 6 percent of all trips in cities globally are on bikes. In the U.S., bikes account for 1 percent of all urban travel.
If global annual carbon dioxide emissions from urban transportation continue on their current trajectory, they stand to increase from 2.3 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide in 2015 to 4.3 gigatonnes in 2050. But if people adopt cycling in cities to the extent the study envisions, it says that carbon dioxide emissions from urban transportation could be reduced to today’s levels in 2050.
“This is the first report that quantifies the potential carbon dioxide and cost savings associated with a worldwide shift toward much greater use of cycling in urban areas,” co-author Lewis Fulton, director of the Sustainable Transportation Energy Pathways program at UC-Davis, said. “The estimated impacts surprised me because they are so large. The costs saved in lower energy use and reducing the need for car travel, new roads and parking lots through 2050 are substantial.”
Both cycling and mass transit will need to account for a large share of travel in urban areas in the future if cities are to become less dependent on cars, he said, and electric bikes, or e-bikes,  are a huge part of that.
E-bikes are challenging because even in bike-friendly cities, infrastructure and public policies do not always accommodate the safe use of e-bikes, which use electric motors to assist in pedaling and can often travel faster than traditional bicycles. For example, e-bikes are banned in New York City, even though they are commonly seen on the streets there.
For cities to achieve the drop in greenhouse gas emissions and to encourage people to shift from cars to bikes, cities need to develop cycling and e-bike infrastructure quickly, implement bike-share programs, encourage the development of mass transit to accommodate non-motorized transportation options that can be combined with cycling and repeal policies that subsidize motorized vehicle use.
In other words, Fulton said, cities worldwide should follow the lead of Copenhagen, where about 40 percent of the city’s trips are on bikes.
“They had relatively low cycling levels as recently as the 1960s,” he said. “They just started putting in infrastructure and they just kept doing that through the 60s, 70s and 80s. The last 30 years is when they went to the 40 percent level. It’s a great example of a city that shows how you can make it happen and how you can change the culture.”
But changing a city’s culture to accommodate cycling is something the report doesn’t address adequately, and it could be a major barrier to achieving such a broad global shift toward cycling in urban areas, said Kevin Krizek, director of the University of Colorado-Boulder’s Environmental Design Building program, who is unaffiliated with the report.
“Going down the path of the high-shift cycling scenario beckons a larger call toward culture, funding and societal characteristics,” Krizek said. “Bicycling has widely varying social connotations in some cultures and painting it as a silver bullet that is irrespective of these cultures leaves a lot of distance to cover there.”
Protected bike lanes in Seattle. Credit: SDOT/flickr
Fulton said that’s a fair point, and it’s especially applicable to some African cities, where cycling is seen by some as being primarily for low-income people, and it carries a stigma.
In Africa, “it’s about getting off the bike and showing that you have some other way to get around,” Fulton said. “That’s just simply another example of where governments and other stakeholders need to get together to change that culture.”
Krizek said the report is valuable because it shows how cycling — especially e-bikes — can benefit both society and the environment, but its emissions reduction calculations may be overly “aggressive.” And, because the report was commissioned by advocacy groups, its findings should be taken with a “grain of salt.”
Fulton said the report was “pretty independent,” and his greenhouse gas emissions figures were not influenced by the sponsors. However, he said, he did collaborate with the sponsors on determining the feasibility of cycling one day accounting for 10 percent or more of urban commutes globally.
Other scientists unaffiliated with the report said its methods are solid and shows what role bicycles can play in a warming world.
“The conclusions that if we could increase cycling for more urban travel we could reduce carbon dioxide is intuitively true,” Elliott Sclar, professor of urban planning at Columbia University’s Earth Institute, said. “The importance of the report is that it begins to put numbers on the order of magnitude concerning what such a shift could mean if it came to pass. The degree this can succeed depends upon the degree to which the political climate will permit us to move away from the present BAU (business as usual).”
Sclar said he is not concerned about any effect the sponsors may have had on the study because its methods are sound.
Ralph Buehler, associate professor of urban affairs at Virginia Tech, called the report “daring” because it comes up with big-picture estimates of global bike use at a time when data on global cycling trends are poor, particularly for developing countries.
“The nice thing is, it gives us a look into what’s possible,” Buehler said. “They estimate that bike trips will replace more carbon-intensive trips, and that’s where the carbon dioxide emissions savings will come from. I think the estimates sound reasonable to me.”
Susan Shaheen, director of Innovative Mobility Research at University of California-Berkeley, said the feasibility for a broad urban shift toward cycling depends on the city.
“Increased investment in infrastructure that promotes safety and separation from automobiles would likely make scenarios envisioned in this report more plausible,” she said.
“The argument for bicycles is a pretty clean one. If you increase bicycling, emissions will generally drop.”

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

How Vermont's hands-free law is taking effect

From WCAX
BURLINGTON, Vt. -

First it was horrified screams, and then a victim's message that proved texting on the road can ruin a life. Since Vermont's hands-free law went into effect last year, Vermont State Police have issued nearly a dozen tickets or warnings a day to people behind the wheel. 
In just a few seconds, you can go from on the road to in a hospital, needing resuscitation for life-threatening injuries from a car crash caused by distracted driving. 
"When you are texting and driving, you are 23 times more likely to be involved in an auto accident," said Dr. Mario Trabulsy from the UVM Medical Center. 
Sixty high school students and parents got that message Tuesday night at UVM.
CVU sophomore Jonah Breen drove for three minutes in a texting and driving simulator; three times he was too close to other cars, another time he went off the road.
"I thought before, if you do it for maybe a few seconds, it wouldn't make that big of a difference, but you can move so far off the road in just two to three seconds," said Breen.
When Debbie Drewniak was hit, the driver didn't even leave the road, but a few distracted seconds for reading a text changed this Essex resident's life forever. 
"She has to live with what she chose to do. It was her choice and her responsibility. This was no accident," said Drewniak.
Drewniak was nearly killed in 2011 as she was walking her dog. Her medical bills now eclipse $1 million. 
"I was by my mailbox, by my house when she hit me," said Drewniak.
In 2013, 31,000 people died in accidents caused by distracted driving.
Since Vermont's hands-free law took effect, the Vermont State Police have handed out 2,000 tickets for texting and driving. They've warned another 2,000. 
A warning from a woman whose voice is another reminder of a life altered by texting and driving. 
Twenty-four percent of the audience said they see their friend's text and drive all the time, but the National Safety Council reports that the number of serious crashes due to distracted driving has fallen since its peak in 2013.

Monday, October 19, 2015

Bikes vs. Cars

Maybe a little dramatic title, but interesting looking for sure. Anyway, good point: "The reality is that there is not one single city in the world that has solved the issue of mobility through the private car."

Check out the trailer for this new movie right here.

https://vimeo.com/116966445

Bikes vs Cars 2

Sunday, September 27, 2015

Rally for safer roadways in Vermont

From WCAX:
WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-

MONTPELIER, Vt. -
They came on foot, under pedal power and via both kinds of horsepower. Users of Vermont's roadways rallied in Montpelier Friday night to keep their shared space safe.
"So we're coming together as users of the road in so many different ways, and we're coming together to say that we can make a difference today, the very next time that we sit on a bike, the very next time that we turn the key in the ignition, we can make a difference for the safety of everyone on the road," said Emily Boedecker, the executive director of Local Motion.
This year, Vermont's roadways have been the scene of 10 fatal motorbike crashes, an additional two with pedestrians, and another four involving bicycles-- that's the driving force behind the rally for road safety. For perspective, the state saw only one fatal crash involving a bike in the previous 10 years, according to bike safety advocates.
"It's the fatalities that make headlines, but the story is much larger than that. It's about the serious injuries, the minor accidents, the near misses, the stories that so many people have," Boedecker said.
VTrans spokesperson Kevin Marshia says Vermont lost 690 people to crashes in the last 10 years, while 3,873 suffered temporary or permanent physical injury over the same period.
"That's like the population of Waterville or St. George being lost to highway fatalities in a 10-year period, or the population of Bristol or Brandon being, suffering incapacitating injuries in a 10-year period. This is a serious issue," Marshia said.
Those organizing the event say they hope to convince those on the roads of the importance of knowing the rules, respecting others and sharing that knowledge with others. They say spreading knowledge like this on the Statehouse lawn can be more powerful than any law passed up the hill.
It's unclear if legislation will come out of the event, but those in attendance Friday evening said if they hear good ideas, they'll share them with lawmakers, too.

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Pop-up bike lanes and Sharrows happening in Montpelier

For tomorrows Bike Safety Rally in Montpelier from the State House at 5.30pm there is a bunch of new Sharrows and a pop-up separated bike lane being installed today and tomorrow! Thanks for the volunteer help and DPW for cooperating this. Hopefully see lots of folks tomorrow.




Safe Roads Rally for Vermont! Fri 9/25 5.30pm Montpelier State House



Meet up and ride to the event. 
Parking available in DOL Park and Ride on Green Mountain Drive, and in DMV parking opposite the State House.

Join us by car or on foot, by bike or motorbike, on horse or by tractor. If you use Vermont's road, this event is for you!

Come out and hear Lt. Gov Phil Scott, legislative leaders, representatives of AAA, Vermont State Police, Local Motion and many others talk about how we can make our roads safe and welcoming for everyone. You'll have a chance to talk to your elected officials and share your ideas for making our roads a safer place. At the event we'll be launching a new PSA, and the Vermont Road User Pledge…http://highwaysafety.vermont.gov/TakeThePledge

Friday, September 11, 2015

Protected Bike lanes in Burlington?


This weekend -- two days only! Experience protected bike lanes right here in Burlington. See what it's like to bike safe and easy -- and speak up for more all around the city.

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

New Study Confirms: “Share The Road” Is a Problem

From BikeDelaware

“Comprehension of the familiar “Share the Road” signage as a statement of bicyclists’ roadway rights has been challenged, based on arguments that it is ambiguous, imprecise, frequently misinterpreted, and not designed for that purpose…In fact, the US state of Delaware discontinued use of the “Share the Road” plaque in November, 2013.”
In November of 2013, Delaware formally discontinued the use of the “Share The Road” sign, the first (and so far still the only) U.S. state to do so. The sign was interpreted in diametrically opposite ways by cyclists and motorists and failed to prevent conflict and hostility between motorists and cyclists. Arguably, the sign may actually have been causing conflict.
Now a study published on Friday by researchers at North Carolina State University (NCSU) has confirmed what Delaware already knew: “Share The Road” is a problem.
The authors of the new study – both NCSU faculty – surveyed nearly 2,000 people and found that there was “no statistically significant difference in responses between those who saw ‘Share the Road’ signage and those who saw no signage” whatsoever in terms of their comprehension that cyclists are permitted in the center of the travel lane; that cyclists do not have to move right to allow motorists to pass within the same lane; or that motorists should wait for a break in traffic before passing in the adjacent lane.
In sharp contrast to the complete uselessness of “Share The Road”, survey respondents who were shown the “Bicycle May Use Full Lane” sign showed uniformly high understanding of permissible cyclist lane positioning and appropriate safe passing behavior for motorists.
Large study from North Carolina State University confirms that "Share The Road" is a problem.
Large study from North Carolina State University confirms that “Share The Road” is a problem.
It’s been almost two years since Delaware discontinued any new installation of “Share The Road” signs. Perhaps this brand new study, with its unambiguous results, will now encourage some other states to finally follow Delaware’s lead. Hey, heads up Washington and Minnesota


  James Wilson is the executive director of Bike Delaware.




RELATED:
• Here They Come (“Bicycles May Use Full Lane” signs in Newark)
- See more at: http://www.bikede.org/2015/08/29/share-the-road-is-a-problem/#sthash.4tM0opLa.dpuf

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Sharing the road - what hasn't been said

With three cyclists killed by drivers in the last three months in Vermont, the amount of discussion about cycling, road safety, and other topics related to cycling has increased dramatically.  Articles have been written by journalists, reporters, a police chief, and leaders of advocacy groups have made statements in print and other media.  The Transportation Secretary issued a statement.  The State Police released a new PSA.  My social media accounts have been filled with discussion of it, but for the most part I have remained publicly quiet about it.
I’ve seen countless discussions about lights, reflective gear, and more bike lanes to make things safer for cyclists.  Most of these discussions have focused on things that cyclists should be doing to stay safe.  I have also heard many people blame cyclists for being on the road in the first place, that they do not belong there.  On the back of a truck I saw someone write “Bicyclist of VT it’s time to register, inspect and insure or GET OFF THE ROADS!!! your no longer pedestrians, follow traffic laws”, as seen in the picture below.
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I’m not writing this to get bogged down in debate about any of those things.  Yes there are cyclists that do not follow the law, and there are cars that drive dangerously.  I’m writing this because through all of the articles, blog posts, media interviews and statements, there is something I have not heard anyone talk about.  The laws regarding cycling on the road.  Why aren’t we talking about that?  The State Police PSA does not explain it.  The Transportation Secretary, leaders of advocacy groups, reporters, nobody has talked about this in detail, and it is clearly misunderstood.
One of the local advocacy groups actually has a flier that puts it all in very plain, easy to understand language. (http://www.localmotion.org/documents/safety/Safe_Streets_brochure_2010_–_low_res.pdf).  Another cycling group has a link to a page that contains all the relevant laws in their actual language on one sheet (http://thegmbc.com/VTBikeLaws.pdf).  So even though I understand that some people would like to see changes regarding bicycles on the road, as it stands right now there are laws currently in place that we should be talking about.
With very few exceptions that are clearly marked such as I89, bicycles have every right to be on the road.  That’s the law.  In the simplest terms, bicycles are on the same roads with the same rules.  They are supposed to be there.  Bicycles have the exact same rights as cars have, and they have the same responsibilities.  That means stopping at stoplights and signs, signaling before all turns and lane changes, having lights on at night.
According to the law, cyclists are required to ride with the flow of traffic and as far right as is safe.  What is safe is determined by the cyclist, not the driver following or passing them.  What may look safe from your car is quite often a field of ruts and debris that is unsafe to ride on.  There are many shoulders that are not safe to ride on, and there is no law that states cyclists are supposed to ride there.  In fact the law makes it clear that they are not required to.  Again, the law states to ride as far right as is safe.  There are also bike lanes that are not safe to ride on, and once again the law is clear that cyclists are not required to use the bike lane.  Just last week the bike lane in Winooski was obstructed by an automated radar/speed display.  The bike lane on Pine St in Burlington is horribly damaged and unsafe to ride in many areas.  These are just a couple examples or reasons why they are sometimes unsafe, but again it is not required to be used.  Bicycles have a right to be on the road.
This next part is only my opinion, but I believe many cyclists need to do a better job of actually riding in the lane, as far to the right as is safe, but actually in the lane instead of on the shoulder where they end up weaving back and forth between the shoulder and the lane.  This weaving from shoulder to the lane is one of the biggest complaints I hear from drivers. However, drivers need to understand that bikes will drift left and right the same as a car does within it’s lane.
When it comes to passing a cyclist the law is also clear.  Cars should only pass when it is safe, and provide extra clearance between the vehicle and the cyclist when passing.  A good rule to follow that is actually law in other areas, is to give at least three feet of space between the car and the bicycle.
That’s the law in simple language that everyone can understand, and links to the laws themselves.  I understand not agreeing with things and wanting them to be different, but that’s not the point.  As of today, according to the law, a bicycle on the road is supposed to be treated the same as a car.  They are also supposed to follow the same laws as a car.
I’ve seen Facebook posts showing groups of cyclists pulled over by police for running a stop sign with a caption of share if you agree.  For the record, I agree.  I’ve also seen pictures of the back of a bus that says “every lane is a bike lane”.  I agree with that as well because it’s the truth, it’s the law.  The new PSA from the Vermont State Police says “Share the road”.  Let’s be clear about this.  This statement has always been directed at cars.  There is no cyclist in their right mind that believes they don’t have to share the road with cars.   If you see a cyclist blowing through a stop sign, failing to signal a turn, riding without lights after dark, or riding three abreast blocking the flow of traffic you should report them.  If you see a car passing too close, passing too fast, cutting off a rider, yelling/honking at a rider while passing, or harassing in any way, report them.  In Chittenden County there is a phone number 802-861-3344 or website (www.reportrecklessness.org) that you can use that will also be referred to the proper police department.
I ride my bicycles a lot.  For every car that passes too fast or close, honks or screams while passing, and is flat out dangerous, there are at least 100 cars that are following the law, and another couple cars that are even extraordinarily kind and courteous.  I have found the same to be true of cyclists when I am driving my car.  The guy riding toward me in my lane of traffic on North Ave the other day had me cursing out loud, but I ride with and see far more riders that are safe and responsible.
I’m certainly not saying to stop talking about all of the other issues people are bringing up because of this.  Discussion is a good thing, but could we please start by following what the law actually is?  If the drivers of the cars that killed three cyclists had been following these laws, three amazing people with hundreds of friends and family members would still be alive today.
Cyclists
  • Same road, same rules
  • Ride as far to the right as is safe
  • Ride two abreast only when not impeding traffic
  • Follow all traffic laws, stop signs, lights on at night, signal all turns
  • Report unsafe driving and harassment
  • Be nice, smile and be courteous
Cars
  • Cyclists have the same right to the road as a car
  • Slow down when passing and pass only when safe
  • Give extra space when passing (at least three feet)
  • When in doubt, yield
  • Report unsafe or unlawful cycling
  • Be nice, kind, and courteous

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Police investigate fatal car-bicycle crash in Ferrisburgh

The wife of a Williston Police officer was processed for suspected driving while under the influence with death resulting following a fatal car-bicycle crash in Addison County on Wednesday evening, officials said.
Holly Gonyeau, 36, of Ferrisburgh was issued a citation to appear on June 29 in Vermont Superior Court in Middlebury on a charge of DUI with death resulting, Capt. Donald Patch said.
The charge stems from the fatal crash about 5:50 p.m. on Greenbush Road in Ferrisburgh, state police said. The crash closed down the road during the investigation.
Dead is Kenneth Najarian, 60, of Charlotte, Patch said.
Gonyeau's preliminary breath test showed 0.123 percent alcohol, police said. Adult drivers are presumed to be under the influence in Vermont at 0.08 percent.
She is the wife of Williston Police Officer Keith Gonyeau, a 15-year veteran, authorities said.
EARLIER COVERAGE
Patch said Holly Gonyeau was southbound on Greenbush Road when her 2013 Chevrolet Cruz struck the southbound bicyclist.
Najarian died at the scene as a result of the injuries sustained from the crash, Patch said.
The Vermont State Police crash reconstruction team was summoned to assist troopers from the New Haven barracks.
Lt. Garry Scott, commander of reconstruction team, arrived at the scene at about 8 p.m. to begin combing the scene to recreate what happened.
The State Police were assisted at the crash scene by the Vergennes Police Department and Rescue Squad and the Ferrisburgh Fire Department.
The case remains under investigation at this time. Anyone with information relating to this crash or who may have witnessed it is asked to contact Trooper Brett Flansburgat 388-4919.
It is the third bicycle-motor vehicle fatal crash in nine weeks in Vermont — and all within 20 miles in western Vermont. Four people have died.
Kelly Boe, a manager of the central biomass heating plant at Middlebury College, was killed April 14 in Weybridge while riding with his wife, Kathleen, a Middlebury lawyer.
Nathan Dearing, 27, of Whiting, a familiar face at Vermont Superior Court, pleaded not guilty the next day to charges of driving while intoxicated with death resulting forBoe, 55, of Middlebury.
Dearing also denied a fifth offense of driving while his license is suspended and violating probation by driving a car.
Police said Boe was killed by a drunken driver who crossed the center line and struck the bicyclist on a remote road in Weybridge. His wife managed to avoid the collision.
On April 26 Hinesburg Community Police said Joseph Marshall, 17, of Hinesburg was driving at least 83 miles per hour in the village when he struck a bicyclist, Richard F. Tom.
Both Tom, 47, of Hinesburg and Marshall, a Champlain Valley Union High School senior, died in the Sunday morning crash on Vermont 116, police said. The crash happened where the speed limit was increasing from 30 to 40 mph.
Subscription offer: 3 months for the price of 1
Contact Mike Donoghue at 660-1845 or mdonoghue@freepressmedia.com. Follow Mike on Twitter at www.twitter.com/FreepsMikeD.

Denver bicyclists test pilot program for traffic light changes

A new Denver bike initiative hopes to give the green light to safer, friendlier intersections for drivers and bicyclists alike.
Denver Public Works has installed bicycle detection technology at seven intersections across the city as part of a pilot program, said Rachael Bronson, bike planner at City and County of Denver.
Bicyclists ride onto a green symbol painted on the road, Bronson explained, where a camera hanging from the adjacent traffic light pole will detect the bike and alert the crosswalk.
A sign is in place at these seven locations to guide riders, she said.
"Instead of having a biker go up on the sidewalk, where they are not supposed to be, or ride through a red light, this will allow a bike to be noticed and should make traffic for drivers and bicyclists flow more naturally," Bronson said.
Cara Jo Miller lives in the Denver area and said she often bikes 20 miles a day for her commute and daily life.
"I think this will help cyclists be more respected," Miller said of the detection system. "Sometimes Denver roads are a hot mess for drivers. Then you mix bikes in, and it becomes this free-for-all, but I think this will alleviate some of that."
The initiative is a study funded by the federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality program that is looking to test the effectiveness of the detection systems through October, Bronson said. She hopes more systems can be added after the study.
Elijah Marquez and Jessie Espinoza wait for the light to turn green on Wednesday morning at the intersection of East 17th Avenue and CIty Park Esplanade,The $100,000 systems are made up of two cameras per intersection intended to capture cyclists coming from each direction, Bronson said. The pilot program is testing to see whether infrared cameras or thermal cameras work best.
The intersections being studied are West 35th Avenue and Federal Boulevard; West 17th Avenue and Federal Boulevard; East 17th Avenue and City Park Esplanade; Colorado Boulevard and Montview Street; York Street and East 23rd Avenue; Evans Avenue and Oneida Street; and East First Avenue and Gilpin Street.
If the equipment proves beneficial and further funding is granted, Bronson hopes to incorporate the local biking community in selecting the best locations for additional detection systems.
She encouraged concerned cyclists to attend the monthly Mayor's Bicycle Advisory Committee to voice their suggestions.
"We've got limited resources and hundreds of intersections that need it," she said, "so we welcome help identifying the highest-need areas."
Elizabeth Hernandez: 303-954-1223, ehernandez@denverpost.com or twitter.com/ehernandez

Bicycle Financing Available at VSECU

Taking out a loan for a bicycle may sound a little unconventional, however when you’re serious about riding you know that means you’re serious about spending.
Bicycle options have evolved and bicycle commuting is more popular than ever in Vermont. Whether you’re in the market for a mountain bike, cargo bike or an electric assist bike for help getting up those steep Vermont hills, there are options available to you that don’t require emptying your savings account or pulling out a credit card.
VSECU member Matt Cherry was riding his old mountain bike to work every day partly because he loves cycling, and partly to minimize his environmental impact. But when Matt needed a new ride, better suited to his 10-mile round-trip bike commute in Putney, he came to VSECU.
“It was hard for me to afford a new bicycle so the option for a low-interest loan was really helpful. It allowed me to get a great bike that I can start using now,” Matt said. “I was able to get a bike that fit my needs, is of great quality, and it should last a long time.”
Not only are newer bikes more costly but the accessories are too. We’re here to help you get the bike you need with the accessories to make your ride safe and practical. You may need electric assist to get to and from your destination, you may need cargo options for carrying groceries or other items, and of course everyone needs a good helmet.
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Our VGreen program offers a loan that can be used specifically for the purchase of a bicycle, the Energy Improvement Loan. Originally designed for unsecured energy saving purchases for your home, this loan can also be used to finance a bike purchase with the same discounted rate. Complete an online application to get pre-approved before you shop.
If you’ve recently purchased a new bike and would like to use VSECU financing to pay down another line of credit, such as a credit card, you may have used to make the purchase, contact us to see what options are available for you. A copy of your purchase agreement/receipt will be required.
“I am bike commuting because I love riding bikes,” said Matt. “It’s great exercise, great for the environment, and it’s a wonderful way to be outside.”
Let VSECU make your bicycle purchase as easy and affordable as we did for Matt.
Resources for Vermont bike enthusiasts:

1 man killed in Ferrisburgh bicycle accident

Posted: Jun 17, 2015 10:07 PM EDTUpdated: Jun 18, 2015 12:47 AM EDT
FERRISBURGH, Vt. -
Police are investigating a fatal accident involving a car and bicycle.
60-year-old Kenneth Najarian was killed just before 6 p.m. on Greenbush Road in Ferrisbugh after police say he was struck.
Police say Holly Gonyeau was drunk behind the wheel when she struck Najarian.
She faces DUI charges.
This is the third accident involving a car and bicycle in the last nine weeks.