Advocacy Thread... What Will YOU Do Tomorrow???
08-07-11 | 07:30 PM
#1
Thread Starter
24-Speed Machine
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,056
Likes: 2
From: Wash. Grove, MD
Bikes: 2003 Specialized Allez 24-Speed Road Bike
Advocacy Thread... What Will YOU Do Tomorrow???
I started thinking about K'Tesh's excellent thread 'Advocacy Thread... What Have YOU Done Today???' and, I started thinking about a similar thread about what we plan to do, to make cycling better for everyone. It would not be a thread for question the reasoning behind doing something for cycling, but to give each other that figurative 'pat on the back' even before doing it.
Advocacy Thread... What Will YOU Do Tomorrow???
So, here's the idea: You ride a bike, you saw something that needed attention (ie: tree branches too low, storm drain grates that could eat your tire, glass in the path, etc. etc. etc.). But the difference is telling how you plan to deal with the problem. Remember, This is before you even take those needed steps. Kudos' to everyone that takes the steps needed for dealing with a certain situation, and kudos' to those that plan on taking steps to remedy a situation yet, may be looking for ideas' on how to deal with the situation.
Advocacy Thread... What Will YOU Do Tomorrow???
So, here's the idea: You ride a bike, you saw something that needed attention (ie: tree branches too low, storm drain grates that could eat your tire, glass in the path, etc. etc. etc.). But the difference is telling how you plan to deal with the problem. Remember, This is before you even take those needed steps. Kudos' to everyone that takes the steps needed for dealing with a certain situation, and kudos' to those that plan on taking steps to remedy a situation yet, may be looking for ideas' on how to deal with the situation.
Last edited by Chris516; 08-07-11 at 07:53 PM.
08-10-11 | 12:46 AM
#2
Commander, UFO Bike
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,438
Likes: 23
From: Subject to change
Bikes: Giant, Trek
An email I was sent today...
I strongly advocated for bike access... I noted that in the 4 times I've found myself in the back of an ambulance, It wasn't because I was riding on an off road trail. I did state that if it was necessary for me to take such a ride, it would be comforting that an ambulance would be able to access the trail. Also, in the event of a fire there (only three reported in the last few years and put out by neighboring home owners) it would be nice if a small fire truck could access it too.
*TAC = Trails Advisory Committee
Hi,
Joe, Tom, K'Tesh, Mary and I were at the meeting last night. Joe, Tom,
K'Tesh and I testified on behalf of the TAC's* position on the Master
Plan, including our recommendation for designating the Wahoo Main
Trail thru the park as a community trail meeting community trail
standards (at least 8', not the 6' recommended by staff). I left early
(sorry!) but Joe reports the following:
"I didn't get home until 11:00 tonight, and I left before the
meeting was over.
After much discussion, and one vote, staff's proposal was adopted
except that the trail is to be eight feet. All agreed on everything
except width. Motion made for it to be 8'. Passed 3 to 2. Blowers
and Bob voted no. They wanted 6'. Larry said he could even consider
ten feet, but that didn't get much traction. There was a lot of
discussion about how the plants and animals wouldn't be affected by
the extra two feet, and about how all District taxpayers have an
interest in the property and should have access, and how narrow 6' is,
and that it would cost the extra $45,000 to expand a 6' trail to 8'
later. And, since they were making it a Community Trail, it should be
built to Community Trail standards and that there wasn't justification
for an exception.
Summary: It's expressly a Community Trail, paved, eight feet with no
shoulders other than might be required for construction of the 8'.
Dogs must be on leash. Any bikes on the trails must be walked.
Regarding the educational programs: adopt staff proposal.
Then I left, but Tom remained after I left. K'Tesh left before any
decisions were made and asked me to let him know what happened. "
Tom: if you have further information, please let us know.
Joe, Tom, K'Tesh and Mary: Thank you so much for being great and
committed TAC membership! Your presence and testimony made a great
difference. Hooray for Trails!
Joe, Tom, K'Tesh, Mary and I were at the meeting last night. Joe, Tom,
K'Tesh and I testified on behalf of the TAC's* position on the Master
Plan, including our recommendation for designating the Wahoo Main
Trail thru the park as a community trail meeting community trail
standards (at least 8', not the 6' recommended by staff). I left early
(sorry!) but Joe reports the following:
"I didn't get home until 11:00 tonight, and I left before the
meeting was over.
After much discussion, and one vote, staff's proposal was adopted
except that the trail is to be eight feet. All agreed on everything
except width. Motion made for it to be 8'. Passed 3 to 2. Blowers
and Bob voted no. They wanted 6'. Larry said he could even consider
ten feet, but that didn't get much traction. There was a lot of
discussion about how the plants and animals wouldn't be affected by
the extra two feet, and about how all District taxpayers have an
interest in the property and should have access, and how narrow 6' is,
and that it would cost the extra $45,000 to expand a 6' trail to 8'
later. And, since they were making it a Community Trail, it should be
built to Community Trail standards and that there wasn't justification
for an exception.
Summary: It's expressly a Community Trail, paved, eight feet with no
shoulders other than might be required for construction of the 8'.
Dogs must be on leash. Any bikes on the trails must be walked.
Regarding the educational programs: adopt staff proposal.
Then I left, but Tom remained after I left. K'Tesh left before any
decisions were made and asked me to let him know what happened. "
Tom: if you have further information, please let us know.
Joe, Tom, K'Tesh and Mary: Thank you so much for being great and
committed TAC membership! Your presence and testimony made a great
difference. Hooray for Trails!
*TAC = Trails Advisory Committee
Last edited by K'Tesh; 08-10-11 at 12:52 AM.
08-10-11 | 07:59 AM
#4
I will ride my bike and that is all.
08-12-11 | 10:56 PM
#5
Thread Starter
24-Speed Machine
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,056
Likes: 2
From: Wash. Grove, MD
Bikes: 2003 Specialized Allez 24-Speed Road Bike
An email I was sent today...
I strongly advocated for bike access... I noted that in the 4 times I've found myself in the back of an ambulance, It wasn't because I was riding on an off road trail. I did state that if it was necessary for me to take such a ride, it would be comforting that an ambulance would be able to access the trail. Also, in the event of a fire there (only three reported in the last few years and put out by neighboring home owners) it would be nice if a small fire truck could access it too.
*TAC = Trails Advisory Committee
I strongly advocated for bike access... I noted that in the 4 times I've found myself in the back of an ambulance, It wasn't because I was riding on an off road trail. I did state that if it was necessary for me to take such a ride, it would be comforting that an ambulance would be able to access the trail. Also, in the event of a fire there (only three reported in the last few years and put out by neighboring home owners) it would be nice if a small fire truck could access it too.
*TAC = Trails Advisory Committee
08-13-11 | 01:00 AM
#6
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 13,237
Likes: 75
From: Fallbrook,Calif./Palau del Vidre, France
Bikes: Klein QP, Fuji touring, Surly Cross Check, BCH City bike
I suggest one of the most fruitful means to enhance cycling is have your group show up before hearings held by transportation authorities.. County Planning commissions, highway agencies often desire citizen input . Cyclists are citizens.. As they develop highway plans be sure the views of cyclists are heard.. they are making ways to new transportation infrastructure.. That is where the rubber meets the road.
__________________
Pray for the Dead and Fight like Hell for the Living
^ Since January 1, 2012
Pray for the Dead and Fight like Hell for the Living
^ Since January 1, 2012
08-14-11 | 03:46 PM
#7
Icantre Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 384
Likes: 0
From: the Bayou City perpetually under construction
Bikes: 2001 DBR Axis TT, 1998 Trek 5500 OCLV, 1993 Trek 1100, 1971 Raleigh Grand Prix, 1972 Gitane Attic Beater
Instead of sending another email to the Mayor, since she's busy getting the red light cameras turned off again, I will probably email one of her underlings, the PWE in charge of patching the streets and MUP's and just thank him for patching the western area of concern, while politely reminding him that the eastern section is still incomplete, and hopefully his plans will include that section soon.
08-14-11 | 10:11 PM
#8
Subjectively Insane
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 801
Likes: 0
From: Saint Louis, Missouri
Bikes: '09 Rodriguez Adventurer Custom, '08 Trek 7.3Fx
There's several studies showing if one talks about something they plan on doing, it stimulates the same emotional response as having already completed the plan. Causing a large increase in people not actually doing what they had planned.
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