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The following newsflash from the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board
details current news, events, etc. in regards to biking and walking both in and
around the Baltimore region. The information found in the newsflash is
informative; it could inspire some to become more involved in the process of
improving conditions for biking and walking. Or it could inspire a bike-ride or
a walk...
BikePedED
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Transportation Outlook 2035 Draft Review
Continues |
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The BRTB has released the Draft Plan for Transportation Outlook 2035 for
public review and comment. Transportation Outlook 2035 is a long- range
transportation plan for the Baltimore region. It serves as a multi-modal
blueprint for the Baltimore area by identifying the ways the region plans to
invest in the transportation system over the next few decades.
You can download a copy from the BMC web site. Hard copies of the draft plan
will be available for review at key public libraries or at any jurisdiction's
planning office. During the comment period, ending on August 29, 2007, a series
of public meetings will be held throughout the region. These meetings will allow
members of the public to learn more about the draft plan and share their
thoughts.
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WalkScore.com Asks: Is Where You Are Walkable? |
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WalkScore.com helps people find walkable places. Just enter an address, and
WalkScore.com calculates the walkability of an address based on distances to
nearby stores, restaurants, coffee houses, schools, parks, etc.
Walkability is important, according to WalkScore.com, because more walking
means:
- Better health
- Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
- More transportation options
- Increased social capital
- Stronger local businesses
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ALRC
Urges Safe Biking for Kids |
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A message from the Active Living Resource Center (ALRC) to parents: Bicycling
is fun, it helps us keep fit, and it gives us mobility. For kids, the bicycle is
their first vehicle, a source of pride - and an important way to get around. In
addition, bicycling is generally a safe activity. But, when bicyclists make
basic mistakes, they're the ones most likely to get hurt. For this reason, the
attitudes you instill in your child now will determine how he or she will ride
for years to come. If your child gets a good grounding in safe riding
techniques, he or she will be able to enjoy the benefits of bicycling for many
years.
By and large, bicycling is a safe activity. But, like many activities, one
has to learn a few things before safely taking part. An ALRC brochure points out
common problems kids have while bicycling and suggests some solutions. But just
reading it, or having your child read it, isn't enough. You and your child
should go over the topics and do the exercises suggested. If possible, you
should ride with your child. This will be valuable for both of you. And fun,
too!
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Paris
Launches City-wide Shared Bike Program |
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PARIS - It's summer in Paris and the French capital is preparing to offer
bikes to anyone who wants to take a ride. On July 15, the city parked 10,648
bicycles at 750 stations (with nearly double that planned by 2008) with riders
able to take bikes from one station and drop them off at another. Work on
"Velib'" (short for 'free bike' in French) is just starting, but it is already
sparking enormous interest.
The concept evolved from utopian bike-sharing programs in Europe in the
1960s, aimed at reducing the use of cars and cutting down on traffic congestion
and air pollution. The most famous case was Amsterdam -- a flop because bikes
were either stolen or too beaten-up to ride. Now, many cities are giving it a go
again by partnering up with advertising firms that will provide bikes equipped
with anti-theft systems in return for city-wide advertising opportunities...
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Final
Draft 2008-2012 TIP Open for Public Review |
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The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board has released the final draft of
the 2008-2012 Transportation Improvement Program. The TIP is a list of
transportation priorities and projects that are requesting federal funding over
the next 5 years.
Examples of projects listed in this database include:
- Road resurfacing and bridge repairs, rehabilitation, and painting
- Pedestrian overpasses near schools and the building of pedestrian/bicycle
trails
- Evaluation of current traffic command and control systems and the
installation of new traffic signal detection systems
- Funding for the New Freedom and Job Access and Reverse Commute Programs,
assisting people with disabilities, seniors, and low-income individuals access
to employment and other opportunities.
The Final Draft 2008-2012 TIP is available online in PDF format. Print
versions are also available at the Regional Information Center, as well as at a
number of area libraries and planning offices throughout the region.
A
public review period will be held from Tuesday, July 31 through Friday, August
31, 2007. A public meeting on the Final Draft 2008-2012 TIP will be held on
August 21, 2007 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the BMC's offices (2700 Lighthouse Point
East, Suite 310, Baltimore, MD 21224). Presentations will be made at 4 and 6
p.m. Information on the Final Draft Air Quality Conformity Determination and
Transportation Outlook 2035 will also be presented.
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Report
Analyzes the Potential Impact of Short and Long-Range Transportation Plans on
the Region's Air |
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The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board has also released an air quality
report looking at the potential impact transportation projects could have on the
region's air quality. The Draft Air Quality Conformity Determination addresses
two draft plans, also out for public review: The Draft Plan for Transportation
Outlook 2035 and the Final Draft FY 2008-2012 Transportation Improvement
Program.
This report concludes that implementation of the projects in Transportation
Outlook 2035 and the 2008- 2012 TIP does not worsen the region's air quality or
delay the timely attainment of national ambient air quality standards. The
factors addressed in the conformity determination include ozone, fine
particulate matter, and carbon monoxide.
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