Home | Yay Bikes! | Columbus, Oh

Columbus Considering Changes to Parking Code

Author: lifeontwowheels :: Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2009 6:27 am

Quote:

Bike parking racks, wavy U-shaped pieces of metal that dot college campuses and have long been a fixture in coastal cities, could become the norm in Columbus if the city adopts a new set of parking rules.
New restaurants, shops, schools and a long list of other buildings would need to add at least two spots under a rule proposed by the city's Development Department.

Up to 20 bicycle spots could be required at buildings with a large number of parking spaces, such as grocery stores and hospitals.

Biking advocates say the proposed rules would encourage bicycle traffic by offering guaranteed parking. One local developer said he supports the idea but doesn't think the rule should apply citywide.

More Here

Some grumbling from local developers in the article, mostly based on their location and the condition of their roads for cyclists. Comments will be accepted until Wednesday, July 1. Comment form here.

(0) Replies

Representative John Boehner's solution to the budget crisis
Author: lifeontwowheels :: Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2009 11:24 am In a letter to the President, Boehner suggests several areas where cuts can be made, including the elimination of Safe Routes to Schools and "non-motorized" transportation projects. According to his figures, $125 million over 5 years would be saved on eliminating "non-motorized" transportation funding. $915 million over 5 years would be saved by eliminating the Safe Routes to Schools program. Read the letter here (5) Replies

Representative John Boehner's solution to the budget crisis

Author: lifeontwowheels :: Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2009 11:24 am In a letter to the President, Boehner suggests several areas where cuts can be made, including the elimination of Safe Routes to Schools and "non-motorized" transportation projects.

According to his figures, $125 million over 5 years would be saved on eliminating "non-motorized" transportation funding. $915 million over 5 years would be saved by eliminating the Safe Routes to Schools program.

Read the letter here

(5) Replies

Block Grants for Energy Efficiency, Bike Parking & Shelt
Author: rich :: Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2009 10:25 am (See fourth bullet at the bottom.) For immediate release June 22, 2009 Contact: Dan Williamson, MayorÆs Office, 614-645-5300 Erin Miller, Mayor's Office, 614-645-0815 John Ivanic, City Council, 614-645-6798 Columbus Reform Effort Underway As City Invests Block Grant Funds Into Energy Efficiency Programs Implementation of the City of ColumbusÆ 10-Year Reform and Efficiency Action Plan is underway thanks to the assistance of the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009. Columbus has been allocated $7.4 million through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program. Projects funded with this grant money would save the Columbus $614,531 year in utility expenses and create 80 jobs. In addition to meeting the energy efficiency objective of the reform plan, the block grant will help Columbus reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet the goals of the Columbus Bicentennial Bikeways Plan. ôOur energy efficiency efforts will create jobs, conserve energy and protect our environment,ö said Mayor Michael B. Coleman. ôThey also serve as a key part of our government reform plan, which we believe will save between $100 million and $150 million over the next decade.ö The city proposes to invest the grant into projects that will reduce carbon emissions by 9,718 metric tons, which is equivalent to the emissions from more than 1 million gallons of gasoline consumed or the energy use of 802 homes for one year. ôThis is another example of our aggressive effort to seek as many different stimulus funding streams as possible to make long-term investments in our neighborhoods and businesses,ö said City Council President Michael C. Mentel. ôThe U.S. Department of EnergyÆs grant will help the city reduce energy costs and allow us to offer incentives to businesses to do the same.ö Columbus is proposing to invest the grant allocation: -On building retrofits to reduce city greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 3 percent. The city plans to retrofit as many as 26 Division of Fire stations, the Columbus Cultural Arts Center, the Columbus Central Safety Building and COSI Columbus. - To convert 3,698 pedestrian signals to LEDs, saving $163,199 in utility costs. -In the Business Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Program, which will provide businesses with loans and incentives for energy efficient expansions, relocations and retrofits. - On bike infrastructure improvements, including new bicycle parking facilities in five downtown garages, four bike shelters along downtown intersections, two secure shelters and two sets of Downtown bike lockers with a total capacity for 260 bicycles. -To reduce energy consumption and assist Columbus power customers reduce their electric bills. These funds will allow the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission to retrofit approximately 60 homes in the Columbus service area, saving customers an average of 12 percent on their energy usage. Michael S. Brown Office of Mayor Michael B. Coleman Urban Ventures Coordinator 614-645-6428 (0) Replies

Block Grants for Energy Efficiency, Bike Parking & Shelt

Author: rich :: Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2009 10:25 am (See fourth bullet at the bottom.)

For immediate release
June 22, 2009

Contact:
Dan Williamson, MayorÆs Office, 614-645-5300
Erin Miller, Mayor's Office, 614-645-0815
John Ivanic, City Council, 614-645-6798

Columbus Reform Effort Underway As City Invests Block Grant Funds Into
Energy Efficiency Programs

Implementation of the City of ColumbusÆ 10-Year Reform and Efficiency
Action Plan is underway thanks to the assistance of the American Recovery &
Reinvestment Act of 2009. Columbus has been allocated $7.4 million through
the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program. Projects funded
with this grant money would save the Columbus $614,531 year in utility
expenses and create 80 jobs. In addition to meeting the energy efficiency
objective of the reform plan, the block grant will help Columbus reduce
greenhouse gas emissions and meet the goals of the Columbus Bicentennial
Bikeways Plan.

ôOur energy efficiency efforts will create jobs, conserve energy and
protect our environment,ö said Mayor Michael B. Coleman. ôThey also serve
as a key part of our government reform plan, which we believe will save
between $100 million and $150 million over the next decade.ö

The city proposes to invest the grant into projects that will reduce carbon
emissions by 9,718 metric tons, which is equivalent to the emissions from
more than 1 million gallons of gasoline consumed or the energy use of 802
homes for one year.

ôThis is another example of our aggressive effort to seek as many different
stimulus funding streams as possible to make long-term investments in our
neighborhoods and businesses,ö said City Council President Michael C.
Mentel. ôThe U.S. Department of EnergyÆs grant will help the city reduce
energy costs and allow us to offer incentives to businesses to do the same.ö

Columbus is proposing to invest the grant allocation:

-On building retrofits to reduce city greenhouse gas emissions by
approximately 3 percent. The city plans to retrofit as many as 26 Division
of Fire stations, the Columbus Cultural Arts Center, the Columbus Central
Safety Building and COSI Columbus.

- To convert 3,698 pedestrian signals to LEDs, saving $163,199 in
utility costs.

-In the Business Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Program, which
will provide businesses with loans and incentives for energy efficient
expansions, relocations and retrofits.

- On bike infrastructure improvements, including new bicycle parking
facilities in five downtown garages, four bike shelters along downtown
intersections, two secure shelters and two sets of Downtown bike lockers
with a total capacity for 260 bicycles.

-To reduce energy consumption and assist Columbus power customers
reduce their electric bills. These funds will allow the Mid-Ohio Regional
Planning Commission to retrofit approximately 60 homes in the Columbus
service area, saving customers an average of 12 percent on their energy
usage.

Michael S. Brown
Office of Mayor Michael B. Coleman
Urban Ventures Coordinator
614-645-6428

(0) Replies

Cyclists, save the libraries!
Author: austinkocher :: Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2009 9:04 am There have been several cycling workshops and meetings held at various libraries around Columbus. I've been involved in several. With the new budget proposal, we could lose some of the only free and public meeting space left in Columbus. It also effects the demographic most likely to cycle for transportation: lower income families, pre-driving age children, and neighborhood families. Lastly, restricting library hours or closing them all together makes safe cycling materials (such as the yellow ODOT booklet) less available for public consumption. Libraries serve as centers of print literacy, computer literacy, music, film, community programing, and after school help for children. In areas where print and computer ownership is difficult due to low discretionary income, libraries keep information accessible to the greater public. Still many of us can afford to purchase books but would rather save money and paper by relying on a lending system. I lived in Puerto Rico for four years. For all the things I loved about La Isla del Encanto, I was not enchanted by their lack of a solid public library system. One of the best things about moving back to Columbus was the nationally recognized library with its kind staff and excellent reserve system. How can we allow such a valuable public resource to be taken from us? Please call Governor Stricklands office today at 614-466-3555. I did it. It's easy. Just tell them your name and that you don't want our award-winning libraries to lose a single dollar. Or click on the link below for more suggestions about what you can do to help. http://columbuslibrary.org (17) Replies

Cyclists, save the libraries!

Author: austinkocher :: Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2009 9:04 am There have been several cycling workshops and meetings held at various libraries around Columbus. I've been involved in several. With the new budget proposal, we could lose some of the only free and public meeting space left in Columbus. It also effects the demographic most likely to cycle for transportation: lower income families, pre-driving age children, and neighborhood families. Lastly, restricting library hours or closing them all together makes safe cycling materials (such as the yellow ODOT booklet) less available for public consumption.

Libraries serve as centers of print literacy, computer literacy, music, film, community programing, and after school help for children. In areas where print and computer ownership is difficult due to low discretionary income, libraries keep information accessible to the greater public. Still many of us can afford to purchase books but would rather save money and paper by relying on a lending system.

I lived in Puerto Rico for four years. For all the things I loved about La Isla del Encanto, I was not enchanted by their lack of a solid public library system. One of the best things about moving back to Columbus was the nationally recognized library with its kind staff and excellent reserve system. How can we allow such a valuable public resource to be taken from us?

Please call Governor Stricklands office today at 614-466-3555. I did it. It's easy. Just tell them your name and that you don't want our award-winning libraries to lose a single dollar. Or click on the link below for more suggestions about what you can do to help.

http://columbuslibrary.org

(17) Replies

This is what is wrong with the USA.
Author: MilitantCyclist :: Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2009 10:19 pm I just got home from the bar, i went to the crew game today (was drinking) then went to a bar to watch the lakers/magic game (was drinking) and in passing on the bottom of the screen i see something about shaq in talks for a trade. I come home to look at espn.com and i see this story i shamelessly linked to my blog: http://militantcyclist.wordpress.com/2009/06/15/you-have-got-to-be-kidding-me this is the mentality that allows cyclists to be killed and apologists to stand up for them, and people to not receive a cap at a CHARITY EVENT, and sue the event and at this point have "nearly won". god bless the USA. goodnight.[/url] (6) Replies

This is what is wrong with the USA.

Author: MilitantCyclist :: Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2009 10:19 pm I just got home from the bar, i went to the crew game today (was drinking) then went to a bar to watch the lakers/magic game (was drinking) and in passing on the bottom of the screen i see something about shaq in talks for a trade. I come home to look at espn.com and i see this story i shamelessly linked to my blog:

http://militantcyclist.wordpress.com/2009/06/15/you-have-got-to-be-kidding-me

this is the mentality that allows cyclists to be killed and apologists to stand up for them, and people to not receive a cap at a CHARITY EVENT, and sue the event and at this point have "nearly won".

god bless the USA.

goodnight.[/url]

(6) Replies

Google maps mixed-use view
Author: adam :: Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2009 10:31 am http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2009-06-09-biking-maps-google_N.htm?csp=usat.me http://bikeportland.org/2009/06/10/usa-today-googles-photo-taking-trike-now-on-bike-trails/ USA TODAY Google takes its map cam for a spin on biking, hiking trails By Jefferson Graham, USA TODAY MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — Meet the Google trike. It's the sequel, of sorts, to the Google Maps-mobile, a specially rigged car with an antenna, GPS and camera that snaps 360-degree images of neighborhoods for display in the "Street View" section of Google Maps. YOUR TOWN: Add your home to USA TODAY's Google Map TELL US: Are Google maps of hiking and biking trails are a good idea? Now Google Maps is expanding to biking and hiking trails. A Google employee on a tricycle rides around to snap the same wide-area views. "Much of the world is inaccessible to the car," says Daniel Ratner, a Google senior engineer who designed the trike. "We want to get access to places people find important." Starting out with 1 trail in Monterey The project just got underway. So far, only a bike trail in Monterey, Calif., is up and running. Google has cyclists out now in California, Italy and the United Kingdom. The company says to look for hiking and biking images from those locations over the summer — along with shots from U.S. theme parks. Google won't say which ones. Google Maps is the top online map program, with 149 million visitors worldwide in April, up 49% from the prior April, according to Web tracker ComScore Media Metrix. Rivals No. 2 MapQuest and Yahoo Maps were down 11% and 15%, respectively, ComScore says. To access Google's Street View, you click on the icon of the little yellow man at the top of the Maps screen, and drag it to the location you want to see. The U.S. audience has mostly embraced Street View, currently offered in nine countries. But Google hopes to find a better reaction to the trike project than it met with Street View's recent expansion into Europe and Asia. Officials and citizens in Greece, the United Kingdom and Japan complained loudly about invasion of privacy over the project. Stephen Chau, a product manager for Google Maps, says that what the Google cars picked up photographically was no different from what any tourist would see on vacation. "We show images that are taken from public streets," he says. Chau says the complaints about the product are minimal considering its usage, and many people just have an initial misunderstanding. "We have tools to automatically blur faces, if they show up, and license plates." Additionally, homeowners who object to their homes being shown can contact Google and request removal. Lowering the camera in Japan In Japan, Google received so many complaints that it was forced to scrap its initial crop of pictures, because the car-mounted camera was too high. It ended up seeing over fences into private areas. In rural England, residents near the small village of Milton Keynes blockaded entry to prevent the Google-mobile from entering and getting pictures. And in Greece, local news reports have said Google has been banned from taking more pictures, but the company says that's not true. Instead, it is having discussions with local officials to explain the project in more detail. Here in the U.S., Street View has been met with high interest and little public outcry, says Chau. "What I care about is usage," Chau says. "Since we've launched Street View, it's gotten tremendous positive feedback. We're spreading to more countries, because the feedback is so strong." Danny Sullivan, editor of Search Engine Land and a former U.K. resident, says Europeans and Asians have objected to Street View simply because it arrived with a bang. "Here, it just happened," he says, "but there, it came across as a Google invasion." The addition of biking and hiking trails to Street View is a smooth marketing move, he says. "I see Google saying, 'You're freaked out by Street View, well, look at this. What's not to like about biking and hiking trails?' It makes the whole project now seem warm and fuzzy." Ratner's trike is a modified three-wheeled bike, like the ones used to take tourists for a spin, with a huge antenna and camera on back. It looks so different from a normal bike that when people see him, they ask, " 'Is that a Google robot?' " Ratner says. Meanwhile, what's next? Street View images from boats? "Don't laugh, we've actually gotten various inquiries from people who operate boats," Chau says. "There are no current plans, but we'd love to do it." Copyright 2008 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc. (2) Replies

Google maps mixed-use view

Author: adam :: Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2009 10:31 am http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2009-06-09-biking-maps-google_N.htm?csp=usat.me
http://bikeportland.org/2009/06/10/usa-today-googles-photo-taking-trike-now-on-bike-trails/

USA TODAY

Google takes its map cam for a spin on biking, hiking trails
By Jefferson Graham, USA TODAY
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — Meet the Google trike.

It's the sequel, of sorts, to the Google Maps-mobile, a specially rigged car with an antenna, GPS and camera that snaps 360-degree images of neighborhoods for display in the "Street View" section of Google Maps.

YOUR TOWN: Add your home to USA TODAY's Google Map
TELL US: Are Google maps of hiking and biking trails are a good idea?

Now Google Maps is expanding to biking and hiking trails. A Google employee on a tricycle rides around to snap the same wide-area views.

"Much of the world is inaccessible to the car," says Daniel Ratner, a Google senior engineer who designed the trike. "We want to get access to places people find important."

Starting out with 1 trail in Monterey

The project just got underway. So far, only a bike trail in Monterey, Calif., is up and running. Google has cyclists out now in California, Italy and the United Kingdom. The company says to look for hiking and biking images from those locations over the summer — along with shots from U.S. theme parks. Google won't say which ones.

Google Maps is the top online map program, with 149 million visitors worldwide in April, up 49% from the prior April, according to Web tracker ComScore Media Metrix.

Rivals No. 2 MapQuest and Yahoo Maps were down 11% and 15%, respectively, ComScore says.

To access Google's Street View, you click on the icon of the little yellow man at the top of the Maps screen, and drag it to the location you want to see.

The U.S. audience has mostly embraced Street View, currently offered in nine countries. But Google hopes to find a better reaction to the trike project than it met with Street View's recent expansion into Europe and Asia. Officials and citizens in Greece, the United Kingdom and Japan complained loudly about invasion of privacy over the project.

Stephen Chau, a product manager for Google Maps, says that what the Google cars picked up photographically was no different from what any tourist would see on vacation.

"We show images that are taken from public streets," he says. Chau says the complaints about the product are minimal considering its usage, and many people just have an initial misunderstanding. "We have tools to automatically blur faces, if they show up, and license plates."

Additionally, homeowners who object to their homes being shown can contact Google and request removal.

Lowering the camera in Japan

In Japan, Google received so many complaints that it was forced to scrap its initial crop of pictures, because the car-mounted camera was too high. It ended up seeing over fences into private areas.

In rural England, residents near the small village of Milton Keynes blockaded entry to prevent the Google-mobile from entering and getting pictures.

And in Greece, local news reports have said Google has been banned from taking more pictures, but the company says that's not true. Instead, it is having discussions with local officials to explain the project in more detail.

Here in the U.S., Street View has been met with high interest and little public outcry, says Chau.

"What I care about is usage," Chau says. "Since we've launched Street View, it's gotten tremendous positive feedback. We're spreading to more countries, because the feedback is so strong."

Danny Sullivan, editor of Search Engine Land and a former U.K. resident, says Europeans and Asians have objected to Street View simply because it arrived with a bang. "Here, it just happened," he says, "but there, it came across as a Google invasion."

The addition of biking and hiking trails to Street View is a smooth marketing move, he says. "I see Google saying, 'You're freaked out by Street View, well, look at this. What's not to like about biking and hiking trails?' It makes the whole project now seem warm and fuzzy."

Ratner's trike is a modified three-wheeled bike, like the ones used to take tourists for a spin, with a huge antenna and camera on back. It looks so different from a normal bike that when people see him, they ask, " 'Is that a Google robot?' " Ratner says.

Meanwhile, what's next? Street View images from boats?

"Don't laugh, we've actually gotten various inquiries from people who operate boats," Chau says. "There are no current plans, but we'd love to do it."

Copyright 2008 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.

(2) Replies

Cycylist hit and "dragged" through central park.
Author: MilitantCyclist :: Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2009 9:14 am Just found this story and posted it on my blog: http://militantcyclist.wordpress.com/2009/06/10/fox-news-employee-hits-cyclist-and-drags-him-through-cental-park/ absolutely out of control. the sad thing is i can believe this happened. i wish i could say it was an unbelievable story but i cant. the driver needs his license permanently revoked. (2) Replies

Cycylist hit and "dragged" through central park.

Author: MilitantCyclist :: Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2009 9:14 am Just found this story and posted it on my blog:

http://militantcyclist.wordpress.com/2009/06/10/fox-news-employee-hits-cyclist-and-drags-him-through-cental-park/

absolutely out of control. the sad thing is i can believe this happened. i wish i could say it was an unbelievable story but i cant. the driver needs his license permanently revoked.

(2) Replies

Meet with Gee today! - 2:45PM
Author: austinkocher :: Posted: Thu Jun 04, 2009 5:04 am MEETING WITH GEE Please join the rest of the OSU Bike to Work Week Team for a brief meeting with President Gee this afternoon. We will show Dr. Gee our Bike to Work Week award and he is set to congratulate us. It will only last 15 minutes, so it should be easy to attend. It's important that we have a strong turnout. Please be there! 2:45PM Today (June 4, Thursday) Bricker Hall, facing the Oval Austin Kocher (2) Replies

Meet with Gee today! - 2:45PM

Author: austinkocher :: Posted: Thu Jun 04, 2009 5:04 am MEETING WITH GEE

Please join the rest of the OSU Bike to Work Week Team for a brief meeting with President Gee this afternoon. We will show Dr. Gee our Bike to Work Week award and he is set to congratulate us. It will only last 15 minutes, so it should be easy to attend. It's important that we have a strong turnout. Please be there!

2:45PM Today (June 4, Thursday)
Bricker Hall, facing the Oval

Austin Kocher

(2) Replies

Camp Chase Trail Open House
Author: lifeontwowheels :: Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2009 8:54 pm For Immediate Release Contact: Steve Brown 895.6230 or Peg Hanley 895.6365 May 29, 2009 Metro Parks seek community input for trail project Please join Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks and the Railsto- Trails Conservancy Midwest Office at two public open house meetings on June 8 and June 23 to highlight details of the Camp Chase Rail with Trail project, an 11-mile multi-purpose trail that, when completed, will run along the Camp Chase Railroad in western Franklin County. Community involvement and partnerships among local citizens, agencies and governments is a key ingredient to the overall success of trail planning and development in Central Ohio. Stop by from 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, June 8 or Tuesday, June 23 at Cedar Ridge Lodge, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, Ohio, 43119. Park staff and Rails-to-Trail Conservancy will be on hand to answer questions, show conceptual plans and seek your ideas and comments for the proposed new trail. For additional information please contact: Steve Brown, Chief Landscape Architect brown@metroparks.net 614-895-6230 (0) Replies

Camp Chase Trail Open House

Author: lifeontwowheels :: Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2009 8:54 pm For Immediate Release Contact: Steve Brown 895.6230 or Peg Hanley 895.6365

May 29, 2009

Metro Parks seek community input for trail project
Please join Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks and the Railsto-
Trails Conservancy Midwest Office at two public open house
meetings on June 8 and June 23 to highlight details of the Camp
Chase Rail with Trail project, an 11-mile multi-purpose trail that, when completed, will run along the Camp Chase Railroad in western
Franklin County.

Community involvement and partnerships among local citizens,
agencies and governments is a key ingredient to the overall success
of trail planning and development in Central Ohio.

Stop by from 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, June 8 or Tuesday, June 23 at
Cedar Ridge Lodge, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, 1775 Darby
Creek Drive, Galloway, Ohio, 43119. Park staff and Rails-to-Trail
Conservancy will be on hand to answer questions, show conceptual
plans and seek your ideas and comments for the proposed new trail.

For additional information please contact:
Steve Brown, Chief Landscape Architect
brown@metroparks.net
614-895-6230

(0) Replies

Trial in TOSRV rider's death set to begin Monday

Author: lifeontwowheels :: Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2009 2:57 pm

KenHuffman wrote:

The ridiculously light sentences that are handed out for killing cyclists sicken me.

Has anyone cyclist written a "Our lives are important, please look out for us" letter to the Dispatch?

I'm really mixed when it comes to sentencing. 60 days will still be hard time for someone who has led a fairly lawful life. Couple that with a 2 years suspension of her license and (what I'm sure will come) any resulting civil action and punitive damages and it's going to be rough for her. Not to mention the emotional damages when and if the events ever fully sink in.

I would love to know why they decided not to convict on the felony. What are the standards applied? She obviously left a fatal accident with knowledge of a collision. And if you go with the lesser charge, why the minimum sentence?

(20) Replies

Mike Reed wins LAB Bike Month Award
Author: austinkocher :: Posted: Sun May 31, 2009 8:08 pm Mike Reed won a League of American Bicyclists Bike to Work Week volunteer award. Mike has contributed enormously as we all know - or else we would even be able to talk about him publicly on this site. The winners each received a Sea Lion waterproof bag; quite a nice gift. LAB only had 20 bags to give out nationally, so it's quite honorable that our local cycling community was represented. Even better that Mike was chosen. Pretty cool, huh? (11) Replies

Mike Reed wins LAB Bike Month Award

Author: austinkocher :: Posted: Sun May 31, 2009 8:08 pm Mike Reed won a League of American Bicyclists Bike to Work Week volunteer award. Mike has contributed enormously as we all know - or else we would even be able to talk about him publicly on this site. The winners each received a Sea Lion waterproof bag; quite a nice gift. LAB only had 20 bags to give out nationally, so it's quite honorable that our local cycling community was represented. Even better that Mike was chosen. Pretty cool, huh?

(11) Replies

opportunities to invest in yb
Author: meredith :: Posted: Sun May 31, 2009 12:51 am hi all -- so things with yb are moving along, in fact! now that we're somewhat through the haze of b2ww, i'd like to let you know about other developments and how you can support them! 1] we're getting an office!!! summit united methodist church (82 e. 16th ave) has generously agreed to give us a free space until we can generate the revenue to pay rent. we'll be moving in during june so stay tuned for an "office warming" party this summer! in the meantime, you can support our full use of the space by providing cash or bike donations to the bike fleet we intend to build for yb, which will be stored in the church's basement and brought out to use whenever there is an opportunity to do so. we'll be able to loan these bikes out for community rides so that all people can participate, regardless of whether they own their own pedal-powered machine. 2] i've gotten a quote from a local designer (liz, who did the beautiful earth day posters among other projects - http://genuinecolumbus.com/) - to develop the yb logo & style sheet while mike is hard at work coding our new website (also to be launched this summer). i'd love some help with money to pay her. the total fee will be $1125...i know some of you might say, "wtf, i can draw a stupid pic of a bike for free", BUT this will need to be very professional/exceptional since i intend for yb to have a national impact! also i think creative people are too often asked to do things for free and i will to pay people for the creative work they contribute whenever possible. if you can invest now in either of these projects it would really make a difference. we don't yet have our yb organizational infrastructure set up, but if you send money through paypal to meredith.a.joy [at] gmail, it will go to the right place, and i will provide documentation to that effect. the contribution is not tax deductible, but this is a very concrete project that promises enormously gratifying results! thanks so much for your help. ~mj (5) Replies

opportunities to invest in yb

Author: meredith :: Posted: Sun May 31, 2009 12:51 am hi all --

so things with yb are moving along, in fact! now that we're somewhat through the haze of b2ww, i'd like to let you know about other developments and how you can support them!

1] we're getting an office!!! summit united methodist church (82 e. 16th ave) has generously agreed to give us a free space until we can generate the revenue to pay rent. we'll be moving in during june so stay tuned for an "office warming" party this summer! in the meantime, you can support our full use of the space by providing cash or bike donations to the bike fleet we intend to build for yb, which will be stored in the church's basement and brought out to use whenever there is an opportunity to do so. we'll be able to loan these bikes out for community rides so that all people can participate, regardless of whether they own their own pedal-powered machine.

2] i've gotten a quote from a local designer (liz, who did the beautiful earth day posters among other projects - http://genuinecolumbus.com/) - to develop the yb logo & style sheet while mike is hard at work coding our new website (also to be launched this summer). i'd love some help with money to pay her. the total fee will be $1125...i know some of you might say, "wtf, i can draw a stupid pic of a bike for free", BUT this will need to be very professional/exceptional since i intend for yb to have a national impact! also i think creative people are too often asked to do things for free and i will to pay people for the creative work they contribute whenever possible.

if you can invest now in either of these projects it would really make a difference. we don't yet have our yb organizational infrastructure set up, but if you send money through paypal to meredith.a.joy [at] gmail, it will go to the right place, and i will provide documentation to that effect. the contribution is not tax deductible, but this is a very concrete project that promises enormously gratifying results! Smile

thanks so much for your help.
~mj

(5) Replies

Case Closed: Samuel L. Hall
Author: Bike Muckraker :: Posted: Thu May 28, 2009 4:17 pm This morning the Dispatch ran a Case Closed article, which is "an occasional series with updates on stories from the police and court beats." They reported: Drunken-driving death brings 3 days in jail, fine A South Side motorist who struck and killed a pedestrian on Frank Road on Feb. 1 has pleaded guilty to drunken driving. Samuel L. Hall, 37, of Ides Court, was eastbound on Frank Road when his sport-utility vehicle struck Charles J. Wilson, 43, just before 11 p.m. Franklin County deputies were not sure whether Wilson was walking on the berm or trying to cross the street. Municipal Judge Carrie Glaeden suspended all but three days of a 180-day jail sentence for Hall, fined him $375 and suspended his driver's license for six months. He must complete one year of probation. -- Bruce Cadwallader bcadwallader@dispatch.com The timing of this report is a sad reflection of the state of the Dispatch and the newspaper business in general. Not reported in the article, maybe because the reporter or editor was too embarassed to mention it, was that this case was decided back on February 27, 2009. Sam Hall paid a total of $505: $375 fine, $40 probation fee, $90 court costs. Operating a Vehicle under the Influence was the only thing he was charged with. There was no Vehicular Homicide charge. There was no Vehicular Manslaughter charge. The accident happened at night. and the implicit assumption was that the pedestrian, like a deer, could have darted unexpectedly out in front of the vehicle. Seems like a good way to commit suicide. A 180-day sentence suspended down to just three days seems to me like standard practice at the Municipal Court. The fact that someone was killed was totally irrelevant in determining the OVI sentence. Three days is the minimum mandatory term the judge is required to impose, but the court could have placed the offender under a "community control sanction" in lieu of even 3 days. $375 was the minimum fine which the court was required to impose. The court could have fined Hall up to $1,075. A Class 5 license suspension is also required, and what do you know, class 5 means a minimum six months. He could have gotten up to three years! If causing a death while driving DUI doesn't get you more than the minimum jail sentence, more than the minimum fine, or more than the minimum license suspension, I wonder what circumstances would merit more than the minimum? Maybe muckraking? Taking a look at Hall's past, we find an accident related ACDA back in 1999 and a couple of speeding tickets, in '94 and '98. Oh, and in 1997 he had domestic violence and assault charges reduced to negligent assault. The Vehicle Code in CourtView 2000 says "PASSENGER CAR", does that mean this negligent assault was done while driving? Mucky (0) Replies

Case Closed: Samuel L. Hall

Author: Bike Muckraker :: Posted: Thu May 28, 2009 4:17 pm This morning the Dispatch ran a Case Closed article, which is "an occasional series with updates on stories from the police and court beats."

They reported:

Drunken-driving death brings 3 days in jail, fine

A South Side motorist who struck and killed a pedestrian on Frank Road on Feb. 1 has pleaded guilty to drunken driving.

Samuel L. Hall, 37, of Ides Court, was eastbound on Frank Road when his sport-utility vehicle struck Charles J. Wilson, 43, just before 11 p.m. Franklin County deputies were not sure whether Wilson was walking on the berm or trying to cross the street.

Municipal Judge Carrie Glaeden suspended all but three days of a 180-day jail sentence for Hall, fined him $375 and suspended his driver's license for six months. He must complete one year of probation.

-- Bruce Cadwallader bcadwallader@dispatch.com

The timing of this report is a sad reflection of the state of the Dispatch and the newspaper business in general. Not reported in the article, maybe because the reporter or editor was too embarassed to mention it, was that this case was decided back on February 27, 2009.

Sam Hall paid a total of $505: $375 fine, $40 probation fee, $90 court costs.

Operating a Vehicle under the Influence was the only thing he was charged with. There was no Vehicular Homicide charge. There was no Vehicular Manslaughter charge. The accident happened at night. and the implicit assumption was that the pedestrian, like a deer, could have darted unexpectedly out in front of the vehicle. Seems like a good way to commit suicide.

A 180-day sentence suspended down to just three days seems to me like standard practice at the Municipal Court. The fact that someone was killed was totally irrelevant in determining the OVI sentence. Three days is the minimum mandatory term the judge is required to impose, but the court could have placed the offender under a "community control sanction" in lieu of even 3 days.

$375 was the minimum fine which the court was required to impose. The court could have fined Hall up to $1,075.

A Class 5 license suspension is also required, and what do you know, class 5 means a minimum six months. He could have gotten up to three years!

If causing a death while driving DUI doesn't get you more than the minimum jail sentence, more than the minimum fine, or more than the minimum license suspension, I wonder what circumstances would merit more than the minimum? Maybe muckraking?

Taking a look at Hall's past, we find an accident related ACDA back in 1999 and a couple of speeding tickets, in '94 and '98. Oh, and in 1997 he had domestic violence and assault charges reduced to negligent assault. The Vehicle Code in CourtView 2000 says "PASSENGER CAR", does that mean this negligent assault was done while driving?

Mucky

(0) Replies

Canal Winchester MUP?
Author: lifeontwowheels :: Posted: Sat May 23, 2009 1:49 pm My dad had mentioned some work going on at Gender Road (where a bike lane already exists) and Groveport Road of what appeared to be a new bike path. When I was coming home from grabbing another load of stuff from my apartment I jogged off 33 and onto Gender to check it out myself. I drove down Groveport Road to downtown Canal Winchester and sure enough, a new path! The section I saw goes from Groveport Road and Gender Road to just about where the public pool parking lot is. It runs along part of the COTA #49 route (yay for multi-modal transit!). Anyone know if this is part of the plans to connect the Alum Creek trail into the east side and out to Blacklick park? I know there is a trail heading out to Pickerington Ponds and eventually to the park. Or is this another project that might connect to the ACT in the future? ETA Apparently this hasn't been on my radar-or much of anywhere. Looks like this goes back a few years and has had issues with property rights and negotions. At completion this will connect with the Groveport Trail at Rager Road. Looks like I just found a new way to go to work! Drew a map for reference. (0) Replies

Canal Winchester MUP?

Author: lifeontwowheels :: Posted: Sat May 23, 2009 1:49 pm My dad had mentioned some work going on at Gender Road (where a bike lane already exists) and Groveport Road of what appeared to be a new bike path. When I was coming home from grabbing another load of stuff from my apartment I jogged off 33 and onto Gender to check it out myself. I drove down Groveport Road to downtown Canal Winchester and sure enough, a new path!

The section I saw goes from Groveport Road and Gender Road to just about where the public pool parking lot is. It runs along part of the COTA #49 route (yay for multi-modal transit!).

Anyone know if this is part of the plans to connect the Alum Creek trail into the east side and out to Blacklick park? I know there is a trail heading out to Pickerington Ponds and eventually to the park. Or is this another project that might connect to the ACT in the future?

ETA

Apparently this hasn't been on my radar-or much of anywhere. Looks like this goes back a few years and has had issues with property rights and negotions. At completion this will connect with the Groveport Trail at Rager Road.

Looks like I just found a new way to go to work!

Drew a map for reference.

(0) Replies

Global Gallery New Bike Racks
Author: austinkocher :: Posted: Wed May 20, 2009 7:01 pm Global Gallery in Clintonville just installed new bike racks made of bikes! Very cool. Austin Kocher (3) Replies

Goto page 1, 2, 3 ... 12, 13, 14

Links

Profile

Video of the Week

Recent Forum Posts