What is a crosswalk?

From Sharing the Road in Virginia:

Crosswalks may be marked or painted on the highway.

Crosswalks occur wherever sidewalks meet the street and where streets intersect. The code of Virginia defines this type of crosswalk an "unmarked crosswalk".

Code of Virginia § 46.2-294

Be safe today!

Listen to the cyclists leading and sweeping.

Walk on sidewalks and crosswalks only.

Printable flyer for SSDD

Download the PDF for printing.

View in Google Docs then print or email.

Come Join Circle in The Bridge of The King's Daughters for Share Shore Drive Day

Circle in The Bridge of The Kings Daughters is a fund-raising circle for CHKD. Whitney Hulce was a member of this group before her life was tragically cut short on Shore Drive. Circle in the Bridge are big supporters of Share Shore Drive Day 2010.

Anyone who like to walk in Whitney’s memory are asked to join on July 17th, 2010. The group will meet at the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp and Beach on Lynnhaven Promenade at 10am. The group will walk down Shore Drive and stop and have lunch at Shore Break and then back to the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp. Please come out and celebrate Whitney’s life and raise awareness for pedestrian safety on Shore Drive!

Any memorial contributions for Whitney Hulce can be brought with you or mailed to:
Circle in the Bridge of the King’s Daughters
929 Hanbury Court
Chesapeake, VA 23322

Link to map of walk.

Cycling Cue Sheet - Start/End at Kokoamos

Be at Kokoamos by about 7am. Helmets required.



View Larger Map

Walking for SSDD?

Carry a camera with you, like your cell phone, and take pics of places that need upgraded.

Want a crosswalk, lights, sidewalk "there"?

Take a pic, email it to us, Comment below, Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, where ever. Just get it to us. If it's a link, let us know, and we'll help make the world know.

One pic for inspiration:

Have a safe 4th sharing Shore Drive

How are plans coming together to come out on July 17th?

If you aren't cycling - and don't have any organized running events you're attending, why not gather with your friends and come out in the morning and run Shore Drive?

Cycling for SSDD? Here's some details for today.

Thanks to Aimee at Kokoamos - the cycling for SSDD will start/end at Kokoamos Island Bar, Grill & Yacht Club.

Plan on being there before 730am to ride.

Thanks to Fred, who's office is at First Landing State Park, who has approved the safe u-turn at First Landing State Park that was used in 2009.

One pic from last year:


Cue sheet for cycling posted soon.

Walking, running or just coming out for SSDD?

What are you doing that day to support the safe sharing of Shore Drive?

Should the Shore Drive Safety Task Force from 2006 be officially restarted?

In December of 2005, after 5 pedestrians were tragically killed - the City Council voted yes on creating the Shore Drive Safety Task Force:

The mission of the Task Force was to evaluate the Shore Drive Corridor and make recommendations to improve the safety of both drivers and pedestrians. The Task Force was comprised of staff members from Planning, Police, Public Works, and Parks and Recreation as well as citizen members from the Shore Drive Advisory Committee (the “SDAC”) and the Shore Drive Community Coalition (the “SDCC”). The Task Force leader was Mr. Charlie Meyer, Chief Operating Officer. Council Member Jim Wood also participated in the Task Force.

You may remember on May 4th, WVEC.com had coverage that the city implemented 90 percent of recommendations from a 2006 Shore Drive task force[.]

This is the Official Shore Drive Safety Task Force Recommendations adopted by City Council in 2006.

We believe there should be an Official Shore Drive Safety Task Force 2010 with a similar structure that obviously includes getting feedback from residents and people who share Shore Drive.

What do you think? Please take the poll in the right column >

New bike lanes open on America's Main Street. Pennsylvania Ave.

From Fastlane, Official Blog of US Secretary of Transportation:

All across America, people are asking for more choices, more options to get from one place to another. Some of them can't afford cars. Some are concerned about greenhouse gas emissions. Some want exercise or to be out of doors, but don't feel safe.

Link includes news reports, videos, and more links to the new bike lanes.

Come out to Kokoamos to "Save Lives on Shore Drive" and get T-shirts that will be great to wear on SSDD.

From Increase Pedestrian Safety on Shore Drive FB Group about SAVE LIVES on SHORE DRIVE BLOCK PARTY:

Don't forget you are all invited to come out to the SAVE LIVES on SHORE DRIVE BLOCK PARTY this Thursday night at Kokoamo's. 6:00 pm - 10:00. There will be T-SHIRTS for only $10.00. Blue for Dobbie, Pink for Whitney and Yellow for Safety. These shirts will be great for showing our support for the SHARE SHORE DRIVE DAY on July 17th.

Please take the Virginia Beach Bikeways & Trails Survey now

Please take it right now at VBGov.com - make a difference.

Share Shore Drive Day Event posted in Facebook - Coordinate Walking/Running

Facebook link.

If you aren't in Facebook - feel free to use the Comment area of this post to coordinate your group to walk or run. [Comments are moderated and will show up asap.]

We're also in Twitter.

Stay tuned for more details about Cycling. Here's one shot from last year's SSDD:

"Save Lives on Shore Drive" Facebook group

Save Lives on Shore Drive at Facebook:

This is a page created for Save Lives on Shore Drive. It is made up of family and friends of the pedestrians who lost their lives on Shore Drive, as well as citizens who believe in this cause.

There are 226 Members at the time of this post.

Kokoamos June 24th - Support "Increase Pedestrian Safety on Shore Drive"

From the Facebook group:

Kokoamos
2100 Marina Shores Drive
off Great Neck Road

It's time to celebrate!! Pease come out and help support Save Lives on Shore Drive. We've already got the speed limit lowered lets see what else we can accomplish when we work together! So this Thursday from 6-10 please come by!

For more information there is another page on facebook called Save Lives On Shore Drive.


Music by JACKMOVE!

FHA's 2009 National Household Travel Survey shows that both bicycling and walking trips have increased by 25 percent since 2001.

Can you imagine how much it will increase thanks to 35?

How about when there's bike lanes and multi-use paths on all of Shore Drive?

More about FHA's report at The Hampton Roads Cyclist:

“This report demonstrates what we’ve been saying here at the Department,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “Americans want and need safe alternatives to driving. And by making biking and walking safer and more accessible, we’ll be able to provide Americans with more choices and help foster more active, livable communities.”

"The speed limit decision is one part of a three-step process to improve safety on Shore Drive."

The title of this post is at the WAVY.com article.

Another interesting bit in the article:

The city hopes the new speed limit will encourage drivers to yield to people trying to cross the road.

From yesterday:

It's the end of the world as we know it

35!

NRVBike.com added to our Elsewhere Link List

The New River Valley Bicycle Association:

The New River Valley Bicycle Association (NRVBA) is an organization representing cyclists in Floyd, Giles, Montgomery and Pulaski counties and the City of Radford. Our job is to make sure your communities are places where it is friendly and enjoyable for everyone to bike.

"Bike Norfolk is a coalition of cycling clubs and organizations from in and around Norfolk"

Please consider joining them in Facebook:

...dedicated to promoting safe road, mountain, commuter, and recreational cycling in the region.

"Lowering your speed by 5 mph when traveling at 35 to 45 mph will boost fuel economy as much as 10 percent, according to [the GAO]."

At Wired's Autopia blog article entitled Slow Down and Spare the Planet:

Photo: Library of Congress. In Washington, D.C., speed limits went from 40 mph to 35 within 24 hours of the Baruch Rubber Investigating Committee recommending lower speeds nationwide in September, 1942.

It's worth clicking just for the photo if you don't have time to read the article and PDF.

VB Judge allows Red Light Camera's use against Driver "in connection with the hit and run of a bicyclist"

From Pilotonline.com:

On the night of March 15, police arrived at the 800 block of S. Military Highway to find a 52-year-old bicyclist with broken bones, cuts, and bruising, according to a police news release.

The bicyclist told police that he was riding south on the road when he was struck by a pickup truck. The suspect then fled the scene.

Friday Pilot Editorial in support of 35

Editorial in the Pilot for Friday June 11th:

The vote last week was the fastest and least expensive way to make the four-lane road less deadly, and the council, lately a sharply divided group, was smart to speak in a united voice.

[Note: This Editor believes it is absurd that some people have written that they think this was a negative decision and a 25 MPH Speed Limit is next. Also, when the data is made public, people will see drunks crossing Shore Drive was never the issue. Speed, driving distracted, poor decision making and more all contributed. Finally - killing the image that Shore Drive is an interstate needed to die. Not more people. If you don't want to help make Shore Drive safer - go around.]

"Learn to bike safely and effectively in local traffic conditions. Course is a combination of classroom sessions, parking lot drills, and [more]"

More at League of American Bicyclists:

To register for this course, contact:

Bruce Drees
Phone: 757-647-3987
Contact Email: hrcyclist@cox.net
Website: www.hrcyclist.info

Signup required in advance? Yes
Special signup instructions: Please contact the instructor at hrcyclist@cox.net to reserve your seat today!

Equipment required: bicycle, bike helmet

Thanks to Cathy for ending HearSay today mentioning SSDD

In case you missed Hearsay's Show today, you can catch their Podcast.

About today's show.

What is Share Shore Drive Day?

A day of safety and sharing for everyone including pedestrians and cyclists who travel Shore Drive.

To promote and further the multimodal designation and safe use of Shore Drive throughout the year.

To remember those who've been injured and lost while traveling Shore Drive.

35 in two weeks

Thank you to all who've help make this possible.

Pilotonline.com:

After weeks years of butting heads with city traffic engineers, neighborhood activists and those who lost loved ones on Shore Drive got what they wanted: a lower speed limit.

At The Hampton Roads Cyclist:

Lowering the speed limit will help in at least two ways: 1) it will give all users of Shore Drive a little bit of extra time to see and safely respond to each other, and 2) when something does go wrong the chances of a fatal outcome will be reduced (see motor vehicle fatality rates).

HearSay on June 3rd has show on Bike Culture with Weiss, Drees & Cheney

Tune in June 3rd at noon to listen and call in:

Thursday, June 3
Bike Culture
The United States was an early adopter of "car culture". With increased awareness of carbon footprints on the rise some are turning to a simpler mode of transportation - bikes. Today we'll talk about the intersection of car and bike culture both nationally and locally. Guests: Eben Weiss, author of 'Bike Snob: Systematically and Mercilessly Realigning the World of Cycling', Bruce Drees, a Hampton Roads bicycling advocate who is a League of American Bicyclists Cycling Instructor and Wes Cheney who writes about bicycling in Hampton Roads for the Alt Daily.

http://www.tbarides.org/
http://www.bikeleague.org
http://www.altdaily.com/
http://fotobywes.blogspot.com/
http://www.bikesnobnyc.blogspot.com/

They missed Bruce's site http://www.hrcyclist.info/ !

Op-Ed in Pilot entitled Slow down on Shore Drive

Read and comment at Pilotonline.com:

In the past four years, as The Pilot's Aaron Applegate reported recently, five more people have died walking along or across Shore Drive. Alcohol was a factor in some of those deaths but not all. A veteran cyclist was killed there during a ride at dawn last April.

Join the conversation at Envision Transportation

Envision Transportation in Hampton Roads:

The Hampton Roads Center for Civic Engagement, in partnership with the City of Virginia Beach has started a new public conversation about transportation possibilities and their far-reaching impacts.

This project combines the power of visual imagery, new means of information distribution, and the extraordinary value of involving the community in imagining its transportation future.
During the process, citizens will have opportunities to outline future choices and express their preferences.

Engineer recently quoted in article about Shore Drive has Op-Ed in Pilot

At Pilotonline.com:

I deeply sympathize with the friends and families who have lost loved ones on Shore Drive in recent years. If it is determined that reducing the speed limit will help solve the problem, we can do it. If there is a better approach, we will do that, too. I am committed to making Shore Drive, as well as the rest of the roads in Virginia Beach, safer for everyone.

"LaHood turned transportation policy on its head with a declaration that pedestrians and cyclists should be treated as equals with drivers."

Listen, comment, read transcripts at NPR.org:

In March, Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood drew both praise and derision when he declared that from now on bicyclists and pedestrians would get the same priority as cars and trucks, much of the latter from the trucking industry. Then came news this week that four House Republicans signed on with Democrats to a letter that lauds the policy change.

3 Letters to the Editor at Pilotonline.com about Shore Drive

You can read and comment at each link. If you prefer not to Register at the Pilotonline.com, you can also comment at this post.

• 25 mph at night, 45 day
• No more Shore Drive bars
• No harm in cutting speed

Va Pilot article about Shore Drive safety in Sunday's paper

Read, comment, and answer poll at Pilotonline.com article:

They're planning events at Shore Drive restaurants to raise awareness, flooding the City Council with e-mails, making rubber bracelets that will say "Save Lives on Shore Drive," and hoping to print cocktail napkins for restaurants cautioning patrons of the road's danger.

Related at SDCC.info.

League of American Bicyclists has announced their Bicycle Friendly State rankings for 2010 - Virginia Ranks 50th in Enforcement

According to VBF, Virginia moved up from 23rd, to 18th in overall rankings:

We’re still awaiting details of these rankings, and we’ll report that information when we get it. But being dead last in “Enforcement” means that we definitely have some work to do!

What do a banker, a doctor, an electrical engineer, a hospital administrator, and a college professor have in common?

They like Chick’s Oyster Bar and Shore Drive.

Check out the story about the cyclists who rode 1,000 miles around the bay at HRCyclist.info.

Update on Save Lives on Shore Drive Thursday June 3rd Event

From Erin, one of the organizers:

Thank you everyone for posting this cause on your page! We have so many people confirmed that we will also be at Bayside Bar and Grill on Shore Dr. (the old Offshore) We will also have DJs at both locations and a shuttle bus to keep everyone safe!!

The Event Listing in Facebook.

I promise to drive undistracted. I promise to walk wisely. I promise to cycle safely.

You can do it.

Complete Streets Best Practices Report is out

From the National Campaign Complete Streets about this report:

A few of the case studies really stand out; their thoughtful and thorough implementation practices can almost be a guide unto themselves. Charlotte, North Carolina (already the basis for our Complete Streets Workshop system) is one of these, as is Seattle, Washington. In fact, Seattle has come up with an elegant answer to the frequent question of what to do when a project budget simply won’t allow full realization of a Complete Streets design. In Seattle, they make sure that this need is added to a future projects list, and they look for ways to fulfill it.

Perhaps the most inspiring theme in the publication is the way that Complete Streets policies have empowered planners and engineers to tackle a new challenge with creativity and innovation. In almost every case study, planners and engineers have invented new ways to consult with partners, deal with limited right-of-way, and save on costs.

From their sneek peek PDF Chapter Five: Making the Transition:

Chapter 3: Elements of a Complete Streets Policy............. 23

Case Studies
Decatur, Georgia ................................................................ 25
Oregon................................................................................ 28
Virginia Department of Transportation ................... 30
Arlington County, Virginia ................................................ 32
Roanoke, Virginia............................................................... 33

Complete Streets is also endorsed by Let's Move, the White House task force to end childhood obesity in one generation:

A complete network of safe bicycle and pedestrian facilities would allow children to take more trips through active transportation and get more physical activity. New Federal aid construction projects should accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians by incorporating “Complete Streets” principles.

In-roadway warning light system and where it's used to increase safety for pedestrians

One example of their use in Virginia from Traffic Safety Corporation:

Crosswalk Warning Light System Improves Safety for Students at Virginia Tech University
The four-lane road running through Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, VA presented a safety challenge to the University. Use of a traffic signal was out of the question because the site didn't meet necessary requirements. A ten-light crosswalk lighting system from TSC provided the perfect solution to improving student safety.

Thanks to Carol for the tip.

Ft Story officially restricted to Military ID carrying cyclists/pedestrains only

From Pilotonline.com:

Three historic areas on the base will remain open to the public, Mohr said, including to bicyclists: Cape Henry Lighthouse, the adjacent memorial park and the historic villages.

Previously here.

Thanks to OceanCity.com for following our Twitter feed!

OceanCity.com:

OceanCity.com boasts the largest, most active online community dedicated to all things Ocean City. Find a wealth of traveler and local tips.

Undoubtedly travelers who visit Ocean City also visit Virginia Beach and this will allow SSDD to reach out to those travelers to share Shore Drive a little safer.

Thanks OceanCity.com!

One more safer driver for SD- an email exchange

Email from me:

please do not speed on shore drive

especially at night when it's raining.

you might not have realized it but you flew past me like i was parked a few minutes ago.

thank you.

The reply:

Sorry Tim, not an excuse, but it had been long day. Didn't realize I was speeding, that being the case, obviously I wasn't paying proper attention. Thanks for the reminder!

Sincerely,

XXXXXX

This person was driving a vehicle with their website, business, etc posted all over it.
I assumed they didn't realize how fast they were driving so I emailed them.

Please - everyone share the road safely!

Battling childhood obesity

From Hampton Roads Cyclist:

“Solving the Problem of Childhood Obesity Within a Generation” is a sobering report to say the least.

From CDC Transportation Recommendations:

# Physical activity and active transportation have declined compared to previous generations. The lack of physical activity is a major contributor to the steady rise in rates of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, stroke and other chronic health conditions in the United States.
# Motor vehicle crashes continue to be the leading cause of injury-related death for many age groups. Pedestrians and bicyclists are at an even greater risk of death from crashes than those who travel by motor vehicles.
# Many Americans view walking and bicycling within their communities as unsafe because of traffic and the lack of sidewalks, crosswalks, and bicycle facilities.

WalkingInfo.org, funded by FHWA, "Crossing the Street is Dangerous"

From walkinginfo.org:

The street crossing experience comes down to the behavior of the pedestrian and the motorist as well as the design of the intersection or crossing. The behavior of motorists (whether, and how, they stop for a pedestrian) is influenced by a variety of factors, including the speed at which they are traveling. A motorist traveling at a slower rate of speed has more time to see, react, and stop for a pedestrian than someone who is going fast.

The article includes several sections about how to improve roads:

• Improve crossing visibility
• More than a marked crosswalk may be needed
• Intersections with existing traffic signals
• Intersections with existing STOP signs
• Locations without traffic signals or STOP signs
• Improvements to Marked Crosswalks
• Mark crosswalks with highly reflective material
• Raise the crossing above street level
• Narrow the roadway
• Improving signs and/or lights or signals in advance, or above the crosswalk
• Install or improve traffic signals

... and much more.

About WalkingInfo.org:

The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center (PBIC) is a national clearinghouse for information about health and safety, engineering, advocacy, education, enforcement, access, and mobility for pedestrians (including transit users) and bicyclists. The PBIC serves anyone interested in pedestrian and bicycle issues, including planners, engineers, private citizens, advocates, educators, police enforcement, and the health community.

The site is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, FHWA.

We've put WalkingInfo.org in our list of Elsewhere links as it's a terrific resource to improve sharing the road safely.

A community service idea driven by people's actions

Inspired by a call to accountability and a recent court decision where a driver was found guilty of their infractions, yet was only given driver training comes an idea a Judge can require.

Community service for all offenders that have moving violations while driving, public intoxication, etc.

How would it work?

If someone is found guilty, pleads guilty, pays the fine - guilty - for any moving violation on Shore Drive or roads intersecting it, they are also required to perform "x" number of hours of community service on top of retaking driver training classes.

Community service based on best practices so they are performed safely :

1. Perform crossing guard duties. [As in, helping adults not children at schools, safely cross SD.
   
2. Speak at Churches, as example, or where requested about a program that encourages safe sharing of SD & the info on how to do that.
   
3. Attend certified cycling training and help spread the word about the importance of safe cycling.

Those are but 3 examples of community service people who violate certain laws would be required to perform.

Post your ideas in the comment section below to continue this idea.

Please come out to CP Shuckers to Save Lives on Shore Drive on Thursday, June 3 from 6-10 to support those who have lost their lives and to save lives

You can check out more at the Facebook Event page:

Date: Thursday, June 3, 2010
Time: 6:00pm - 10:00pm
Location: CP Shuckers, Shore Drive

More events are planned to increase awareness to safely share Shore Drive.

Join us May 11th at 1pm at First Landing State Park for SDSI2010 Meeting

From Dave:

Shore Drive Safety Initiative 2010 meeting tomorrow, Tues 11 May at 1 PM to be held at First Landing State Park Visitor's Center. The Visitor's Center is located on the Chesapeake Bay side off of Shore Drive. Take your first left after entering park. The Conference room is located on the left side (south side) of the building past the office's main entrance. You should not be charged an entry fee if you mention that it is for a Shore Drive Community Coalition (SDCC) meeting. This meeting will serve as the initial framework for an action plan and time-line to improve the safety along more of Shore Drive for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. If all interested and concerned parties can combine their efforts towards achieving this goal, much can be accomplished.

I thank you ahead of time for your efforts on behalf of all our residents and visitors.

David Williams
Chairman SDSI 2010

From Pedsafe, Highway Design Handbook for Older Drivers & Pedestrians

See “Pedestrians most at risk”:

Moreover, some older pedestrians have diminished physical and visual abilities that make street crossings more challenging. In recent years, an emphasis has been placed on improving the design criteria used by engineers to ensure that the needs of all users are being met; the Highway Design Handbook for Older Drivers and Pedestrians is one resource.

Highway Design Handbook for Older Drivers and Pedestrians

The proportion of the population over age 65 is growing significantly. Older road users can be expected to have problems driving and as pedestrians, given the known changes in their perceptual, cognitive, and psychomotor performances, presenting many challenges to transportation engineers, who must ensure system safety while increasing operational efficiency.

This Highway Design Handbook for Older Drivers and Pedestrians provides practitioners with a practical information source that links older road user characteristics to highway design, operational, and traffic engineering recommendations by addressing specific roadway features. This Handbook supplements existing standards and guidelines in the areas of highway geometry, operations, and traffic control devices.

Military ID required to enter Fort Story even while cycling

Saw several emails with people being turned away without having Military ID.

"Ride of Silence" DATE: May 19, 2010 TIME: 7:00 pm WHERE: Hundreds of locations world wide

Please remember this as you drive, walk or ride - share the road safely.

Join cyclists worldwide in a silent slow-paced ride (max. 12 mph/20 kph) in honor of those who have been injured or killed while cycling on public roadways.
WHY DOES THIS ORGANIZATION EXIST?

* To HONOR those who have been injured or killed
* To RAISE AWARENESS that we are here
* To ask that we all SHARE THE ROAD

THE RIDE OF SILENCE WILL NOT BE QUIET

On May 19, 2010, at 7:00 PM, the Ride of Silence will begin in North America and roll across the globe. Cyclists will take to the roads in a silent procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. Although cyclists have a legal right to share the road with motorists, the motoring public often isn't aware of these rights, and sometimes not aware of the cyclists themselves.

In 2003, Chris Phelan organized the first Ride of Silence in Dallas after endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz was hit by the mirror of a passing bus and was killed.
The Ride of Silence is a free ride that asks its cyclists to ride no faster than 12 mph and remain silent during the ride. There are no sponsors and no registration fees. The ride, which is held during National Bike Month, aims to raise the awareness of motorists, police and city officials that cyclists have a legal right to the public roadways. The ride is also a chance to show respect for those who have been killed or injured.
If there is a Ride of Silence in your area, we encourage you to join them. If there is not a ride planned in your area, please consider adding your city to the ever-growing list of sites. For complete information, go to:

Click to go to "Ride of Silence" website

A 6 minute segment on abc affiliate WVEC-13 “Dialogue” program showcases our local May is Bike Month activities and bicycling

The program will air on Sunday, May 9th at 12 noon.

Many thanks to Sharon Oakley with Bike Beat for arranging this great opportunity!

Ride safely,

Bruce

p.s. find all of the Hampton Roads May is Bike Month activities on http://www.facebook.com/VAmayisbikemonth

~Bruce

WVEC covers "Increase Pedestrian Safety on Shore Drive" FB Group

From WVEC.com.
Hat tip from Cheri's post in the "Increase Pedestrian Safety on Shore Drive" FB Group.

"A pedestrian hit at 64.4 km/h (40 mi/h) has an 85 percent chance of being killed; at 48.3 km/h (30 mi/h), the likelihood goes down to 45 percent..."

Some data on pedestrian deaths in urban areas from PedSafe, A Federal Highway Administration program:

Pedestrian crashes occur most frequently in urban areas where pedestrian activity and traffic volumes are greater compared to rural areas...

In recent years, an emphasis has been placed on improving the design criteria used by engineers to ensure that the needs of all users are being met; the Highway Design Handbook for Older Drivers and Pedestrians is one resource...

Speeding is a major contributing factor in crashes of all types. In 2003, speeding was a contributing factor in 31 percent of all fatal crashes. one resource

From the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:

Speed influences the risk of crashes and crash injuries in three basic ways:

* It increases the distance a vehicle travels from the time a driver detects an emergency to the time the driver reacts.
* It increases the distance needed to stop a vehicle once an emergency is perceived.
* It increases the crash energy by the square of the speeds. When impact speed increases from 40 to 60 mph (a 50 percent increase), the energy that needs to be managed increases by 125 percent.

From Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles' Drivers Manual:

According to the Virginia Driver's Manual, cars on dry level pavement stopping distances are from 35mph - 135 ft, from 45mph - 195 ft and from 55mph - 265 ft.

Consider this, virtually all things being equal, driving 35mph from Northampton Blvd to First Landing State Park would take an additional 2.7 minutes.

OPCL has a Facebook Topic entitled "Speed Limit on Shore Drive"

Add to the discussion in Facebook.

Ocean Park Civic League, OPCL, website.

Review of 6 apps that stop cell phone use while driving

From NYTimes David Pogue review:

About half of all teenagers admit to texting while driving, for example, no matter how many statistics and horror stories we pass along to them.

So tech has created solutions:

There’s a new category of cellphone apps made just for this purpose: text blockers like iZup, tXtBlocker, CellSafety and ZoomSafer. When your car is in motion, they lock up your phone so you can’t text, call, e-mail or surf the Web.

Open Thread to discuss safely sharing Shore Drive

Please use comment link below.

Remember - you own your words.
Please keep comments related to Shore Drive only.

[Comments are moderated.]

"Increase Pedestrian Safety on Shore Drive" Facebook Group

Info about the group:

Name:
Increase Pedestrian Safety on Shore Drive
Category:
Common Interest - Politics
Description:
To many lives, young and old are lost on Shore Drive from pedestrian-vehicular accidents. A few months ago the city installed signs with flashing lights to warn drivers of pedestrian traffic, but they are not enough! Cross walks, and Traffic control devices MUST be installed ASAP! Please join this group before another innocent life is lost!
Privacy Type:
Open: All content is public.

As of the time of this post, there are 2,507 members.

How drivers see pedestrians

In rooting around on this topic, I came across some papers written by a hired gun PhD. One in particular stands out.

The author’s key points, some of which are commonly known: (the strength of his argument is how he quantifies and ties it all together)

-how even legal speeds can allow overdriving the distance that one is capable of seeing and avoiding for a pedestrian

-the effects of higher speeds at night and our ability to process what we see

-the role that age plays – those of us aged 50 and up detect pedestrians at substantially shorter distances than younger drivers (he quantifies it)

-how what we can process is zero sum- attention given to one thing comes at the expense of others

-the role of auto lighting: it’s designed to keep glare down for oncoming motorists, at the expense of spotting other things like pedestrians

-what our eyes see vs what the brain processes, especially at night; the role of contrast

-how we as pedestrians so badly under estimate a drivers ability to see us

-especially at night, one’s choice of where to cross a road is a critical factor in whether a driver will see you

-especially at night, one’s choice of clothing is a critical factor

-adverse factors such as rearview mirror posts, smoking, dirty headlights

-the role of alcohol and fatality rates (your risk of a crash after drinking and then walking is slightly higher (5x) than getting behind the wheel (4x)!) (importantly, it doesn’t take a legally defined staggering drunk to greatly increase ones risk)

So many things conspire to force both driver and walker into a death trap.

Thanks to Bruce for sharing this.

View Facebook Memorial Page, take Poll, & comment on article about Whitney Lynn Hulce

At Shore Drive Community Coalition's site.

Whitney Lynne Hulce, a pedestrian, was killed on Shore Drive Sunday morning

At SDCC.info here and here. Tragic.

In that one and half mile section of Shore Drive, officials say there have been more than one hundred crashes in the past two years.

Minneapolis Dethrones Portland As Bike-Friendliest City

From an article in Wired's Autopia filed under Infrastructure:

Portland’s fall to second place came despite the ambitious $600 million Portland Bicycle Plan 2030 that calls for nearly 700 miles of new bike trails within 20 years.

Also pretty amazing when you consider weather. Did you know, as an example, Minneapolis averages significantly more snowfall and a shorter biking "season" than Portland and Virginia Beach?

In case you are as curious as I was, all 3 cities are close to the same population size. From Wikipedia:

• Virginia Beach 433,746 pop.
• Minneapolis 390,131 pop.
• Portland 582,130 pop.

From Bicycling.com, America's Top 50 Bike Friendly Cities.
Tragically, none are in Virginia.

1st Annual 14m Virginia Beach Bridge Run - Friday, April 9th

Saw this from Greg in Facebook:

I won't be in town for next weekend's Great Dismal Swamp Stomp 1/2 Marathon, I've created my own event. The run will kick off from the Virginia Aquarium and end at Salty Seas (formerly Salty Dogs) 14 miles away. It will cross the Rudee Inlet Bridge, Great Neck Bridge, Old Great Neck Bridge, and Lesner Bridge, as well as traverse First Landing State Park's Long Creek Trail. Dinner and pints provided (for money) by Chick's Oyster Bar immediately following.

Email Greg to find out more at gregoryhersh at yahoo dot com.

Embedded map below should show route.

“This is the end of favoring motorized transportation at the expense of non-motorized.”

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood tweeted in reference to a new federal bike and pedestrian policy, which promises to, “Treat walking and bicycling as equals with other transportation modes.”

Hat tip VBF's article US Sec’y of Transportation at the Bike Summit.

Biking Directions added to Google Maps

From the Official Google Blog a few days ago:

Let's say you want to bike to work, or maybe you want to drive less and spend more time outdoors. Biking directions can help you find a convenient and efficient route that makes use of dedicated bike trails or lanes[.]

Hat tip Mashable.

Active Community Transportation Act, H.R.4722, introduced March 2nd

From Alliance for Biking and Walking:

Representative Earl Blumenauer introduced the Active Community Transportation Act, H.R.4722, on 3/2/10. This groundbreaking bill creates a competitive grant program with $2 Billion to help communities build bicycling and walking networks. For the first time, communities would be able to compete for multi-year funding to build active transportation systems, just as they do for transit and road infrastructure.

At OpenCongress.org:

To direct the Secretary of Transportation to carry out an active transportation investment program to encourage a mode shift to active transportation within selected communities by providing safe and convenient options to bicycle and walk for routine travel, and for other purposes.

At Congressman Blumenauer's site - Blumenauer ACTS to Make Active Transportation Safer, Easier, and More Accessible.

Hat tip to Virginia Bicycling Federation for info on H.R.4722.

Take the Pledge to drive safe - April 28th & everyday is Distracted Driving Awareness Day

From Drive Smart Virginia, info about how your behavior increases your chances of an accident & more:

Behavior	Increased Risk
Texting (illegal in Virginia)	23 times
Reaching for a moving object	9 times
Driving drowsy	4 times
Looking at an external object	3.7 times
Reading	3.4 times
Using a cell phone	4 times*
Applying makeup	3 times
Eating	1.6 times
Reaching for a non-moving object	1.4 times
Talking on hand-held phone	1.3 times

And:

Top 10 Tips to Minimize Your Distracted Driving

1. CHANGE YOUR WAYS and recognize the activities that distract you; such as eating, conversing on the phone, or changing a CD.
2. MAKE A PLAN. Get directions, study your route, check weather and road conditions. Make sure children are properly buckled up and occupied.
3. MANAGE YOUR TIME so that you do not have to multi-task or drive aggressively on the road.
4. DON’T LET YOUR DRIVE TIME BECOME YOUR DOWN TIME....

Please head to Drive Smart Virgina now and Take the Don't Drive Distracted Pledge.
"Companies" can become a partner too.

Digital Billboards, Diversions Drivers Can’t Escape is most emailed article in NYTimes Tech today

Obviously a hot topic for safety advocates.

From the NYTimes article:

Last Thursday, Michigan lawmakers held hearings on legislation, the first of its kind, that would impose a two-year moratorium on the construction of new billboards. Minnesota’s legislature is scheduled to hold hearings this month on a similar moratorium...

The Federal Highway Administration has been conducting a study, which it says will be completed this summer, that uses eye-trackers inside cars to see whether drivers who have volunteered for the study look at the digital billboards, and for how long. The agency also has organized a tour this spring to take researchers to various cities around the world to study how other nations are regulating digital billboards.

There's 119 comments at the time of this post.

Do you think LED Billboards on Shore Drive will be too much of a distraction?

A comment including links to various info showing LED Billboards are distracting at SDCC.info:

Electronic billboards attract attention and therefore distract drivers. The number one cause of accidents is distraction and the number one cause of distraction is an outside person, object or event (like a digital sign).

What do you think?

More at SDCC.info about LED Billboards.
Full disclosure: I am also an Editor at SDCC.info.

SB517 still alive would ban use of cell phones unless used in hands free mode

From Virginia Bicycling Federation:

…and one bill still alive that we have been supporting, which is SB517, Sen Norment’s (from Williamsburg) bill which would ban the use of cell phones by the drivers of moving vehicles, unless they are operated in hands free mode.

Virginia General Assembly Legislative Information System.
Direct link to SB 517 history as it moves through the process.

Recap of Legislative Session from Bruce Drees

Read the entire recap at Virginia Bicycling Federation - Three Feet to Pass — Why Such Resistance?:

These changes were spurred by a desire to bring state code in line with contemporary safe separation practices. In addition, we had hoped to make some progress in addressing incidents in recent years where Virginia’s criminal justice system turned its back on us. If you think that running over a bicyclist or pedestrian is illegal in Virginia, think again.

And:

Here are some of the objections raised, with my response to each:

“Bicyclists are often law breakers, unworthy of any added protection under the law.”

And:

“Bicyclists should police themselves before coming in asking for added legal protections.”

HB1048 was to add a 3 foot passing rule & make it illegal to tail gate a bicycle:

The bill was supported by the City of Virginia Beach, Fairfax Country, Drive Smart, VA Motorcycle Dealers Assn and others. It was not opposed in person by any group in either of the committee or subcommittee hearings. In a separate action, the Senate voted 40Y-0N the week before to approve the 3 ft passing law change provided in SB566.

View the vote tally at The Hampton Roads Cyclist.

HB 1048, Three Foot Passing & Following Too Closely FAILED by a 54 – 43 vote

From Pilotonline.com article:

Del. John Cosgrove, R-Chesapeake, countered that the measure would force motorists into the oncoming lane, making the roads less safe.

“Will there be a 4-foot bill next year?” he asked. “We’re just looking for trouble here.”

From Virginia Bicycling Federation:

As soon as the roll call voting is posted I will forward it along and will urge everyone to contact their delegates expressing disappointment if they voted Nay and thanking them if they voted For the bill.

House Trans Com passing of 3ft law article at Pilotonline.com update

The discussion at the article includes 45 comments as of the time of this post.

They include:

Proper legislation and law enforcement for both drivers and cyclists will encourage us all to share the road.

The point is to recognize a safe passing distance between a car and a bike.

The issue at hand is that this area needs more transportation options than private motor vehicles.

We've lost sight of commom sense and decency toward each other. We're all in such a hurry to get - where? Where is the emergency? Why can't we all just share the road?

Increased education for both cyclists and motorists is also required to help diffuse tensions. Starting with an extra foot of space is not going to kill anyone, in fact, it may save a life.

"Currently, there are 16 states that have passed a law requiring motorists give cyclists three feet when passing. Safety is the number one reason for passing this law. The law protects both cyclists and motorists."

To continue the discussion, please visit the article at Pilotonline.com , use the Comment area below, or use @shareshoredrive at Twitter.

House to vote on HB1048 / 3 Foot Passing, please contact your Legislator to support

From Virginia Bicycling Federation:

The strongest anti-cycling sentiment was expressed by Del. Cosgrove of Chesapeake, Del. Knight of Virginia Beach, who clearly voted against the bill, along with Del. Villanueva of Va Beach, even though the representative of that City and Bruce Drees of the Tidewater Bicycling Assn. both spoke in favor of it.

Now its on to the Full House floor (either on Saturday or Monday), where Chairman Joe May of Loudon (who also appeared to vote against the bill) wished our patron, Kaye Kory, a good-natured “Good luck on the floor” after he announced the result of the voting.

Now, we need EVERYONE to contact their delegate. If you don’t know who it is, you can find out at the VA General Assembly’s Who’s My Legislator page…

http://conview.state.va.us/whosmy.nsf/main?openform

House Transportation Committee approves 3 foot rule

Great news!

From Pilotoline.com coverage:

After hearing testimony that 11 bicyclists were killed in crashes with cars last year, the House Transportation Committee approved a bill this morning to increase the required clearance when passing a bicycle from 2 to 3 feet.

And:

One committee member, Del. Barry Knight, R-Virginia Beach, suggested that “bicyclists ought to police themselves.”

3 Foot Passing rule moves to full House Transportation Committee

More information at VBF's site including contact info for Legislators:

HB 1048 Three Foot Passing was reported out of House Transportation Sub Comm 2 this morning by a 4-2 vote, with only Del. Garrett & Chairman Carrico voting against, and Rust absent. All of the discussion had to do with the 3 foot passing section; the following too closely section did not attract any attention.

Additional info about the importance of this legislation:

This bill would help educate motor vehicle drivers to pass the drivers of any non-motorized vehicle (including a bicycle) with a wider margin of error and thereby reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries to these legal and legitimate road users.

Join us June 12th for this year's Share Shore Drive Day

Much more info to follow.

Please consider donating to The Daniel Wayne Hersh Memorial Fund at VBF:

VBF will dedicate these funds for bicycling education initiatives within Virginia–targeting motorists, law enforcement personnel, and/or bicyclists–with the goal of decreasing the incidence of future bicycling tragedies within our state.

VA Senate passes Bill requiring motorists to pass a bike by at least 3 feet

Full Senate passed SB566, the 3 foot passing Bill, yesterday by a 40 - 0 vote. Now the bill takes a week off, & crosses over to House Transportation during the week of 2/15.

SB566 at Richmond Sunlight:

Description

Careless driving; following too closely; passing other vehicles. Creates the offense of careless driving as a Class 3 misdemeanor. The bill also adds bicycles, electric personal assistive mobility devices, electric power-assisted bicycles, and mopeds to the list of vehicles that the driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow more closely than is reasonable. Also increases passing distance from two to three feet.

You can also follow the history of the Bill there too.

Virginia Bicycle and Pedestrian Awareness Week 2010 is in September

From BikeWalk Virginia:

In 2009 BikeWalk Virginia partnered with Drive Smart Virginia and DMV to promote the first awareness week specific to bike and pedestrian safety.

We've excited to announce that the initiative will continue in 2010. The second annual awareness week will take place September 12-18, 2010. Look for opportunities to partner and spread the message in your community.

Support Virginia's SB 566

Action alert from Virginia Cycling Federation:

“Three feet to pass” laws are gaining steam nationwide. At least 14 states have enacted them so far, with more on the way.

And:

If your legislator is on the Senate Transportation Committee, please email or call them tonight, or first thing in the morning, and tell them to support SB 566.

DOT does the right thing and bans texting for commercial drivers

From their Press Release yesterday:

U.S Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced federal guidance to expressly prohibit texting by drivers of commercial vehicles such as large trucks and buses. The prohibition is effective immediately and is the latest in a series of actions taken by the Department to combat distracted driving since the Secretary convened a national summit on the issue last September.

And:

FMCSA research shows that drivers who send and receive text messages take their eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds out of every 6 seconds while texting. At 55 miles per hour, this means that the driver is traveling the length of a football field, including the end zones, without looking at the road.

Legislative Update for Virginia, Bills friendly to pedestrians & cyclists

From BikeWalk Virginia:

Several bills have been pre-filed in the Virginia Legislature which are important to bicyclists, pedestrians and trail users. Legislators are in session now. Please contact them right away on these critical topics. Continuous legislative updates can be viewed http://www.vabike.org/

BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN LAWS

SENATE BILL NO. 228 Offered January 13, 2010 Prefiled January 13, 2010

A BILL to amend and reenact § 46.2-924 of the Code of Virginia, relating to pedestrians crossing highways.

Patron-- Barker

Referred to Committee on Transportation

Summary: Drivers to stop for pedestrians; installation of certain signs; penalty. (Bicycles are vehicles.)

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?101+ful+HB1048

HOUSE BILL NO. 1048 Offered January 13, 2010 Prefiled January 13, 2010
A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 46.2-816, 46.2-838, and 46.2-839 of the Code of Virginia, relating to following too closely and passing other vehicles.
Patron-- Kory
Referred to Committee on Transportation

Summary: following too close, passing bicycles by three feet.

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?101+ful+SB566
SENATE BILL NO. 566 Offered January 13, 2010 Prefiled January 13, 2010A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 46.2-816, 46.2-838, and 46.2-839 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Article 7 of Chapter 8 of Title 46.2 a section numbered 46.2-869.1, relating to motor vehicle offenses; penalties. (following too close, passing by three feet and careless driving)
Patron-- Ticer
Referred to Committee on Transportation

Summary: Relating to following too close, passing bicycles by three feet and careless driving. The careless driving portion will probably be dropped.

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?101+ful+HB752
HOUSE BILL NO. 752 Offered January 13, 2010 Prefiled January 12, 2010
A BILL to amend and reenact § 46.2-833 of the Code of Virginia, relating to traffic lights. (allows bicycles and motorcycles to proceed on red when traffic lights fail to respond to sensors.)
Patrons-- Greason and Janis
Referred to Committee on Transportation

Summary: Bicyclist allowed to run red light if safe and wait is greater than 120 seconds.

HOUSE BILL NO. 22 Offered January 13, 2010 Prefiled December 16, 2009
A BILL to amend and reenact § 46.2-1078.1 of the Code of Virginia, relating to use of handheld personal communications devices while operating certain vehiclesPatron-- Howell, A.T.
Referred to Committee on Militia, Police and Public Safety

Summary: Includes bicyclist using handheld communications devices while operating a bicycle.

Failed in House Militia, Police & Public Safety Sub-Committee on 1/21/2010

Summary: Forbids use of personal communications devices (cell phones) while driving.

SAFETY

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?101+ful+SB200
SENATE BILL NO. 200 Offered January 13, 2010 Prefiled January 12, 2010
A BILL to require installation of rumble strips on highways in the Commonwealth having speed limits of at least 55 miles per hour.
Patron-- Blevins (By Request)
Referred to Committee on Transportation

Summary: Installation of rumble strips. Rumble strips shall be installed on the sides of those highways in the Commonwealth with speed limits of at least 55 miles per hour.

TRAILS

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?101+ful+HB845
HOUSE BILL NO. 845 Offered January 13, 2010 Prefiled January 13, 2010
A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Article 13 of Chapter 3 of Title 58.1 a section numbered 58.1-439.12:03, relating to individual and corporate income tax credit, related to certain easements.
Patron-- Morefield
Referred to Committee on Finance

Summary: Tax credit for granting certain easements on real property.

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?101+ful+HB1186
HOUSE BILL NO. 1186 Offered January 13, 2010 Prefiled January 13, 2010A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Article 13 of Chapter 3 of Title 58.1 a section numbered 58.1-439.12:03, relating to individual and corporate income tax credit, related to certain easements.
Patron-- Phillips
Referred to Committee on Finance
Summary: Tax credit for granting certain easements on real property.

PLANNING

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?101+ful+HJ119
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 119 Offered January 13, 2010 Prefiled January 13, 2010
Establishing a joint subcommittee to study the creation of a U.S. Route 1 Corridor. Report.
Patrons-- Surovell, Brink, Englin and Torian; Senators: Puller and Ticer
Referred to Committee on Rules

Summary: US Bicycle Route 1 uses this corridor.

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?101+ful+HB95
HOUSE BILL NO. 95 Offered January 13, 2010 Prefiled January 5, 2010
A BILL to amend and reenact § 33.1-70.3 of the Code of Virginia, relating to taking new streets into the state secondary highway system.
Patron-- Loupassi
Referred to Committee on Transportation

Summary: Requirements to ensure the connectivity of road and pedestrian networks with the existing and future transportation network

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?101+ful+HB197
HOUSE BILL NO. 197 Offered January 13, 2010 Prefiled January 7, 2010
A BILL to amend and reenact § 33.1-70.3 of the Code of Virginia, relating to taking new streets into the state secondary highway system.
Patron-- Ware, R.L.
Referred to Committee on Transportation

Summary: Requirements to ensure the connectivity of road and pedestrian networks with the existing and future transportation network

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?101+ful+HB222
HOUSE BILL NO. 222 Offered January 13, 2010
Prefiled January 11, 2010A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 33.1-69.001, relating to design standards for state secondary highway system components.
Patrons-- Watts, Bulova, Herring, Keam, Kory, Plum, Scott, J.M., Sickles and Surovell; Senators: Barker, Howell, Petersen and Ticer
Referred to Committee on Transportation

Summary: Bicycles are not included in accommodations.

LANDOWNER LIABILITY FOR TRAILS

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?101+ful+SB546
SENATE BILL NO. 546 Offered January 13, 2010 Prefiled January 13, 2010
A BILL to amend and reenact § 29.1-509 of the Code of Virginia, relating to landowner liability arising from recreational activities; railroad rights-of-way.
Patron-- Edwards
Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources

Summary: Landowner liability arising from recreational activities; railroad rights-of-way.* Ensures that railroad rights-of-way may be used for recreational purposes and for access to lands being used for recreational purposes without the easement holder owing a duty of care to the user. This exemption from civil liability already exists for landowners, but does not explicitly include railroad rights-of-way. The exemption does not apply if the landowner charges a fee for the use of the lands and does include gross negligence or willful or malicious failure to guard or warn against a dangerous condition.

BILLS THAT MAY EFFECT BICYCLIST INDIRECTLY OR BE EXPANDED LATER

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?101+ful+HB163
HOUSE BILL NO. 163 Offered January 13, 2010 Prefiled January 5, 2010
A BILL to amend and reenact § 46.2-857 of the Code of Virginia, relating to driving abreast in a single lane.
Patron-- Orrock
Referred to Committee on Transportation

Summary: Motor vehicles passing in the same lane (including motorcycles.)

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?101+ful+SB321

SENATE BILL NO. 321 Offered January 13, 2010 Prefiled January 12, 2010

A BILL to amend and reenact § 46.2-857 of the Code of Virginia, relating to driving two abreast in a single lane.
Patrons-- Reynolds; Delegates: Armstrong and Merricks
Referred to Committee on Transportation
Summary: Motor vehicles passing in the same lane (including motorcycles.)