Last SSDD was in 2010

Please visit www.SDCC.info, the Shore Drive Community Coalition website.

SSDD2010 July 17th

Thanks to everyone who participated.

With your help, we've made sharing Shore Drive a little safer.

+ blog starts below +

7.30.2009

John Streit's article about speed limit change in the Beacon today

The change comes after increased activism from groups such as the Shore Drive Community Coalition and local civic leagues, as well as July 11’s Share Shore Drive Day awareness bike ride.
Head to SDCC.info to check out article.

7.28.2009

Sharing is far more important than multi-tasking

A 2003 DOT study just released shows how dangerous multi-tasking is while driving.

NYTimes article about just released data plus link to official "buried" report.

“We nevertheless have concluded that the use of cellphones while driving has contributed to an increasing number of crashes, injuries and fatalities,” according to a “talking points” memo the researchers compiled in July 2003.

It added: “We therefore recommend that the drivers not use wireless communication devices, including text messaging systems, when driving, except in an emergency.”
Certainly something to think about as you are sharing the road whether you are walking, cycling or driving. Maybe banning all cell phone use on Shore Drive would increase safety. What do you think?

7.26.2009

First pics from Tour de Virginia Beach

What did you do today to advocate adding bike lanes to Shore Drive?

Nathan, 11, rode with his dad & us from Kokoamos, to Shore Drive, Ocean Front, First Colonial, Great Neck back to Kokoamos. Max, Peanut & a couple hundred of their friends joined them. Special thanks to the Virginia Beach Police Department.
See ya next time!



154 pics in a different slideshow posted, unedited. Video coming too.

7.24.2009

Be interviewed at Tour de Virginia Beach

Let your voice be heard!

Before, safely during & after there will be opportunities for you to be on video or if you prefer, audio only to share your voice to the conversation of adding bike lanes, sharing the road & the importance of riding, running & walking safely.

Media will be there as well.

See ya Sunday!

There could be some surprises for ya too.

7.23.2009

New addition to our Elsewhere Links, The Hampton Roads Cyclist

Check out The Hampton Roads Cyclist to view:
...information about bicycling in the southeastern Virginia region. Whether you are a resident or a visitor to our area, you will find information concerning points of interest, advocacy, and local conditions affecting bike safety. The focus is mainly on south side Hampton Roads, with extensions into newsworthy topics over on the peninsula.
Elsewhere Links to right column, over there > > >

Some of you leaving Kokoamos at SSDD 1

7.22.2009

WAVY, WVEC & Pilot coverage of lower speed limit on Shore Drive

From Pilotonline.com, one comment sez:
In lieu of having patrols every 1/4 mile, lowering the speed limit is but one option in forcing people to drive in a safe manner. I drive both Shore Dr. and N. Great Neck Rd frequently; most drivers are hurtling down the road at 55...some morons go faster, weaving in and out of the two lanes of traffic. Since people cannot police themselves, the powers that be do it for them. And no, I don't ride a bike, nor do I own one.
"16 or 20 seconds is nothing." ~ Bill DeSteph



Check out WVEC coverage & comment.
Check out WAVY coverage & comment.
SDCC.info Topic Shore Drive Safety Issues.

7.21.2009

FAQ on July 26th Ride

From Bill DeSteph:
1) There is no cost at all.
2) This is an awareness ride. Not a race.
3) There will be 3 groups setting paces.
4) This is a fun ride.
5) You may want to get there at 0730. The ride will leave between 0800 and 0815.
6) Food is free at Kokomos.
7) There will be no adult beverages served.
8) The ride is ok for beach cruisers as well as race bikes. There will be multiple paces set.
9) There will be City employees there to answer questions before and after the ride.
Printable flier & original post.

Bill Hart on WAGM-TV Channel 8 in Maine

Our very own Bill Hart, organizer of the First Share Shore Drive Day was on TV today in Maine where he's cycling with his son.
The group is from the Merrymeeting Wheelers Bicycle Club on the group's annual tour.
Watch the 3 minute vid at WAGMTV.com.

Super awesome coolio!

3 5 m p h !

Thank you!

Hit www.sdcc.info to learn more.

You travelers for Tour de VB get a discount at VB Resort Hotel

Stacey, GM, invites you stay in a suite for the Tour de Virginia Beach rate (which is $151 plus taxes).

The Resort Hotel is a short stroll by bike or walk to Kokoamos.

Virginia Beach Resort Hotel
2800 Shore Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
757-481-9000
800-468-2722

Check Virginia Beach Resort Hotel & Conference Center online.


View Larger Map

7.19.2009

Tour de VB Sunday July 26th starts at Kokoamos & heads down Shore Drive

Councilman Bill DeSteph has set up:

Tour de VB this coming Sunday, July 26th.

Start at Kokoamos, head to Shore Drive passing First Landing State Park to Laskin Road... check details below:


TourdeVB

Some of you from July 11th Long Ride.

SSDD177
Join us this Sunday July 26th at Kokoamos.

7.18.2009

One weekaversary of SSDD 1

Sharing Shore Drive on July 11th was fun. Above all, it was safe. Thanks to all who have tragically inspired it, helped make it happen, participated & got the word out about it. I apologize in advance for undoubtedly missing some folks:
Virginia Beach Police Department
Bill Hart
Virginia Bicycling Federation
Tidewater Bicycling Association
Aimee at Kokoamos
Jim at Final Kick Sports
Fred at First Landing State Park
Whatstherename at Little Creek NAB
Stacey at VB Resort Hotel
Luis at Starbucks
Bill DeSteph
Joe Bouchard
Steve
Bruce
Wes Cheney
Matt
Dave
Chris Groffman
Greg
Area Bike Shops
Kathy Adams
Shawn Day
WTKR
Virginian-Pilot
Taste Unlimited
Starbucks
WAVY camera crew
John Streit
Mr. Daniel Hersh & others who've been tragically killed & injured on Shore Drive. We're determined to make Shore Drive the safest road in the city.
The Purpose of SSDD 1:
The purpose of this ride is to call attention to the need to cycle safely, to have all users of Shore Drive share it safely, to emphasize the need for bicycle lanes on the roadway, and to advocate for more equitable treatment for bicyclists in bicycle-motor vehicle crashes. Read more.
Help us on future events, please use Contact Us links in right column or Comment below.

Mark your calendar for Columbus Day Weekend.

7.16.2009

What you get if you subscribe by email

You can subscribe to this blog using your email or RSS feeds.
Please subscribe over there in right column >

Here's a partial screen shot of what you'll see in your email:



Shore Drive Safety Initiative 2009 seeking feedback

SDSI 2009, a link about it at SDCC.info, is looking into making it safer to share Shore Drive in Cape Story & Cape Henry Shores Area.

Use comment area below, even anonymously, to provide feedback, ask questions, & discuss the best ways to share this area.

More about this initiative:
This safety effort started with some local residents, gained area support and traveled up through the offices of Vice Mayor Jones, Councilman Wood, and Councilman DeSteph who have collectively brought it into the light of city government and into the view of Mayor Sessoms. It is just such a great feeling to know that local government still works and responds with some efforts and some organization. We, the people, will get there safely.
Read entire article by Mr. David Williams.

7.15.2009

Thanks to VBF for coverage of the First Share Shore Drive Day

Check out the Virginia Bicycling Federation.
View their feeds in the right column >

Donate/Join VBF.
We work to change public policy and community attitudes, to improve the safety, convenience, and acceptance of bicycling.

Sharing the Road in Virginia

From Sharing the Road in Virginia:
By walking or riding a bicycle instead of driving a motor vehicle, the Commonwealth of Virginia’s citizens reduce traffic congestion, road wear and tear, and the need for more roads and parking. When motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians know the rules and respect others’ rights and responsibilities, everyone can share the road safely.
It's an excellent resource with info including Know the Law, See & Be Seen, Links & much more.
Consulting this web site is a good place to start learning the rules and the most common safety practices for sharing Virginia’s roadways with all types of travelers.
Added to our list of links in right column under Elsewhere.

Some stills from Chris Groffman

Several stills pulled from video taken on July 11th by Chris Groffman. Please note, these were pulled unedited from video taken in our chase car & at Kokoamos.

Wait til you see the flick!







Have photos, video or anything you want to share?
Shoot us an email, in Flickr join the Share Shore Drive Group, or tag your photos/vid shareshoredrive & use #shareshoredrive in Twitter.

Much more coming soon.
Wanna help? Use email links in right column or comment below.

Please share so this doesn't happen again:

7.14.2009

Shore Drive Safety Initiative 2009 Meeting

The 2nd meeting of City officials & concerned neighbors looking for ways to make it easier for everyone to share Shore Drive.

A recent hit & run involving a cyclist

Forwarded to us in email. Please, share your story.

Great seeing you at the bike[Share Shore Drive Day]. What a great surprise and for a great cause. I spoke with Officer Lawson tonight - the officer who responded and came to my house after the incident. First off, he has been absolutely professional. Second, my understanding is he was going to go tomorrow morning and consult with the Commonwealth Attorney to determine if they would pursue an assault charge for this guy (a felony); if not, then he would only be charged with a misdemeanor. [Again, my info may not be 100% correct interpretation but is the best as I caught it].

According to the biking community, my understanding is this should probably be, "aggravated malicious wounding." Some in the biking community were pretty livid by the idea of a 'simple assault charge.'

Yesterday, 16 June 2009, at about 6:30pm, while biking home from work, I was
the "recipient" of a hit-and-run on E Shore Drive between Pleasure House and
the Bridge Tunnel / Northampton entrance. I was fortunate to escape with only a broken hand - but was astounded because it was intentional and maliciousness.

Short version: A guy side-swiped me as he passed me, pulled in front of me and laid on his brakes, causing me to collide into the rear of his car, breaking my hand, and topple over in the middle of the street. Once I caught up with him, he drove over my bike, hitting me again, before backing up and roaring off.

Long version: As I was biking home from work, as described above, a vehicle passed uncomfortably close--close enough I mentally recorded the vehicle and wondered out loud if the driver had been drinking. At the next intersection, I passed that vehicle and a whole line of cars that had been waiting as the light turned from red to green. As the cars accelerated and passed me, I made a point to look over my left shoulder, but only in time to be side-swiped by the right front quarter panel of that same vehicle. I was knocked off balance and brought my hand down (several times) on the hood (it felt like the middle of the hood) before my backpack was clipped by the side-view mirror.

When the vehicle had passed, the driver swerved almost on to the shoulder in front of me; and laid on his brakes. I was not able to stop, slammed into the back of his car. The driver gunned the car and drove off.

Though shaken and realizing I probably sustained some injuries (since my hand was already starting to swell from the impact with the back of his car) and damage to my bike, I was able to unclip from my pedals, get back up and on the bike and began peddling after him. At the next red light I pulled in front of the vehicle, got off my bike and went to the driver's side window in an attempt to prompt him to roll down his window. I (felt like I) remained reasonably calm--I didn't knock on his window or shout any expletives.

Failing to get him to communicate, I walked back in front of the car and stood over my bike as I got my phone out and tried to turn it on to call the police (turns out my phone had a dead battery). As I looked down to note his license place the driver, to my astonishment, drove forward over my bike and actually hit me with the car (again). As I reached down and pulled my bike out from under his bumper he backed up and drove off at a high rate of speed on E Shore Drive, leaving me standing in the street with my bike.

As I turned around, I noticed a car stopped in the road in front of me. The driver explained he had seen the whole thing, had also noted his license plate and would call it in since my phone was not working.

The police informed me there were at least three other callers and at least one vehicle attempted to follow this guy for a little while. For the record, the two police officers that responded confirmed what I have been told by others about VBPD: They were extremely professional, extremely thorough and--as a result of the calls they received from other witnesses before I made it home--had already been patrolling Shore Drive looking for the vehicle.

I understand (but obviously do not agree) some drivers are frustrated by bikers and, "believe that roads are for automobiles" (PedNet Education Coordinator Robert Johnson) but the roads are a deadly place for drivers to take that frustration out. I read, and was greatly disconcerted.

Note: I have the license plate, vehicle make and color as well as a good description of the individual. However, given my perception of how high emotions are running in light of recent other tragic accidents (including Dan and another friend of mine who will most likely be paraplegic after a tour bus overtook him from behind), as well as potential legal issues I cannot even conceive--thankfully, I am not a lawyer--it is probably best to leave those details out, for now.

Note: The author is an active-duty Navy LCDR... a highly credible source.

7.13.2009

Ended the day again with Most Comments at Pilot article

At midnight: Pilotonline.com article about SSDD is Most Commented but it dropped off Most Read list. We ended the day with 71 comments with at least a bunch pending. Apparently the Most Commented list changes around midnight as we disappeared. Currently the Most Commented has 23.

Thanks to all who kept the conversation going.

If you're comments do not get posted at the Pilotonline.com for whatever reason, feel free to share them here.

See ya sharing Shore Drive.

7.12.2009

Join us in Flickr

We love Flickr. Share your pics & vids in our group pool.

SSDD94

SSDD49

SSDD140

SSDD146

SSDD170
Wes got a bunch of video from the 2 rigs on his bike. Front & back.
How much did you get?
Share your pics & vids in our group pool.

Wanna help put together Share Shore Drive Day 2?

Email either of us, check right column.

Use comments link below.

You can remain anonymous if you like.

"What would make Shore Drive Safer?" poll

Should we share the road or ban cyclists, runners & pedestrians from areas of Shore Drive?

Take the poll! It's in the right column over there >

Poll inspired by comments from this article.

WAVY video from the first Share Shore Drive Day

7.11.2009

Cyclists rally, calling for safer Shore Drive

{NOTE: If you're comments do not get posted at the Pilotonline.com for whatever reason, feel free to share them here.}

At Pilotonline.com. [Note: This link has "issues" at the Pilot's end. Keep trying if you blocked, it'll work.]

One of the comments sez:
I happen to live on Shore Drive and know for a fact that there are plenty of sidewalks AND bike/walking trails available for bike riding, as well as plenty of space on the road for bikers who want to obey the law.

Cyclists peddle for change

Thanks for WAVY for coming out today:
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Cycling for a purpose.. Today in Virginia Beach hundreds of riders pedaled along Shore Drive to send a message to city leaders. They say the stretch of road is to dangerous and they want it make safer.

"We can all use Shore Drive. It's a public space and we should do so safely," said cyclist Wes Cheney.

A few pics, more ta come

A few pics from the First Share Shore Drive Day. Many more to come. Get out and share!

7.10.2009

What is a Share Shore Drive Day ?

It's every day.
It's sharing the road safely.
It's driving, cycling, running, walking safely.
It's looking out for everyone who shares it with you.

Sometimes, it's about all of us getting together to share.

What is a Share Shore Drive Day to you?

Want to be interviewed tomorrow?

If you want to share your story with the world about why sharing is important to you, there is at least one film crew that will be glad to interview you tomorrow.

Tell your story on camera or off.

We'd like to post all the video & audio we can get online.

Short Ride does not use Lesner Bridge


View Share Shore Drive Day Short Ride in a larger map

Cue sheet.

Need a helmet for the Short Ride ?

We have about 25 bike helmets in various sizes donated by Tidewater AAA leftover from a different event. First come first served.

For everyone's safety and in the spirit of "sharing" Shore Drive, participants are asked to obey all applicable laws

...whether cycling, walking, or running. Please be alert and courteous not only for car traffic, but also with fellow participants.

For cyclists, this includes riding on the right side of the road with the flow of traffic, and obeying posted traffic controls.

The bike rides and runs will be lead and trailed by experienced cyclists and runners. In addition, if you are in the "experienced" category, please take the time to encourage, mentor, and assist those who may be new and invite help.

The layout of the Short Ride stays close enough to the starting point to allow those needing to leave the event early to do so on their own safely.

If you do not feel comfortable riding, please come out with your neighbors to run, jog or walk.

Bicycle-Motor Vehicle Accidents In the City of Virginia Beach 2004-2007

46 page PDF from VBGov.com. [opens in new window]

Search "cycling accidents" at VBGov.com.

7.09.2009

Bicyclists to rally for lower speeds on Shore Drive at Pilotonline.com

Thank you for continuing the conversation on how to share Shore Drive safely.

As of 11:35pm, there are at least 182 comments.

We were at the top:


Read & comment on article at Pilotonline.com.

WTKR interview with TBA President

At WTKR.com:

The city says it's done studies that show there's no need to reduce the speed limit. Now they're looking at the possibility of widening the shoulder for a bike lane.


Running, jogging or walking info

Each Saturday Morning in Virginia Beach hundreds of runners take to the trails in First Landing State Park to run and walk for fitness. Many of these runners start their trek at Final Kick Sports in the Marina Shores Shoppes. Here, they find ample, safe parking and the headquarters for the local running and cycling community. The crowds arrive at around 0715 and meet up with other folks who are going similar distances at a like kind pace. We run at 0730.

Everybody from elite runners to walkers and seasoned to newbies finds a group. The staff at Final Kick is quick to get you with a group and soon fast friends result while burning off calories at the same time.

Join us for a couple of leisurely miles or a quick paced WORKOUT.

Max & min speed limit, what is aggresive driving

Posted by request.
According to Commonwealth Law at DMV's site:
Speed Limits

A speed limit is the maximum legal speed you can travel on a road under ideal conditions. You may drive slower than the posted speed, but it is illegal to drive any faster. By law, you must drive slower if conditions make the posted speed unsafe. It is illegal to use a radar detector in Virginia. However, you may legally possess one if the device has no power source and no one in the car can access it.
Also:

Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving is becoming a growing issue in Virginia, but, just what is aggressive driving? We've all seen it. It's the driver who speeds, weaves in an out of traffic, doesn't use turn signals and uses "hand gestures" that are less than polite.

Texting is illegal while driving & more

Read entire News Release at DMV:
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles' (DMV) Virginia Highway Safety Office encourages motorists to avoid distractions, such as texting while driving.
It is illegal to text while driving since July 1 2009.

Share YOUR Shore Drive story

Let us know about encounters, accidents, foolishness, sharing, not sharing.

Share YOUR story!
[Posting guidelines: Common sense. Comments are moderated for now.]

Article at Pilotonline.com today about SSDD

Read & comment on article at Pilotonline.com:
Bicyclists plan to hold two rides on Saturday to rally support for lowering the speed limit and installing bike lanes on Shore Drive.
It's also intended to get everyone talking about sharing Shore Drive safely every day.

7.08.2009

Cue sheet for Short Ride

We'll post a Google Map showing it as soon as possible.

Here's the cue sheet:
Start Final Kick Sports
Left Lynnhaven Drive
Right West Great Neck Road
Right Shore Drive
Right First Landing Entrance
T/O First Landing Park
S/O Visitors Center Road
Left Shore Drive
Right Jade Street
Left Page Avenue
Left Shore Drive
Right Jade Street
Right Multi-Use Bike Path
S/O Cape Henry Drive
Right West Great Neck Road
Left Lynnhaven Drive
Right Final Kick Sports Parking Lot
End Final Kick Sports
Please note that safety is our number 1 concern.
Experienced riders will also be leading and riding with this group.

July 6th letter from Bikeways & Trails Advisory Committee

7.06.2009

Milled section paved

The Shore Drive area milled last week was paved today.
Thank you.

Shore Drive Safety Task Force recommendations

From VBGov.com, Shore Drive Safety Task Force recommendations presented in April 2006:
The goal of improving the level of transportation services for a wide variety of users - pedestrians of all types, cyclists, in-line skaters, varied recreational users, transit users, as well as vehicle operators - and the interrelationships between these various users and land uses in an area characterized as being first and foremost as a resort community and not as a resort destination is suggested. Accordingly, both public and private proposed development criteria need to be evaluated from a multimodal perspective to ensure that the needs of these varied users are addressed. Since increasing roadway capacity in the area has strict limits, given the City Council directive that Shore Drive remain a four lane facility for the foreseeable future, greater emphasis needs to be placed on reducing intra-corridor trip demand, particularly where non- vehicular transit among various uses in the corridor can be promoted and encouraged.

7.05.2009

Mutual respect on the road

Read letter to the editor & follow the "Mutual respect on the road" comments at Pilotonline.com.

Post your comments here too.

"Free rides aimed at awareness" in today's Beacon

Pick up the paper today to read John Streit's article on page 17:
...Golden, owner of triathlon outfitter Final Kick Sports, is as conscious of bicycling safety along the Shore Drive corridor as anyone. But in April, just days after tragedy struck, he got a poignant reminder of how dangerous pedaling on the busy thoroughfare can be.

The discussion on how to make sharing Shore Drive safer continues

From a recent email to us:

Share Shore Dr??????
Mr. Hersch made a tragic and foolhardy choice.

Would you ride on I95? It is morally irresponsible and totally reprehensible to encourage people to ride in an area such as the Shore Drive corridor until such bike paths exist that offer a SAFE riding experience.

The Shore Dr corridor is hazardous for motor vehicle traffic. I am appalled that you would even consider anything akin to encouraging people to ride a bike in such an unsafe environment.

I suggest you get legal counsel, and consider the possible civil actions that you and your group would invite should your actions result in death or injury to other cyclists.

Your efforts would be far better directed in working with the city and state to have the bike paths built.

One need only drive Shore Dr or Atlantic Ave to see many, many irresponsible and unsafe riders who court grave injury to themselves and motorists by riding unsafely in this area. I understand that you WANT to be able to ride there, it’s a beautiful spot. But the REALITY IS that it is patently UNSAFE.

Please reconsider how you expend your energies. It is INEVITABLE that this tragedy will repeat itself UNTIL a separate bike path exists.

There is no glory, or martyrdom for Mr. Hersch or subsequent victims of this foolhardy behavior.

I love to ride as much as anyone, I’m just not willing to orphan my children or sacrifice my physical well-being to do so.

Most Sincerely,

xxxxx xxxxxx


7.02.2009

Thanks for new pavement!

Be sure to thank Public Works for the new pavement being installed today on Shore Drive at Pleasure House Rd.

As of July 3rd @ 9:18pm the pavement is still torn up on east bound lanes of Shore Drive at Pleasure House Road.

We hope to find out Monday if it will be repaved before SSDD.

Police Report about Mr. Hersh's tragic accident

Posted with permission.

7.01.2009

bikewise compiles Crashes, hazards & threats

VBF's Twitter feed has info about bikewise:
bikewise is a place to learn about and report bike crashes, hazards, and thefts. By sharing our experiences with each other, and with researchers and relevant agencies, we aim to make biking safer and more fun. You can help by adding your reports.
Follow Share Shore Drive Day at Twitter.
"Chat" about Share Shore Drive Day at Twitter using #shareshoredrive.

What & when is Share Shore Drive Day?

The purpose of the rides & run on July 11th is to call attention to the need to cycle safely, to have all users of Shore Drive share it safely, to emphasize the need for bicycle lanes on the roadway, and to advocate for more equitable treatment for bicyclists in bicycle-motor vehicle crashes.

Final Kick Sports
Located in the Marina Shores Shoppes between West Marine and O'Leary's Pub
Free bike safety check. FREE bike safety check Thursday & Friday.
Short Ride [does not use Lesner Bridge] & Run Start/End.
Be there by 7am.
Kokoamos Island Bar, Grill & Yacht Club
Located in the Marina Shores at Lynnhaven Drive & North Great Neck Road.
Long Ride Start/End.
Be there by 7am.
FREE BBQ for everyone starts about 10am on deck.
Virginia Beach Resort Hotel & Conference Center
Located at 2800 Shore Drive
Has suites at a discount.
Suites available for Friday & Saturday.
Everywhere
Pedestriate! Be a pedestrian & get out & walk.
Come out to Final Kick Sports.
Any time you want.


All bicycle riders must wear an approved cycling helmet, carry adequate personal identification, not wear headphones, and obey all traffic laws. Riders less than age 18 must be accompanied on the ride by a parent/guardian or a designated adult rider.

Tidewater Bicycle Association Ride Roster. [1pg PDF from TBA's site.]

Learn more about the purpose of SSDD.

Two-wheel protest Letter to the Editor

Read letter to the editor & follow the "Two-wheel protest" comments at Pilotonline.com.

Post your comments here if you'd rather not register at Pilotonline.com to comment.