PLEASE ATTEND THIS HEARING
Tuesday August 30, 2005 -- 6:00 pm; Somerville City Hall
93 Highland Avenue, Somerville
Click here for a map

The LivableStreets Alliance commends Mass Highway for including a bicycle lane as part of their overall accomodation of bicyclists in the redesign of Somerville Avenue from Union Square to the Cambridge line at Porter Square.

The Somerville Bicycle Committee has reviewed this project since 1999 and has repeatedly expressed concerns, at one point getting a small concession from MassHighway. Our understanding is that the current design calls for a travel lane of 12'3", a 4'6" bicycle lane, and 7'9" parking. THIS BIKELANE DESIGN IS SUBSTANDARD for a street like Somerville Avenue based on the volume of vehicles.

The Boston Bicycle Planning Initiative will be attending the hearing to recommend the following configuration which is currently the generally accepted best practice in most other U.S. cities: a travel lane 11', a 5'6" bicycle lane, and 8' parking. We will provide a copy of our testimony to attendees at the hearing with talking points to provide necessary background if you are interested in testifying.

This hearing is a great opportunity for citizens to view the engineering plans for this reconstruction project, and ask important questions about issues such as: curb extensions and crosswalks to improve pedestrian crossings, universal access (especially disables, children, elderly), location of bus stops, streetscape issues, etc.

Click here to view Mass Highway's hearing announcement which contains details of the project.

On March 10th, Governor Romney unveiled "A Framework for Thinking–A Plan for Action," a comprehensive statewide transportation blueprint for the investment of nearly $31 billion over the next two decades in the roads, bridges, and transit network of the Commonwealth. (Click here to read the executive summary).

Advocates have commended the Plan for promising that the Commonwealth will fund all MBTA expansion projects (with help from federal and local contributions) while having the T concentrate on repairing and maintaining its existing system, which the plan says will cost $9 billion over the next two decades (Click here to read the Globe article).

In comments submitted by The Smart Growth Alliance states, "While, overall, we feel that this draft provides a very good “Framework for Thinking,” we also feel that it falls short in the second part of its mission: to provide “A Plan for Action.” "In addition to topics such as air quality, environmental justice, transportation demand management, aging, and bike and pedestrian access, we were pleased to see discussion of smart growth objectives throughout the document." (Click here to read the SGA letter). SGA also expressed concerns that the plan inadequately addressed how the $31 billion would be financed.

The Executive Office of Transportation (EOT) has organized a series of events to provide information and solicit public input on the draft Plan.(Click here for the invitation letter). Last Monday, MassBike members were invited to a special meeting with Ken Miller at EOT to discuss the Plan. Last Friday, the transportation group MoveMass hosted a breakfast workshop inviting Ken Miller to field questions regarding the Plan (an audio recording of this meeting available on CD by request to jeff@livablestreets.info). The Boston Bicycle Planning Initiative would like to commend Mr. Miller for his forward thinking comments regarding bicycling and his announcement that the Commonwealth will be updating the 1998 Statewide Bicycle Plan to create a plan that takes bicycling to the next level: "We need to look at bicycling on a network basis. We need to think about bicycling just as we think about highways and think about transit."

IMPORTANT PUBLIC HEARING! SAVE THE DATE! Tuesday, September 27, 2005 3:00pm and 6:00pm (each time-slot includes both an open house and a formal meeting) Boston Public Library: Copley Square, Boston

O.K., we're not really serious about driving your car over a cliff. But you have to admit it's a really cool graphic, and it sure gets people's attention!

$15 minimum donation (plus $3.50 for shipping or pick up in Central Square) gets you a shirt. High quality fabric and not using sweatshop labor.

This is a fundraiser for our advocacy efforts (Boston Bicycle Planning Initiaive), so please consider contributing as much as you can.

The LivableStreets Alliance has negotiated with the Hub On Wheels Citywide Bike Ride and Festival to obtain a 40% discount on registration for those receiving this newsletter!! Use "Cyclist Appreciation Discount code": grpje. Must be redeemed during online registration. Limited offer! Expires September 15th. (Low income? Contact steve@hubonwheels for a fee waiver). Click here for more information!

Hub On Wheels is an effort by Mayor Menino's office to show renewed commitment to improving conditions for bicycling in Boston. We need you to support this event! Our goal is a thousand riders. This is a demonstration by the community that cycling is an vital part of life in Boston and must not be ignored. The Boston Bicycle Planning Initiave strongly believes that this event is the turning point for a new era of attention to bicycling by the Mayor. We must mobilize as many cyclists and our supporters as we can for this event. Please spread the word. Please volunteer.

Hub On Wheels: Loops of 10, 15, or 40 miles travel through many of the city's most scenic parks and neignborhoods-- from a perspective you've never had before! Volunteers will be stationed throughout the route to provide assistance. Routes have been carefully designed with your safety and enjoyment in mind. Come on your own or as part of a team. There will be groups of tandem bikers, physically challenged riders, sports teams, organizational teams, and more. Festival day in Franklin Park will be a magnificant celebration of bike riding, healthy eating, creative arts, and city life. Something for everyone: games, short kid and family bike rides, cycling sculptures and music, workshops, informational sessions, bike arts, music, food, bike products, and more.

NOTE: SOME ARE CONFUSED BY SIMARITY IN NAMES. HUBONWHEELS IS THE BIKE RIDE AND FESTIVAL, BIKE THE HUB IS THE BICYCLE ADVOCACY GROUP (US!). HOPE THAT HELPS!

Our covert operative has just obtained this highly classified photograph of the Busycle Project indicating progress to date. Level 4-ABCD security clearance required for more information. Or you can just click on the link below.

Do you feel it's not worth complaining about poor street conditions (like potholes that look more like asteroid craters) on your favorite cycling route because you think "no one will pay attention?" The Boston Bicycle Planning Initiative is conducting surveys of streets and paths in the Boston area to catalog a list of problems (e.g., potholes, burned out walk signals, bike-eating drain grates, poor signage, bad lane markings, dangerous intersections). Results are submitted to the appropriate agencies for attention-- and we will be rigorously following up to ensure timely response and action!

You can really make a difference by helping out with this project! Even taking on a short stretch of roadway would be helpful. Contact jeff@bikethehub.org for more information-- let us know what street you're interested in, and how much time you can offer. We'll set you up with the tools and instructions you need. Digital camera helpful but not required.

WalkBoston has been working to ensure good pedestrian access and accommodation along the Rose Kennedy Greenway since 1992. Walkboston recently filed a Notice of Project Change (NPC) regarding the sidewalk at the Intercontinental Hotel/500 Atlantic Avenue Project under construction by Extell Boston Harbor, LLC. The NPC was published in the August 24, 2005 Environmental Monitor.

As proposed and permitted by Extell, there is no continuous sidewalk within the public way in front of the Intercontinental Hotel/500 Atlantic Avenue Project along the Greenway. Instead, pedestrians must pass behind the building¹s columns, beneath the upper floors, and detour in by the front door of the hotel and residences. The sidewalk does not conform to either the letter or the spirit of the approved guidelines for the Rose Kennedy Greenway (STAF plan, established in 1995) and will set an extremely unfortunate precedent for subsequent development along the Greenway.

It is now critical to send letters to the Secretary of Environmental Affairs about the importance of a pedestrian-friendly sidewalk design in this
location. Comments much be received no later than Tuesday September 13, 2005.

Comments should be addressed to:
Secretary Stephen Pritchard
Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, MEPA Office
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900; Boston, MA 02114

Click here for more information on this issue.

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) is the regional planning agency for 101 cities and towns in the Boston metropolitan area. MAPC is in the process of updating the 1997 Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. This survey will help them better understand regional opinions and activities related to bicycling. Your responses will be reflected in the new Regional Bicycle Plan due out this Fall! Survey only takes 5-10 minutes.

Two nights (October 21 & 22). Three towns. Lots of films. A juried competition. Lots of fun. Spread the word. Submit a film.

AUG 26 (Fri): Film "The Chronicles of a Bicycle Chopper Gang"
Coolidge Corner Theatre, midnight. Power up the RadioBox, put your boots on the boosters and set phasers on funk! For ten Earth years the Subversive Choppers Urban Legion has faithfully patrolled the local starsystems with a thirst for adventure. Aboard a fleet of radically modified bicycles, a band of heroic pilots embarks on the ultimate mission: Operation SuperPosi.
Click here for more information

AUG 27 (Sat): MassBike Summer Bike Festival in Concord
MassBike’s Summer Bike Festival is back and better than ever. This 3rd Annual Bike Festival and Pie Race is a fun day of rides for all ability levels, with a bike expo and a free BBQ from Redbones!
Click here for more information

AUG 28 (Sun): Bike Design Challenge #1/Tallbike competition
Got a funky bike to show off? 1-4 pm at the Radcliffe Quad, Harvard campus (between Shepard, Walker, Garden, and Linnaean Streets half way between Harvard and Porter Squares). Test your engineering and riding skills against our grueling challenges. Enter your bike or just come watch -- all tallbikes welcome. Everyone is invited to bring a picnic and enjoy the show.
Click here for more information

AUG 30 (TUE): Somerville Avenue Reconstruction Design Hearing
Somerville City Hall, 6 pm. (see article above for more information)

SEP 15 (THU): Zipcar Transportation Fair
Zipcar is hosting a transportation fair that will provide local businesses, commuters and residents with a fun and exciting way to learn about cost effective, viable transportation alternatives to car ownership. 11am to 3pm, Downtown Crossing, Boston.

SEP 17 & 18 (SAT & SUN): AltWheels Transportation Festival
New England's largest Alternative Transportaton Festival! Two great days for viewing, experiencing and discussing some of the most innovative means
of transportation in the world today. Exhibits will include working electric, solar, flex-fuel, and hybrid vehicles, as well as the latest in human-powered transportation. There will be a special section of ArtCars — motorized flights of fancy designed to delight. Larz Anderson Transportation Museum, Brookline. 10 am - 5 pm each day. http://www.altwheels.org

SEP 25 (SUN): Hub On Wheels Citywide Bike Ride and Festival
http://www.hubonwheels.org
(See above article)

SEP 27 (TUE): Boston Public Open- house & hearing on Romney 20-year Transportation Plan
Boston Public Library: Copley Square, Boston. 3 pm and 6 pm.
(See above article)

OCT 1 (SAT): Lady K Memorial Bike Ride
Friends of Kirsten A. Malone and members of the cycling community will celebrate Kirsten's life. The event will raise awareness of bicycle safety issues and raise funds for the Kirsten Malone Scholarship Fund for young women at Mass Art. Email eximiousproductions@hotmail.com for more information on riding or sponsoring. Click here to read a Phoenix article about Kirsten.

OCT 21 & 22 (FRI & SAT): Boston Bicycle Film Festival
The Boston Bike Film Festival is unique in that it gives not only filmmakers, but cyclists a chance to express themselves through film and give them exposure to a diverse audience. http://www.bostonbikefilmfest.org

FOR A GREAT LIST OF RIDES VISIT LANDRY'S SITE: Click here!