Safety and Education Committee Report

Thanks Ray

At the recent Bike Summit, Ray LaHood (U.S. Secretary of Transportation) stood on a table and announced a “Sea Change” in the attitude regarding accommodation of bicycles on our roadways.

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bikeped/policy_accom.htm

If you want to read it this policy is also on the BWANH website (www.BWANH.org).

It’s nice that the “top dog” has instituted a policy that gives us equal status with other forms of transportation. Now comes the hard part; getting this policy implemented.

Most of our officials want our roadways to safely accommodate all forms of transportations (at the lowest possible cost). Unfortunately, some people need closer supervision; guidelines are often ignored and “mistakes” happen. These problems aren’t addressed until enough people complain. Removing the (non-compliant) stop signs on the Litchfield Bike Path took many months of complaints (from confused motorists). When I pointed out the new curb vectoring bikes into traffic (3A/Bridge St, Hudson); I was asked why I didn’t go to the public hearing. Non-compliance with federal standards is negligence; one shouldn’t have to demand that “booby traps” not be set for bicyclists.

Doing things right the first time is always best. When the Sagamore Bridge (Circumferential Hwy, So. Nashua) was built; the eastbound limited access zone ended at the D.W. Hwy ( Nashua) allowing mopeds (and bicycles) eastbound use of the bridge. Bob Lavoie (Pg 1, Nashua Telegraph, 09/28/08) was told westbound access for his moped could be obtained if he would pay to have the signs moved. I have been unable to ascertain this cost (or whom to pay). The new MAAR Bridge is similar and I have been trying to prevent this problem’s recurrence. As the result of my efforts; new signage has been erected on the Sagamore Bridge prohibiting eastbound access. I used this bridge (almost daily) for over ten years. “Nobody” knows who erected these signs (in mid February, 2010) and I wonder who footed the bill. The federal mandate for accessibility is clear; we’ll see if NHDOT chooses to comply.

here is some hope that things are going to improve. Larry Keniston (lkeniston@dot.state.nh.us), has asked me to lead a series of Observational Bicycle Tours (first tour May 6, 2010) throughout the Nashua area. He wants public officials to see first hand the problems encountered with using a bicycle for transportation. I’ve commuted in this area for over 20 years but my ideas for change shouldn’t be the only ones heard. There is room for a limited number of people to join us on this ride. If you wish to join us (or provide input) send him an e-mail.

Safety and Education Coordinator

Biking 101

Archive Safety Articles

Which Foot Down?
Preparing For Rain
Stopping in the Roadway
Encountering Animals
Why I Commute by Bike
Save Time Commuting by Bike
Your Bike and Knee
You Can be Too Far Right
Wrong Way Cyclists

Choosing the Right Tire
Don't Scare the Slow Guy
Using Your Front Brake
How Safe is Bicycling?
How Safe is Your Helmet?
Making Left Turns
Where on the Road Do You Belong?
Rumble strips on the Shoulder
Safer Without Helmet?
Impaired Drivers
Take Your Body to its Limits
HB-1203
Protecting your Bike
Helmet Mounted Headlights
Tire Pressure
My Helmet is White
Does Your Bike Have Lights?
Be Careful Who You Trust
Law Enforcement
See and be Seen