Greenways Connect with Sharrows
Written on January 24, 2011
ROANOKE, VA – Roanoke bicyclists and motorists will notice a new type of pavement marking called a “shared lane marking” or “sharrow” to help them safely navigate city streets.
According to Mark Jamison, manager of the city’s Transportation Division, drivers as well as cyclists are often confused over proper etiquette and traffic laws for navigating streets safely. “Sharrows indicate where a bicyclist should ride when the lane is too narrow for a conventional bike lane or for a car and a bike to travel side by side,” he says. “Additionally, they help to make motorists aware that a particular street is on a designated bike route and that the motorist should expect to see cyclists.”
Jamison says Transportation has completed installation of sharrows in seven downtown locations, along streets such as Church Avenue, Second Street, Gainsboro Road, and Williamson Road. Additional sharrow locations will likely be added in the coming months.
Sharrows have been used on an experimental basis in some U.S. cities, but were not approved for national use by the Federal Highway Administration until about a year ago. “In addition to safety and awareness benefits, these initial sharrows will help designate the downtown connection between the Mill Mountain and Lick Run Greenways,” says Jamison. “Ultimately we want to promote cycling as a healthy and safe alternative to motorized transportation.”
Tom Carr, Roanoke’s Director of Planning, Building and Development and staff to the City of Roanoke Bicycle Advisory Committee, says sharrows are a part of an overall effort by the city to promote bicycles for commuting as well as recreational use. In 2010, Roanoke became one of only four Virginia cities to be designated as a “Bicycle Friendly Community” by the League of American Bicyclists.
This year, the committee will join other Virginia groups to increase awareness of the advantages of cycling and how to do so safely.
“Bicycling is a great way to get exercise, reduce your carbon footprint, and enjoy the beauty of the Roanoke Valley, but safety is key,” says Carr. “Sharrows will help us all share the road more effectively.”
For more information, contact Mark Jamison at 540-853-2676.
Annual Meeting And Winter Social At Blue 5
Written on January 20, 2011
Join the BRBC for a winter social and cast your ballot for the new BRBC Board. We will be holding our annual meeting on January 31st at Blue 5 Restaurant, located at 312 2nd street in downtown Roanoke. The social/dinner begins at 5:00 PM, and the meeting will run from 7:30 PM to 8:00 PM. You can order dinner and drinks at any point during the evening, and you’re welcome to stay and socialize after the meeting.
Slate of 2011 BRBC Officers:
President: Wes Wilmer
Vice President: Gerald Betters
Secretary: Lynn Bradshaw
Treasurer/Membership: Chris Berry
Public Relations (Local): Barbara Duerk
Ride Chairperson: Dick Bradshaw
VP of Racing: Kyle Inman
Much thanks to Mary Nottingham & Wake Fulp for their time serving our cycling community. May they enjoy their new found time on the golf course and playing with new baby!
Immediate Legislative Action Needed
Written on January 19, 2011
Two identical bills, HB 1683 and HB 2194, which would change from 2 feet to 3 feet the minimum clearance required when passing a bicycle and would also create an offense for following a bicycle too closely, are pending in the Virginia General Assembly House Transportation Committee #2. It is anticipated that the sub-committee will vote on these bills at its next scheduled meeting on Wednesday, January 26, at 7:00 a.m. Delegate Cleaveland is on this sub-committee. Please consider contacting him on or before next Tuesday, January 25, and request that he vote in favor of these bills. His telephone is: 804-698-1017, and e-mail is: DelWCleaveland@house.virginia.gov
National Bike Summit, March 8-10, 2011
Written on December 6, 2010
Message from Andy Clarke, President
League of American Bicyclists
The National Bike Summit, March 8-10, 2011 is championed by a coalition of bicycle advocacy organizations. Bicyclists will learn about issues, share success stories and meet with congressional offices to move forward legislation favorable to on road and off road bicycling accommodations. With a new Congress and without Congressman James Oberstar to help champion bicyclists concerns, more cyclists representing where you live are needed to speak to elected officials at forums back home and on the hill. Go to bikeleague.org/summit11 to register.
Governor’s Transportation Conference
Written on December 6, 2010
The Governor’s Transportation Conference will be held at the Hotel Roanoke, Dec 8-10, 2010. The theme of the 2010 Conference, Reforming and Revitalizing Transportation in Virginia, includes a plenary session on Wednesday from 5:00-6:15 pm entitled “Setting the Stage for the Future: A Review of Virginia’s Multi-Modal Strategic Plan”. The Commonwealth Transportation Board will be meeting on Wednesday before the opening session at 3:30 pm. For more information, go to www.vatransconf.org.
New BRBC Jerseys Available For Re-Order Until December 15th
Written on November 14, 2010
The new 2010 BRBC Jerseys are finally in and the first order has been distributed. From all comments the jersey design has been well received. We have a few left, mostly men’s large, a few women’s large sleeveless and a women’s medium with sleeves. If enough members want the jerseys we can send in a second order. The more we order the cheaper they will be. The deadline for ordering is December 15, 2010. Please contact Mary Nottingham if you are interested.
The jerseys are a European cut, so they will be form-fitting. Order the next larger size if you prefer a looser fit.
First Annual Ride For Bert A Huge Success!
Written on October 15, 2010
On Sunday October 2nd about 65 cyclists and friends gathered for the first annual Ride for Bert. It was a joyous celebration for our good friend and fellow cyclist, Bert Spetzler. The ride took place almost 2 years after Bert’s cycling accident that left him a quadriplegic. Everyone was so inspired to see Bert standing tall once again as he met us at the start and again at the barbeque picnic after the ride. We are all so proud of all your hard work Bert! To see more info about the ride or Bert, visit RideForBert.com
