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Home My WebLink About2007-09-20 Bicycle & Pedestrian_PACKETCITY OF ASHLAND BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN COMMISSION Agenda Thursday, September 20th, 2007 @ 5:15 P.M. Siskiyou Room @ 51 Winburn Way Community Development & Engineering Services Building CALL TO ORDER II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: August 16th, 2007 III. PUBLIC FORUM - Business from the audience not included on the agenda. (Limited to 5 minutes per speaker and 15 minutes total.) IV. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS Introduction of New Member Steve Ryan Subcommittee & Liaison Reports V. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Wheeldon Memorial Work Plan Development/Goal Setting Follow -Up New Business Agenda Items for Next Month V. ADJOURNMENT AT 6:45 P.M. We'll adjourn early to allow interested members to attend a public presentation on Designing Arterial Streets for Walkable Communities happening from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Calvin Hall of the First Presbyterian Church of Ashland, on the corner of Siskiyou Blvd. and Walker Ave. Upcoming Meetings Next Regular Meeting - Thursday, October 18`h, 2007 at 5:15 P.M. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Administrator's office at (541) 488-6002 (TTY phone number 1- 800-735-2900). Notification 72 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to the meeting (28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title 1). City of Ashland Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission Membership Roster (Updated August 27, 2007) 1. 4.30.2008 Steve Ryan 657 C Street 951-1409 resolutionvideo(c-pyahoo.com 2. 4.30.2008 David Young 747 Oak Street 488-4188 Chair dvounq@'effnet.org 3. 430.2009 Julia Sommer 1158 Village Sq. Dr. 552-1942 Vice Chair 0uliasommer@yahoo.com 4. 4.30.2009 Selene Aitken 446 Helman Street 482-7567 Secretary seleneaitken@vahoo.com 5. 4.30.2010 Michael Church 2669 Takelma Way 488-2245 mickchurch@qmail.com 6. 4.30.2010 Matthew Seiler 264 Walker Avenue 973-8953 or 482-2111 x345 Mseiler74@hotmail.com 7. 4.30.2010 Jim Olney 361 Wiley Street 482-1057 oinevit@mind.net 8. 4.30.2010 Tom Burnham 1344 Apple Way 482-4467 tbl937@charter.net 9. City Council David Chapman 390 Orchard St 488-0152 Liaison davidchapman@ashlandhome.net RVTD Liaisons Paige Townsend 3200 Crater Lake Ave 608-2429 Steve Maluk Medford, OR 97504 p.townsend@rvtd.org s.maluk@rvtd.org transpoftationoptions@qmail.com Planning Staff Liaison Derek Severson 51 Winburn Wy. 552.2040 Associate Planner seversod@ashland.or.us Traffic Safety Liaison Colin Swales 461 Allison St 488-0939 colinswales@qmail.com Youth Liaison (SOU) Nathan P. Meyerson (o addresson file), 488.9179 natefoo@gmail.com Youth Liaison (AHS) Vacant (Nine voting members, in bold; four constitutes a quorum per AMC 2.22.030) Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission August 16th, 2007 Regular Minutes Roll Call: Chair David Young, Matthew Seiler, Mick Church, Tom Burnham, Jim Olney Vice Chair Julia Sommer (absent), Secretary Selene Aitken (absent) Council Liaison: David Chapman (absent) Staff: Derek Severson, Associate Planner Steve McLennan, Police Officer (absent) RVTD liaisons: Steve Maluk, TDM Planner (absent) High school liaison: Vacant SOU liaison: Nathan Meyerson (absent) Call to Order Young called the meeting to order at 5:19 p.m. Approval of Minutes — July 2007 It was noted that the first sentence under "Bicycle- & Pedestrian -Related Ordinances" should begin "After general discussion, it was suggested..." Church/Burnham m/s to accept the minutes of the July 2007 meeting as amended. Voice vote: All AYES. Motion passed. Public Forum John Baxter expressed his frustration with the increasing number and type of motorized vehicles using the Central Ashland Bikepath (CAB). He noted frequent encounters with scooters, motorcycles, and ATV's during his daily commute on the path. Members noted that there are patrols on the path at times, and stated that this would be looked at in depth as the Commissioners consider bicycle- and pedestrian -related ordinances. There was discussion of Oregon state law which allows some slower -speed motorized vehicles to use bike lanes and bike paths in some circumstances, and it was noted that there can be jurisdictional issues as County Greenway rules, state law, and city ordinances come into play. Severson noted that he would convey the concerns expressed to the Parks Department and to the Police Department, and Baxter indicated that he'd be willing to help the group involved in the ordinance review. Huelz noted his safety concerns with the narrowing of the lanes at the bridge on Lithia Way near Beasy's on the Creek, and emphasized the difficulty this created for cyclists in the roadway. He asked that the city consider placing signage directing cyclists to use the sidewalk in this vicinity, and recognized that there would be jurisdictional issues with ODOT regarding the placement of signage. Young suggested that Huelz pass this on to Traffic Safety was well, and members asked that Severson convey a recommendation to Traffic Safety that this be addressed as well. Huelz also asked that the city consider rewording signage in the downtown to say "Please Walk Your Wheels." Severson noted that Steve Ryan who was in attendance had been recommended by the Mayor for appointment to the Commission. He explained that this appointment had to be confirmed at the next City Council meeting, but barring complications there, Ryan's appointment should be complete by the September Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission meeting. Subcommittee & Liaison Reports Seiler reported on Car Free Day planning efforts, noting that the noise permit had been approved and other permits had been applied for. Tablers have been contacted, and Jeff Golden will emcee. Severson noting he was following up with the Street Department about the closure. Seiler stated that his band would be playing, and it was noted that Egon Dubois may lead a morning coffee ride. It was noted that a planning meeting would be held on August 281h at the Railroad Park. Seiler and Severson noted that they would be at the event on Car Free Day. Seiler noted that the Car Free Day group was requesting that $250 in funding be provided by the Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission to support the event by allowing rental of a better public address system, and to cover costs for printing flyers, t-shirts, and other promotional expenses. Members discussed the Commission's role in the event, noting that while they had sponsored the permitting to allow the banner and street closure, they were not conducting this year's event and had 2007-0816 Bike & Ped minutes Page 1 of 2 not previously agreed to financial or volunteer support, and as such were somewhat reticent about fully funding this request. Olney/Burnham m/s to approve $100 in Program Funds to support Car Free Day promotional expenses including t-shirt and flyer printing. Voice vote: All AYES. Motion passed. Olney noted that Edgar Hee of the Jackson County Bicycle Advisory Commission had prepared detailed written comments on the Oregon Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan update. Severson stated he would get a copy of these comments for electronic distribution to members, and that members could comment individually as the comment deadline falls well before the next regular meeting. Young briefly discussed the ODOT IAMP meeting occurring now at 73 Winburn. Young discussed the potential impact of Measure 37 development claims in the vicinity of Valley View Road and Highway 99. It was noted that the Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission meeting would now adjourn in order to allow members to attend the IAMP meeting and comment as citizens, and Severson emphasized that the IAMP meeting was not a Commission meeting and there had been no formal discussion or decision through a regular Commission meeting. As such, he advised members to keep in mind that they were commenting as citizens and not to represent their views as those of the full Commission. New Business None. Agenda Items for Next Month Young stated that he would like to have the next agenda devoted largely to the development of a work plan based on the recent goal setting. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 6:09 p.m. Upcoming Meetings: Regular Meeting — September 201h, 2007 at 5:15 p.m. 2007-0816 Bike & Ped minutes Page 2 of 2 FROM THE MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL August 5, 2003 - 7:00 p.m. Civic Center Council Chambers, 1175 E. Main Street NEW AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: 1. Public Art Placeholders in the Gateway Island. Bruce Bayard explained the Public Arts Commission would like approval of four placeholders located in the center of the island between the Library and the Fire Station, at the proposed bump out at the corner of Gresham and Siskiyou, at the vertical retaining wall in front of the Library, and in the area surrounding the Astro Gas station. 2 of the 4 areas would require immediate action due to the trees that are already planted or are scheduled to be planted in the proposed areas. The council discussed the pros and cons of the replanting of trees as suggested by the Public Arts Committee. Councilor Laws/Morrison m/s to approve the four placeholders as detailed. DISCUSSION: Mayor noted discretion should take place in regards to removing of the trees. Jackson noted that she felt comfortable working with the Public Works and Parks departments on the specifics of moving and re -planting the trees. Voice Vote: all AYES. Motion passed. Councilor Jackson announced the Public Arts Commission would be taking charge of finding a location and developing the memorial for the McGee family. BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN COMMISSION PRIMARY GOALS 2007-2008 I. Continue (& Expand) Education Efforts a. Continue to offer bicycle safety education classes in Ashland schools through on -going partnerships with the Bicycle Transportation Alliance, Parks Foundation, and Traffic Safety Commission b. Continue to promote Car Free Day (& car free living) C. Expand community outreach efforts (recruit youth liaisons and develop partnerships with the schools) d. Better utilize the media — Daily Tidings, Tribune, City Source, radio, TV e. Continue and Expand Safe Routes to School efforts for all Ashland schools. II. Infrastructure Linknes & Connections a. Partner in the upcoming Transportation System Plan (TSP) update to identify current facilities in place and needs for new facilities to address needed connections. b. Work to enhance existing maps of bicycle facilities and trail systems. C. Continue to identify and develop connectivity needs adjacent to all Ashland Schools as part of Safe Routes to School efforts. d. Consider ways to provide improved bicycle and pedestrian facilities from the downtown north to the city limits along North Main Street. III. To Explore the Benefits of a "Transportation Commission" This would entail combining the Traffic Safety and Bicycle & Pedestrian Commissions, gaining staff efficiencies, and broadening the focus of each Commission to better address transit while still retaining the current areas of interest of each Commission. GOAL SETTING 2007 SAFE ROUTES (Grant Funds) — West/RVTD WHEELDON MEMORIAL — Young BIKE SWAP — Teige, Harding, CAR FREE DAY(S) — Harding, West/RVTD INFRASTRUCTURE/MISCELLANEOUS CONCRET PROJECTS/TSP - EDUCATION/OUTREACH/PROMOTION - Robbins BIKE SAFETY EDUCATION (On -going) - ADULT BICYCLE EDUCATION — Teige, Hyman, Dubois JACKSON COUNTY BICYCLE ADVISORY COMM. LIAISON — Olney SISKIYOU VELO LIAISON — Burnham PEDESTRIAN PROGRAMS/PEDOMETERS — DRIVER EDUCATION/DIVERSION PROGRAMS - CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP/ICLEI - 12� el) ell, "Y 6V ell' et 4AYL, e 41ck, -; 17-L --�Y2 OPENING MINDS AND ROADS TO BICYCLING BICYCLE TRANSPORTATION ALLIANCE P.O. BOX 9072 PORTLAND OR 97207-9072 503/226-0676 FAX 503/226-0498 WWW.BTA4BIKES.ORG SEPTEMBER 2007 (,..YCLETTER FOR NIENIBERS AND FRIENDS OF THE BICYCLETRANSPORTATION ALLIANCE Five Bicycle Safety Bills Pass the Oregon Legislature Tftursdai, June 28th marked the fall- ing of the final gavel on Oregon's 2007 legislative session, a session that was noteworthy for its high -profile legislative successes and strong momentum for bike safety- and bike encouragement. Every major media outlet reported and weighed in on bicycle and pedestrian safety. Coverage of BTA efforts included a Sunday front page story in the Eugene Register Guard, editorial board endorsements by the Oregonian and Register Guard, and dozens of letters published in editorial sections. I lere's a summary ofour legislative Nvork this session: BTA Top Priority ffills Vuh-iieraliki Useirs of the IRoadway BHH'. PASSED This bill creates a. class of Vulnerable LJsers and enhanced penal ties for drivers that kill or seriously injure a vulnerable user and are (.,on victed of ("areless Driving. lncr�(.Ial;(, - xl penakies in(Autle mandatory cok.m appearances, a fine, community ser vice, coirnpletiori ot'a traffic safil�y course, or one year license suspensi,on , Passing Distance Bill: PASSED with chianges "Ie originally requested a three foot rinnirnum passing distance along with other uuuuhruoueuuucuut for all bicyclists on all roads. The final bill established a safe, passing distance on non. urban roads only. Pedestriari hand S!IgnM Bifl: FIVILEI) ']'his bill would have created a legally bind- ing hand signal for pedestrians used to suite their itnentions of crossing a street: at an irnersection (the), are cur renfly required w step into the road way to claim their might of'.. way), requiring vehicles wn.hin a reasonable distance to stop, Other Bills Share the Road License Plate: PASSZD Creates a new specialty "Share the Road" license plate. The BTA and to design, fund, and distribute pro- ceeds from the new plate. bicycle braking and equipment stan- dards to clarify that bicycles must be equipped with a brake that enables operators to stop within 15 feet fro speed of'10 mph on dry, level, clean pavement. This makes a bike with o a front brake legal. Velodromes Bill: FAILED This bill, intro- duced by Senator Jason Atkinson, would have earmarked $3.5 million of' lottery funds to build velodromes in Southern Oregon, Portland, and Eugene. Residential Speed Limits Bill: PASSED This bill lowers the speed limit to 15 mph for a two-way road in a residential area that is not more than 18 feet wide. Memorial Signs: FAILED This bill would have permitted the families of bicy- clists and pedestrians killed on road- wayv to purc-haw and hKvtall m-emorial signs in their honor. For more details, visit our legisla- tivc webpage at http://www.bta4bikes. org/at_work/BTALegislature2007.php Washington County Bicycle Safety Campaign This spring concern about bike safety, in Washington County reached a decade --high level, climaxing with Tim O'Donnell's recent tragic death at the hands of a careless driver on NW Cornelius- S chefflin road. Tim is the 8th cyclist to die in the last two years in Washington County. Mary O'Donnell,Tirn's widow, has created theTim, O'Donnell Memorial Fund to support bike safety work that will make unnecessary deaths like her husband's a thing of the past. In addi- tion to individual contributions to the fund, The Bike Gallery has pledged $3,000 and Washington County has pledged $2,500. The BTA is the recipient and the executor of this fund, and we are coor- dinated a three-month "lightning" campaign for bike safety in Washington County. A steering com- inittee of local elected officials, busi- nesses, engineering and law enforce- ment professionals, and community advocates will work through August to create a messaging campaign specific to this cause. In September we will bring this campaign to the forefront of media and community discussion in Washington County. Please support this effort by con- tributing to the. Tim O'Donnell Memorial Fund. Contact Scott Bricker, Executive Director, for more details. Make checks out and mail �Mlll Tim O'Donnell Memorial Fund 1,egacy Federal Credit Union 2148 NW Overton Portland, OR 97210-2925 continued from cover part of the Bike Commute Challenge, our annual bike - to -work competition. Thanks to a Aletro grant and a presenting sponsor- ship by QBSU, we'll be offering more free Com— mute W rkshops at partici- pating Aletro-area work- places than ever before, and they'll be open to neighbor- ing employees too. Inter- ested workplaces should THE BTA CALENDAR SEPT 3 BIKE SAFETY EDUCATION season starts statewide. Adopt a SEPT 26 TALK ABOUT BIKE BOULEVARDS with the BTA on this ride in N school near you! Email angela@bta4bikes.org for details. 6PM and NE Portland, starting at the corner of NE Killingsworth & 22nd. SEPT6 VOLUNTEER SATURDAY at the BTA, 233 NW 5th Ave, Portland. SEPT3a LAST DAY OF THE BIKE COMMUTE CHALLENGE. Don't forget to 9:- 11:30AM 0A Join BTA staff and other volunteers 4o get the word out about log all your bike commutes at www.bikecommutechallenge.com, the BTA. OCT4 BIKE COMMUTE CHALLENGE AFTER PARTY. Location TBA. SEPT III MCMENAMIN'S FRIENDS AND FAMILY NIGHT, one half of all 6PM 5PM - IAM sales benefit the BTA. Market St. Pub,1526 SW loth Ave, Portland. OCT 6 VOLUNTEER SATURDAY a4 the BTA. 233 NW 54h Ave, Portland. 90 11:30AMAM Join BTA staff and other volunteers to get the word out about SEPT19 BICYCLE LEGAL CLINIC, 233 NW 5th Ave, Portland„ RSVP 4o the BTA. 6PM info@bta4bikes.org. Car Free Sundays in Bogota, Ottawa, Paris, Chicago... is Portland Next? Dery Sundav in Bogota, Columbia, from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm, a network of streets is closed to cars and turned over to 1.5 million walkers, bikers, skaters, ball -players, people -watchers, and socializers. This is called a "ciclo- via." In Bogota it started 20 rears ago, and it has become an integral part city residents' weekend routines. The Ciclovia, which happens in similar forms under different names in Paris, Ottowa, San Fransisco, and oth- er cities around the world, allows fami- lies, kids, the elderly and the handi- capped to have the road -riding experi- ences that only the steeliest and skilled of bic} clists currently enjoy. Plus, it essentially opens up a giant park where, hours before, there wasn't one, presenting people with opportunities for recreation right in their neighbor- hoods. In Bogota, Columbians even do aerobics on the Ciclovia. The Ciclovia is not like a parade; while the route is closed to auto traffic, vehicles needing to cross can still do so at lights or at volunteer -controlled intersections. In Bogota, businesses along the Ciclovia have thrived. You can see photos from Bogota at http:// walkandbikeforlife.com/—wsn/pagelO.html. This idea goes far beyond Bogota. For nears, Paris has closed riverside drives to autos and let bicyclists, in -line skaters, walkers and joggers take over every SundaN. San Fransisco closed a roadway in Golden Gate Park to autos for an extra day every week this sum- mer. London will close 9 miles of roads for one day this September for a car - free "Free\vheel" ride. And Chicago is working to develop a plan for a 7 mile loop of "Sunday Parkways." Can it happen in Oregon cities? According to Gil Penalosa, former Mavor of Bogota and a key player in the establishment of the Ciclovia, it can happen am where, in any size city. All it really takes is political will, or in his words, `guts.' It's inexpensive to establish and to maintain, needing only some planning, signage and volunteer labor. Yet the return on that small investment is huge: economic develop- ment, neighborhood enhancement, and safe places for kids to ride bikes. Bridge Pedal without the bridges? 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I THE BWE COMMaE CHAUENCOS A PROMMI OF THE IMCYCLE TFuAV,4� ALLJIW,v':E, A14D IS oRmiarr ToADU WrAi SUPPORT FRDKA� i 11J I V I I, S I Y nII q p(rIt.krII Thowas &"Iff, clawn Bty,W RIPWr' JIMS CoNectWe V E-1 R Co 0111 h Pi A( I S OPLIN SPACK'� Ms6n, I K VV t�: a k e r TO- PaJk)-n,fly1[II Qnspn, comw6ing , i UV F MAT ION f, T, INI,U iA S I I vei0ce, p k 111111mvim" loll Portland Bridge Pedal August 12, 2007 Bridge Pedal is Portland's famous citywide bike ride that crosses all ten of Portland's beautiful bridges. Yep, even the two freeway bridges! Last year 18,000 people hopped on their bikes and criss-crossed the river, and this year there is an expected 20,000 people or more. This event is a great opportunity for the casual cyclist to explore the city without competing with traffic. At the same time it can still be a challenging experience for the seasoned biker. For more information visit: http.-11www.providence.org/ oregon/even ts/bridge-pedai/. National Walk and Bike to School Day: October 3rd, 2007 Join the nation and promote children to safely walk and bike to school. There are plenty of great reasons to walk and bike to school —less traffic, safer streets, and cleaner air. This is also an opportunity for children to become educated on proper bike and pedestrian etiquette. Continued on Page 2 Traffic Safety Connection • August Cell Phones Banned When Teens Are Behind the Wheel House Bill 3189 The goal of this bill is to get teens to be more focused, less distracted drivers, by eliminating the use of cell phones while operating a motor vehicle. In a recent survey of teens in King County Washington, results indicated that seventy percent of them use a cell phone while driving. In addition a majority of these teen drivers participate in this activity frequently. The results of this survey most likely indicate what is occurring among Oregon's teen drivers as well. Among Oregon teen drivers, sixteen year olds have the highest crash rate. Eliminating one more distraction will hopefully result in a decrease in the amount of crashes seen not only among sixteen year olds but, any driving group under the age of eighteen. Restrictions on youth driver's licenses have shown a forty five percent reduction in the amount of fatal and injury crashes where a teen Volume 5, Number 8 was behind the wheel. A large component of these restrictions work to decrease distractions. The current licensing restrictions that apply to teen drivers are referred to as Graduated Driver's Licenses (GDL). The GDL provisions are broken down into three stages. • First six months: A teen driver is not allowed to drive with additional passengers in the vehicle under the age of twenty unless they are immediate family members. There is an exception made if the additional passenger is an instructor as part of a certified traffic safety education course or with a parent, stepparent, or legal guardian who has valid driving privileges. • Second six months: The driver can not drive with more then three passengers under the age of twenty who are not immediate family members. The same exception is applicable during this time as well. • First year: A teen cannot drive between the hours of 12 A.M. and 5 A.M. The exceptions in this case are; if the driver is commuting to or from employment or school related activities. Driving is also permitted between these hours if a licensed driver who is at least twenty-five years old accompanies the teen. Continued on Page 3 )rs Highway Safety Association (GHSA) Annual Meeting 3-26, 2007, Portland Hilton al Meeting provides a forum for the discussion of important national highway safety policy platform for nationally recognized highway safety speakers. This year's GHSA Annual )king,Beyond Our Borders," will bring together state highway safety decision -makers with highway safetyrepresentatives, national and regional staff, nonprofit safety groups and to discuss strategies for improving highway safety. Nicole:Nason, Administrator for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Fred Wegman,,Managing,Director for SWOV Institute for Road Safety Research in The Netherlands Ian Johnston; Former Director for the Monash University Accident Research Centre in Australia Peter„Bragdon Vice President and General Counsel for Columbia Sportswear Company Brian Jonah, Director„Road Safety Programs for Transport Canada. Early�Bird Registration is due on or before August 16th. For more information go to http://www.ghsa.orgl html%meetings/annua(/2007%O7.reg.htmL Limited scholarships are available to people interested in vohunteering For more information on volunteering contact ACTS Oregon at 503-643-5620, 800-772-1315 of'�uthh�actsoregon org � ° For information call 503-643-5620 or 1-800-772-1315.... ......... .........1 ACTS Oregon STAFF Ruth Harshfield Executive Director ruthh@actsoregon.org Gayle Watts Child Passenger Safety Program Coordinator gaylew@actsoregon.org Sandy Holt Child Passenger Safety Technician Coordinator sandyh@actsoregon.org Kate Murphy Community Traffic Safety Coordinator katem@actsoregon.org Tory Brixey Administrative Assistant safety@actsoregon.org BOARD MEMBERS Tony Tirico, President Bend ttirico@ci. bend. or. us Lucie Drum, Secretary Portland lucie—drum@amr-ems.com Daniel Marcisz, Treasurer Medford MarcisDE@jacksoncounty.org Mark Alexander Ontario malexander@ontariooregon.org Larry Christianson McMinnville dejaceo@msn.com Tammy Franks Hillsboro TFranks@LHS.ORG Stephen J. Manning Keizer stephen687@eartidink.net John Naccarato Oregon City johnnac@co.clackamas.or.us Mike Stupfel Salem Michael. Stupfel@state. or. us Beth Wemple Portland BWEMPLE@kittelson.com Graphic Design by Melissa Gannon BSC Mini Grant Highlight Union County is one of this year's Building Safer Communities (BSC) Mini -Grantees promoting bike safety. Thanks to Judy Loudermilk and Nancy VanSickle, kids in La Grande and surrounding communities are riding safer. With grant funds they have developed and maintained a bike rodeo kit, including instructions on set up. They have hosted three bike rodeos, with plans for two more. They also purchased two hundred helmets and have already distributed 180. Union County utilized a senior high school student to help coordinate all the bike rodeos. He used these activities for his senior project. This is one idea that ACTS Oregon is promoting for this years Building Safer Communities Mini -Grants. Working with youth on projects or having an acting teen liaison on a Traffic Safety Committee/Commission is one opportunity to reach out to another group within a community. 2008 Building Safer Communities mini -grant applications are available online at www.actsoregon.org. Safety Matters in Vernonia Vernonia's police department has partnered with concerned citizens to launch a new educational safety campaign. The campaign is known as "Walk your Wheels." It is an effort to create awareness about the local ordinance that addresses bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, and scooters. These types of transportation need to be walked while on the sidewalks in Vernonia. The cause for this awareness campaign has come about in response to several close calls between pedestrians and riders. CONDMON W f �aM'S1 CONDITIONS' Making Sense of School Zones As the new school year rapidly approaches it is an opportune time to address school zone speed limits. With the many changes that have occurred concerning school zones one can become confused. A majority of this bafflement occurred when many school zones became twenty mile per hour zones at all times. For several reasons this regulation was changed. As of July 1, 2006 the law changed to allow two options for school zones in posting the speed limit. The new law, which took effect July 1, 2006, did away with the "at all times" phrase and simplified the new signs to read just two ways: "When flashing" or "School Days 7 AM to 5 PM" This has helped to clarify School Zone speed. Promoting an awareness of this law in your community as the new school year begins will help ensure that our children will have a safe, productive year! For more information visit, http.//www.oregon. gou/ODOT/HWY/TRAFFIC-ROADWAY/school_ zone_speed_l im it. shtml. National Walk and Bike to School Day: October 3rd, 2007 Continued from Page 1 In 2000, the first ever International Walk to School Day took place on October 4th. Over 2.5 million walkers were estimated to have participated. In 2006, 40 countries and 3 million walkers participated in International Walk to School Day, including over 2,294 schools in the United States. This year join up to 90 schools across Oregon in celebrating Walk + Bike to School Day on Wednesday, October 3, 2007. It is an energizing event, reminding parents and children alike of the simple joy of walking to school. It also serves as an opportunity to focus on the importance of physical activity, safety, air quality and walkable communities. Walk to School activities often become a catalyst for ongoing efforts to increase safe walking and bicycling all of the time. For additional international information visit www.walktoschool.org. Statewide information is available at http://www.walknbike.org. By visiting This information was collected from the this site you can register your school and July/August issue of Vernonia's Voice. The author become eligible for Walk + Bike to School Day was Vernonia Police Department's Chief Matthew event incentives and receive other resources and Workman. support for this fun event. Included in the most current release of the 2006 Oregon Traffic Crash Summary, the most common bicyclist errors were, failure to yield right of way and disregarded traffic signals. Among pedestrians errors included crossing between intersections and improper crossing at intersections. In order for everyone to travel safe on the sidewalks, Vernonia requests that you, "Walk your Wheels." Traffic Safety Connection •August ......................Click on www.actsoregon.org for Traffic Safety Information in Oregon.........................................2 The Ins and Outs of Crosswalks The public continues to be confused regarding crosswalks. There are three types of crosswalks that are designated in Oregon: marked, unmarked, painted mid -block. A marked intersection consists of the two solid lines that connect the corners of the intersection. An unmarked intersection still occurs at the corners of intersections, however there are no markings to define it. Lastly the painted mid -block crosswalk is a set of paralleled painted lines that connect two sides of the street at a mid -point within the block. The goal of Oregon's crosswalk law is to create a safety buffer for pedestrians. The law states: • Vehicles turning at a traffic signal must wait until the pedestrian has cleared the lane in which the vehicle Oregon's Child Passenger Safety law Changed Oregon law assists drivers in the decision of how to properly restrain and protect children in motor vehicles. When children are properly restrained it significantly decreases the severity of injuries and number of fatalities that occur in a crash. The recent amendments to Oregon's law now reflect national best practice. Changes to the law include: • Infants must ride rear facing until they are one year old and twenty pounds. Before children can ride forward facing, they must meet both of these benchmarks. • Once a child has reached a minimum of forty pounds they must be properly secured in a booster seat until they are eight years old or are taller then four feet nine inches. • After a child is age eight or older, or they are at least four feet nine inches they must be secured properly with the safety belt system. The law continues to require: • Children over one year old and between twenty and forty pounds must be properly secured with a forward facing child restraint up to a minimum of forty pounds or the upper weight limit of the seat. The changes to the law amend ORS 811.210 and 811.215. These reformations to the law were created •th th a f t f 0 ' h'ld is entering Oregon's Crosswalk Laws Have Changed and at Before fuming al a crosswalk with a signal, it's i least six n 1 +6. Your lane plus six feel. Stop for the pedestrian, I + who must clear the lane into which the vehicle is fuming additional". Uff T PLUS 6 feel beyond that lane, before you proceed feet. w- m as set �' Buffer f • At any At any other crosswalk, it's 1 +1. Your lone plus the - other 7 next lane. h the for the pedesMan, who must clear the u lane in which the vehicle is traveling or turning PLUS A crosswalk, p the next lane, before you proceed marked or Fine = $242 $355 in School Zones unmarked, Drive Safely. The Way to Go. Transportation Safety - ODOT. 1-800.922-2022 vehicles must wait until the pedestrian has cleared the lane of travel and the next lane. • If a crossing guard is present follow their directions. • In the case of a blind person remain stopped until they have completely cleared the roadway. A violation of Oregon crosswalk laws can result in over a $200 citation. This information can be found in the "What you need to know about Oregon crosswalk laws," brochure. This brochure was created by ODOT's Transportation Safety Division and is available through the ODOT storeroom, 503-986-2793. If interested in distributing this information in your community the stock number is 330504. Also information is available at, www.odot.state.or.us/transafety. Tech Class ACTS Oregon and the Child Safety Seat Resource Center are pleased to have completed the second certification course using the 2007 revised curriculum. The initial course took place at the ACTS Oregon office in Beaverton. There were five students in this course, which made for a great opportunity for the instructors to acquaint themselves with the revised curriculum. The students who successfully obtained certification included; Tory Brixey—ACTS Oregon, Tim Kirkman —Dallas Fire and EMS, Elnetta Willams— Multnomah County Health Department, Maria Diaz —Tillamook County Health Department, and Grant Johnstone — Tualatin Police Department. The second certification course took place in Ontario. This class resulted in eleven newly certified child passenger safety technicians. The successful students include; Kammy Rios —Nyasa Police Department, Kerry Liliedahl— Little Ones Inc., Helen Dickinson — Malheur Traffic Safety Commission, Jennifer Jaca—Morrow County Health Department, Javier Marquez —Oregon State Police, Tricia Draze—Oregon State Police, Garry Toth —Payette Police Department, Garciela Wallace —Project Dove, Jeanette Buck —Project Dove, Tony Humphries — Union County Sheriff's Office, Patrick Kruse —Union County Sheriff's Office. By the `end of July a total of 17 students will have completed this course. Instructors Bill Balzer, Jeff Oliver, Doris Girt, Betty Groshong and Ruth Harshfield have assisted Sandy Holt in these two courses. Watch for upcoming certification courses: Lincoln City in August, Redmond in September, St. Helens in November and Portland in January. Cell Phones Banned When Teens Are Behind the Wheel Continued from Page 1 cell phone. Also in case of an emergency it is acceptable to use a cell phone to call for help if no one else is available. w1 e a e y o regon s c 1 ren as a priority. Questions can be directed to ACTS Hopefully with the induction of one more Information included in this Oregon's Child Safety Seat Resource Center: distraction reducer crash rates will continue to fall. There are a couple of exceptions to the law. A article can be found at, 503-643-5620, 800-772-1315. driver may utilize wireless communication http://www.oregon.gou/ODOT /MCT/docs/HB3189testim ony. For free reproducible educational material devices as long as they are hands free. If the pdf and hap.//www.oregon. pertaining to the new law visit our website— driver is operating an ambulance or other gou/ODOT/DMV/TEEN/license www.childsafetyseat.org. emergency vehicle they are permitted to use a shtmL Traffic Safety Connection -August ........................................Click on www.childsafetyseat.org for clinics scheduled in Oregon ............... ....... ........... ..........,..3 Check Up Clinics and Fitting Stations Please check www.childsafetyseatorg under Child Passenger Safety/Calendar for current list, specific dates, locations and times. Date City 08/15/2007 Corvallis 08/15/2007 McMinnville 08/16/2007 La Grande 08/16/2007 Bend 08/18/2007 Salem 08/18/2007 Astoria 08/18/2007 Portland 08/23/2007 La Grande 08/23/2007 Keizer 08/25/2007 Hillsboro 08/25/2007 Beaverton 08/25/2007 Eugene 08/30/2007 La Grande Location Fire Department Fire Department Fire Department Fire Department Salem Hospital parking area of COM Safeway Legacy Emanuel Children's Hospital Fire Department Fire Department Tuality Health Education Center Police Department Ray's Food Place Fire Department Address 400 NW Harrison Street 175 E 1st Street 1806 Cove Avenue 1212 SW Simpson 665 Winter Street SE Bldg. 3250 Leif Erickson Drive 2801 N Gantenbein Parking structure #3 1806 Cove Avenue 661 Chemawa Road 334 SE 8th 4755 SW Griffith Drive 150 Oroyan Avenue 1806 Cove Avenue Time 8:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. 12:00 P.M. to 1:30 P.M. 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. 8:45 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. Portland Public Schools FREE GDL Workshop Schedule 2007-2008 Graduated Driver's Licensing Workshops help youth develop safe driving behavior and parents discover how to best support young drivers. Before your child gets behind the wheel attend a workshop together! October 8th 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. Roosevelt High School October 15th 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. Riverdale High School November 5th 7:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. Lincoln High School December 3rd 7:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. Madison High School Save These Dates! ACTS Oregon Annual Meeting The Amazing Race* for Oregon Safety This year the ACTS Oregon Annual Meeting will be held on October 15, 2007 at the Riverhouse Hotel and Convention Center in Bend. Workshops for child passenger safety technicians and community traffic safety committees/commissions are planned for October 15 and 16 as well. Everyone is welcome. More information will be available by August 31, 2007. *All traffic safety laws apply, courteous driving encouraged, no speeding, no road rage, no crashing. Traffic Safety Connection • August ........................................Click on www.childsafetyseat.org for clinics scheduled in Oregon ................. ....—.4