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Newport: New “Sharrows” on Oceanview Drive

Apr 252013

A reminder to share the road with bicyclists, especially on Oceanview. Very little room for error!

Newport Public Works crews were out on Oceanview Drive this week, hoping to make motorists more aware that Oceanview Drive is a favorite ribbon of asphalt through Newport. Oceanview is part of an official bicycling route through Newport and so received a number of share-the-road “Sharrows” to let motorists know that bicyclists are common on Oceanview Drive.

There are sharrows on other city streets and more is planned. So. heads-up and drive, as well as bicycle, safely.

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Making Waldport more “bicycle friendly”

Bicycling, Bike Paths, Waldport No Responses »

Apr 112013

Waldport City Council
Thursday

Rick Hill
Green Bike, Waldport

Sharrows being installed in Newport

Green Bike, a service that provides free bicycles to anyone who wants to use them to get around Waldport, is looking to make bicycling a little nicer for locals and visitors alike. Green Bike lead mechanic and volunteer coordinator Rick Hill told the council he would like the council to authorize adding “Sharrows” to city streets where bicycling is encouraged. Sharrows are painted (or vinyl applied) symbols on regular travel roads to remind motorists that bicycles can be expected to use the roads as well, and to be on the lookout for them. It’s a safety thing.

Hill said that Newport recently added sharrows to a number of their streets as a safety reminder. Hill said Newport loans the stencils to other Lincoln County communities free of charge. He asked the council to designate which streets the sharrows should be painted on. Mayor Susan Woodruff said it would most likely have to be just on city streets for starters – maybe not on Highway 101 or 34, since those are under the jurisdiction of ODOT. Councilors came up with a number of streets that the sharrows would be good for by routing visitors to specific locations like parks, the port, visitors center, the beach, the post office, etc. City Manager Nancy Leonard said she’ll contact ODOT to see if they’d entertain sharrows and, if so, where.

Hill also posed the idea of the council establishing specific bike routes throughout the area so tourists could more fully enjoy their bike riding in Waldport. The council thought that was a good idea – in fact it was also suggested that the city work with the South Lincoln County Trail Committee which is in the process of updating trails for hikers, horseback riders, aquatic travelers and bicyclists. A member of the committee was in the audience and said “let’s do it!”

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Getting our kids to school SAFELY! “Safe Routes to School”

Bicycling, Bike Paths, Pedestrian Safety, Traffic Safety No Responses »

Feb 252013

Safe Routes to School
Newport Rec Center

Creating safe routes to school

Walking/biking is exercise
Reduces child obesity
Students arrive ready to focus on learning

Safe Routes to School program

A group that wants to ensure that Lincoln County school children get to and from school safely put their heads together recently to come up with a plan to do just that – and it’s not about putting more cars on the road. In fact, quite the opposite.

The Safe Routes to Schools organization, which partners with the Oregon Department of Transportation, is making the rounds of Oregon communities to develop local walking and biking routes that are safe and convenient for students. School safety personnel, along with law enforcement, streets, trails and other public officials laid out their challenges for all Lincoln County students to be able to get to and from school on their own, without a flotilla of “mom vans” clogging streets and school pick-up and drop-off areas. They also acknowledged that walking and biking to school is healthier for kids. Not only does it help to prevent childhood obesity, children arrive at school after having done some exercise that results in a calmer frame of mind that helps children focus on learning.

Ideas to improve walking and biking conditions around Lincoln County included:

* Toledo High – Entry drive/walkway hill is not safe. No sidewalk, steep edges/drop offs, narrow road. No sidewalk on Sturdavent leading to school.
* Toledo Elementary – Limited sidewalk access on Sturdavent – only to the south.
* Newport High and Newport Intermediate – No sidewalk on 4th in front of Lincoln County Fairgrounds.
* Waldport High – Elementary – No sidewalk along Crestline to school. New high school will increase traffic from parents driving students, as well as student drivers. Lower speed limit near the schools. Raised crosswalks over highways, install crosswalk warning lights, create bike trails.
* Install flashing school zone lights on Crestline.
* Taft High and Taft Elementary – Wider shoulders along Highways 101 and 18 from Otis area. More sidewalks.
* Safety education for walkers, rights of way issues, crosswalk laws.
* Staff/volunteers needed for crossing guard training, vests, handheld flags and signs.
* Oceanlake Elementary – Need two handheld stop/slow signs.
* Bikers/walkers need to be educated about safety and traffic rules – vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists.
* Everyone needs to learn about “Safe Routes to School.”
* Promote healthy benefits of walking/biking to school.
* Map neighborhoods to reveal challenges and opportunities.
* Plan “Bike to School” events.
* Coordinate special promotions for bike, clothing and helmet give-aways.
* Recruit volunteers to assist walkers/bikers.
* Create “group sites” to coordinate walking.

Comments from the group included some frustration that sidewalks, rights of way, highway crossings and the like require full-blown plans before being qualified for grants, much less permits for construction. Plans cost money to produce, they said, and it makes it harder when the Safe Routes to School program requires plans for projects five to ten years down the road. “That’s well beyond our time line for local projects here in Newport,” said Public Works Director Tim Gross.

A Safe Route to Schools official said they understand the predicament but quickly added that there are many other tactics that schools and their communities can use to make routes to school more safe for students – like asking law enforcement to concentrate on school zones during times children are going to and from school. A deputy sheriff quickly replied “We’re very thin on patrols as it is. Budgets are tight. Officers don’t come out of thin air.” Response: “Then think about using reserve officers as deterrents – have them write down license plate numbers and send a letter to the registered owner that their vehicle was speeding in a school zone on such and such a date. They’ll get the message.” The suggestion was made that mobile radar trailers be used more consistently in school zones around the county. Public Works Director Tim Gross chimed in that getting creative with street striping can also slow down traffic if it narrows ‘perceived’ lane widths. It’s cheap to do.

Another suggestion was to contact parents or other adults who might like to monitor student commutes to school, provide guidance and to raise the level of safety while enroute.

Safe Routes to School officials said the next step will be for schools to do more outreach to students and parents to determine what impediments exist that discourages walking and biking to school. After that, create an action plan and take meaningful steps to enact changes that makes biking and walking to school more safe and enjoyable.

More meetings to come to keep the momentum going.

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A look ahead for bike/pedestrian improvements in Newport

Bicycling, Pedestrian Safety No Responses »

Feb 202013

Sharrow
Reminder to motorists to share the road

No shoulder on Oceanview between 21st and 12th
Bike travel unsafe

Build trail connecting
Nye at 17th to Oceanview

: Create pathway(s)
from PCH to Bayfront

Newport Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee Chairman Ken Dennis briefly outlined some immediate goals for his group saying they’d like to take on some bicycling and pedestrian challenges that have needed fixing for a long time.

Dennis said that his committee is committed to seeing that more “sharrows” are placed on traffic lanes so motorists know they’re supposed to share the road with bicyclists.

Dennis told the council that some long running problems with Oceanview Drive need fixing in that there are no shoulders on Oceanview from Northwest 12th through 21st Street. They would also like to see a bike trail that connects NW Nye to Oceanview which would give an alternate north-south route from the center of town to the north.

And Dennis said that there is a need to connect the trail that runs from near the city water treatment plant at Big Creek, down the drainage and through the Highway 101 tunnel and connecting to the sidewalk that leads to Walmart

He also told the council that there is a need for clear pedestrian access from PCH to the Bayfront.

Just expressing needs. No firm target dates or funding sources yet identified.

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Lincoln City City Council moves ahead on Bike/Pedestrian Plan for the town

Bicycling, Bike Paths, Pedestrian Safety No Responses »

Oct 232012

Saying they want Lincoln City residents to be able to get around town without having to drive a car, or even ride a bus if they don’t want to, the city council gave their tentative approval of a new bicycle and pedestrian/hiking plan Monday night. Pictured above is a series of improvements aimed at helping motorists to more effectively share the roads with bicyclists and walkers. The plan calls for putting in sidewalks for pedestrians as well as lane sharing for bicyclists. Some of it will cost money. And some of it won’t fit within the narrow widths of many older streets in the city.

Resident Mike Meyers blasted the plan as lacking common sense in its application and excessive in its proposed fees or taxes to implement it. He said the city needs to stick to what’s needed, and avoid what is not necessary. He said that many city streets are too narrow for what limited parking there is without trying to take up space for bike lanes or sidewalks that, in some cases, would put both almost up to the front doors of some homes in Lincoln City.

ODOT representative David Helton, whose agency helped fund the bike/ped study said that Mr. Meyers brings up good points but that there will be no fees or taxes for any project that isn’t fully evaluated and brought before the city council in open public meetings. He said it’s a plan and nothing more, that lays out what the town might accommodate in the years ahead, with emphasis on “years.” City planner Debra Martzhan said that local fees or taxes are not the first choice for funding bike/ped improvements and that there are many grants and other resources that could be tapped first. The council was also told that any improvements would likely piggyback with other city projects associated with street or other circulation improvements in the years ahead and that each and every improvement will be presented to the city council who has the last say on whether an improvement is given the green light.

A representative of the Bay Area Merchants Association said their group supports the bike/ped plan, adding that it’s long been their opinion that the Taft area has been somewhat isolated from the rest of Lincoln City because of a lack of pedestrian and/or biking provisions on the street.

The council seemed okay with the plan, with some minor amendments. City staff said they would refer it back to the city’s consultants and then bring it back to the city council for review and probable approval at a future meeting.

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Lincoln City edges closer to adopting biking and walking plan for the town

Bicycling, Bike Paths, Lincoln City, Pedestrian Safety, Recreation No Responses »

Oct 092012

We all know that America is filled with people who weigh too much, don’t exercise enough and who use their vehicles to travel 200 feet to the store. But slowly, city and county planners have been making it easier for Americans to envision a different kind of neighborhood, where walking and bicycling are not only possible, but safe and inviting.

Lincoln City planners Monday night debuted their proposed city-wide walking and biking plan to the city council. It was well received and roundly praised at successfully pulling many Lincoln City residents into the process of assessing the walking and biking needs of the city, where they could be constructed and where to go shopping for the money to make it all possible.

Nobody said it was all going to happen soon. They agreed that it’ll be a long slog, especially as the country tries fitfully to pull out of the worst recession in over 80 years. Cities and counties are having trouble enough paying for the things that are “must haves” as opposed to what are nice to have to improve the community’s quality of life which bike and walking paths would be a part of.

However, planners reminded the councilors that there are many no-or-low-cost options to be explored with the city’s own public works department, and certainly with the Oregon Department of Transportation, which has control over Highway 101 – the main transportation corridor through town. They say a few immediate improvements could come from just laying down some paint where appropriate.

To be sure, shared lanes, discreet lanes, sidewalks, pedestrian pathways, all come at a price. And certainly the more pricey ones may take a while to build. But that’s what planners said is so good about the city’s nearly-adopted plan. They say it was formulated after a series community meetings and discussions that examined what’s on the ground now, and what would make sense projecting out five to ten years to connect Lincoln city’s scattered neighborhoods without having to jump in a car. They said funding for these non-automotive ways of getting around will likely come from a number of sources; federal, state, private foundations, local contributors and yes, even taxpayers, if they can be convinced of the value. So having a plan with specific sets of expectations, of what should be put where, will help focus the work of raising the money.

The plan’s comprehensiveness exceeds any one news story’s ability to even scratch the surface. You really should read the plan. But before your eyes glaze over, click on the link at the end of this story and see for yourself how very readable and easy to understand it is. It’s well made so everyone can get a good sense of what’s in the offing and of ways to move it forward. There are detractors who think it’s all a bunch of expensive fluff that the city can’t afford, but if you spend some time with the plan you’ll get your own view of the possibilities. Although the plan was presented to the city council Monday night, the council postponed adoption of it until at least one more public hearing can be held 6pm, Monday, October 22nd, to give more Lincoln City residents a chance to weigh in on the discussions.

At any rate, here’s the plan: Click here.

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Walkers and Bicyclists of Lincoln City! C’mon down!

Bicycling, Bike Paths, Lincoln City No Responses »

Jun 222012

Provided by Lincoln City Planning

CITY GEARS UP FOR FINAL STEPS OF WALKING AND BIKING PLAN
Second Open House Scheduled for Sunday, July 15th, at Lincoln City Farmer’s Market

Lincoln City’s Walking and Biking Plan is heading for the finish line! The Planning and Community Development Department invites the public to an open house on Sunday, July 15th, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Lincoln City Farmer’s Market, 540 NE Highway 101 (Cultural Center lawn) to share your thoughts on the evolving plan. Accessible parking and bike racks are available. In case of inclement weather, the event will be inside the Cultural Center.

While you are there, review improvements for walkers and bicyclists and comment on how to pay for them. You can talk with project consultants, city staff and our Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) liaison, and members of the advisory committee about your priorities for making walking and biking in Lincoln City safer and more enjoyable.

The city also wants your input on “road diets” for Highway 101 in Oceanlake and other places without adequate room for sidewalks and bike lanes. A road diet narrows motor vehicle lanes or reduces the number of lanes from four through lanes to two through lanes and a turn lane, which makes room for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Children are welcome to attend the open house. The city will provide coloring sheets and crayons, but no child care. The open house will offer handouts and give-aways while supplies last. A grant from ODOT’s Transportation Growth Management program is funding the Walking and Biking Plan. By early fall, a draft of the plan will be available on the project’s website. The Planning Commission and City Council will hold public hearings in the fall prior to adopting the plan.

Make your voice heard for this plan! Visit the project website for the Walking and Biking Plan at www.lincolncitypedbike.org or by clicking here. Facebook users can “like” the project page for “Lincoln City Walking and Biking Plan.” If you have questions about the event or need assistance, please contact Kate Daschel (541-996-1232) or Timothy Novak (541-996-1226).

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Summer means bicycles, their riders, and drivers of vehicles using the same road…

Bicycling No Responses »

Jun 142012

Info provided by Sheriff Dennis Dotson

With school out and the warmer months of summer upon us, there will be more bicyclists on our streets and highways. To make your bicycle riding safe and enjoyable, know the rules of the road and follow these simple safety tips.

Always wear your helmet. Don’t forget to buckle it. Oregon law requires children less than 16 years of age to wear an approved helmet.
Only one rider per bicycle unless it is specifically designed for passengers.
Signal your turns
Always use lights at night (white light in front and a red in the rear).
Never carry an object that keeps you from having both hands on your handlebars.
Always stop at stop signs.
Ride in the same direction that traffic is traveling.
Bicycles must have a working brake.
Remember that you must obey the same laws on a bike that you do in a car.
Please consider locking your bicycle while left unattended.

While we’re on the topic, take a moment after you read this to jot down the serial numbers and descriptions of your family bicycles. This will greatly increase the odds of your bicycle being returned to you if it’s stolen. Police agencies already have many recovered stolen bicycles and no way of knowing who their rightful owners are.

As with any recreational activity, it’s the responsibility of all who participate to be knowledgeable of the rules or laws related to that activity. It’s also important for the younger participants of any activity to be informed by parents or legal guardians. Enjoy your riding, but be safe!

For more information and tips, visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and Like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.

================================

My name is Allen Stewart and I live and work in Toledo.

I would like to make a brief comment on Sheriff Dotson’s post regarding bicycle safety (Summer means bicycles, and bicycles mean…, June 14, 2012).

While it is very important for bicyclists to be aware of the rules and strategies required for safe cycling, safety is not solely the responsibility of the cyclist. Drivers are equally as responsible to ensure that all interactions between cyclists and motor vehicles are safe. By only providing tips for cyclists, you are reinforcing the idea that it is the cyclists responsibility if anything negative happens.

A few helpful reminders for drivers would be a good addition to your article:

* Drivers should be constantly aware of the presence of cyclists on the road.
* Safe interactions with cyclists are based on mutual expectations.
* Bicycles on the road should be treated in the same manner as any other form of traffic. Often what is considered a kind gesture to a cyclist could lead to confusion and catastrophe.
* Be sure to check your blind spot, by looking over the shoulder in the direction you are turning, to be sure that there are no bicycles coming from behind in the bike lane.
* Understand that there may be obstructions or glass on the shoulder that require a cyclist to temporarily occupy the lane.
* Be sure to allow at least 3 feet of space when overtaking a cyclist.

I hope that you will add these suggestions to the post. Bicycles and motor vehicles can coexist, but it requires a mutual effort.

Thank you for your time,

-Allen Stewart

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Newport looking for pedestrian and bicycling boosters

Bicycling, Bike Paths No Responses »

Dec 132011

Newport City Hall

The City of Newport is seeking applications from citizens interested in serving on the Pedestrian/Pedestrian Committee. The Pedestrian/Bicycle Committee meets monthly on the second Tuesday, at 5:30 P.M., at the Recreation Center, 225 SE Avery Street. The purpose of the Committee is to advise the City Council on issues relating to bicycle and pedestrian transportation, safety, recreation, and education. The Committee also acts as a resource to provide additional information related to the unique problems associated with non-motorized transportation.

Anyone interested in serving on this committee should apply using the city’s committee application which is found on the city website at www.newportoregon.gov; click on “City;” then on “Committees;” and then on “Application for Committee/Commission.” The completed form can be submitted electronically. Copies of the committee application form can also be obtained by contacting the City Manager’s Office at 169 SW Coast Highway, Newport, Oregon 97365, or by calling 541.574.0613. The application deadline is December 30, 2011.

The Pedestrian/Bicycle Committee will interview interested volunteers at its January 10, 2012 meeting, and forward a recommendation to the City Council for formal appointment at its January 17, 2012 meeting.

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Reducing the pain of arthritis comes on friendly wheels…

Bicycling, Health No Responses »

Sep 122011

Photo courtesy Daniella Crowder

Those trying to reduce the pain of arthritis are peddling into Newport this evening and calling all Newportians to get a bone density check by stopping by the Oregon Coast Aquarium. The test is not only fun because it’s at the Aquarium, but also because it’s free!

Daniella Crowder and the gang at the Bike Newport Shop says the “Peoples Coast Classic Ride for Arthritis” is stopping in Newport on their long road quest to raise money toward the cure of the very painful, and quality of life robbing disease. Tonight at 6:30, the Aquarium opens their doors as a bone density test is given free of charge to all comers. Participants will learn about how they can reduce their chances of getting arthritis, and what can be done to reduce its symptoms.

Bike Newport co-owner Daniella Crowder says that last year’s People’s Coast Classic stopped in Newport, but conducted just a rest layover for part of the day. But Crowder says this time, the Classic has decided to spend the entire day getting to know the area to see the special place it really is. The tomorrow, Tuesday, at 11:30am, Mayor Mark McConnell, himself an avid bicyclist, will attend a special luncheon sponsored by Bike Newport at Don Davis Park, which will honor the People’s Coastal Classic which spends much time raising money toward better medical treatement for arthritis, if not an eventual cure.

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