Ohio & Erie Towpath Flooding Update

NE OH

Get Your Exercise on the North Coast Inland Trail

Sandusky, OH - "With gyms closed, and warmer weather, hopefully, on the way, one outdoor recreation area welcomes all people to visit — so long as everyone keeps 6 feet away from one another." more

Licking Park District - COVID-19 Notice

4/3/20

Licking County, OH

Cycling Suggestions for Pittsburgh

4/3/20

PA - "...What should Pittsburgh do to help people get around during the pandemic?.." more

Anne Springs Close Greenway Closed

4/2/20

SC - "...The Greenway has been an integral part of this community for 25 years, and closing it to our members and visitors is an unprecedented and painful action..." more

Good Trail Etiquette is Essential Now

4/2/20

U.S. - "...We all need to follow the rules set by our local governments to keep ourselves and each other healthy and to keep our local trails open." more

Providing NHS Staff With 1,000 Bikes

4/2/20

UK - "Brompton of London wants to supply coronavirus-focused NHS staff with its iconic folding bikes and launched a crowdfunder on April 2 to build 1,000 machines, all to be painted in NHS colors. Within hours the crowdfunder had raised more than £40,000..." more

Will the Current Cycling Boom Last?

4/2/20

"Biking is suddenly the safest and most convenient way to get around a lot of cities—and cities are responding by making it easier to bike. But when people can start driving to work again, will everything go backwards?" more

More News...

• NY: Don’t Let Coronavirus Prevent NYC from Buying Small Snowplows
• VA: Five Roads Eyed for Complete Streets Changes
• TX: City sees continued complaints about gatherings at creeks, parks
• NE: How to avoid coronavirus, collisions on Lincoln's bike trails
• NY: Rochester loses Pace bike-share program
• D.C.: Bike and scooter-sharing companies implement new cleaning practices
• UT: GREENbike offers annual passes to essential workers for 1 cent

Metroparks Closes Roads to Create Space for Park Users

4/2/20

Cuyahoga County, OH

A Look at the Recent Flooding on Alum Creek Trail

Columbus, OH

Historic Marker Installed Along Kokosing Trail

4/1/20

Howard, OH

Comment Period for Transportation Plans Closing April 13

Central OH - "The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission’s (MORPC’s) 2020-2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) is nearing completion, and the draft version of the plan is available for public review and comment." more

The comment period for the Northeast OH Areawide Coordinating Agency also ends on April 13.

E-Bikes Legalized Statewide In Budget Bill

4/1/20

NY - "...The budget language, worked out among Gov. Cuomo and legislators, closely mirrored the governor’s January proposal, which legalized pedal-assist e-bikes, throttle e-bikes and e-scooters, but allowed municipalities to regulate their use to suit specific local conditions..." more

Bicyclist Receives Extension Injuries from Hit-and-Run

4/1/20

FL - "Greg Helms' family hopes someone will come forward with information leading to the driver who hit him while he was riding his bicycle along State Road A1A." more

New Mexico Relaxes Ban on Bike Shops

4/1/20

Santa Fe, NM - "A local news source is reporting that New Mexico officials have relented and are now allowing bikes shops to operate, under stringent rules, during the state's COVID-19 response..." more

Pacific Coast Trail Association Encourages Trail Users to Stay Off Trail

4/1/20

CA - "...As the spread of COVID-19 spreads across the world, hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, possibly putting hikers and as in the case above, emergency personnel in danger, is not advised." more

Cycling in the Time of COVID-19

San Francisco, CA - "Advocate reflects on the weird calm of San Francisco's almost-car-free streets." more

As Roads Empty, Drivers are Speeding Up

U.S. - "...New York City’s speed cameras have been issuing about the same number of tickets since the Coronavirus crisis began, despite a 51-percent plunge in cars on the road..." more

More News...

• OR: Biketown use has declined 75% amid virus outbreak
• OR: A COVID-19 resource guide for small bike businesses: Part 1
• CAN: Cycling advocates call for more pedestrian space, temporary bike lanes
• UT: Speeding Driver Crashes Onto Bike Path
• AK: Boy, 5, found dead after mom left him on Alaska trail to seek help
• SD: Bike trail serves as an active social distancing sit
• AZ: New concerns over trail closures in Phoenix
• WI: 2019 ‘a banner year’ for Madison’s electric bike-share program
• VA: City of Roanoke to temporarily close Greenway
• MI: $1M for Platt Road Greenway
• D.C.: Project Helps D.C. Residents Donate Bicycles To Essential Workers

Columbus Parks Closes Facilities, Trails Still Open

3/31/20

Columbus, OH

B&O Trail Cleared

Richland County, OH - Despite closures seemingly everywhere, many Ohio trails, like the B&O Trail, have dedicated volunteers who continue to maintain public trails for your use and safety.

New Signs Along the Kokosing Gap Trail

3/31/20

Knox County, OH

5 Rivers Metroparks Notice

Dayton, OH - "COVID-19 updates and closures; all programs and events cancelled through May 3." more

Some Midwest Trail Closures

4/11/20

IN - "...Chicago closed its Lakefront Trail last week after a sunny, balmy Wednesday drew near record numbers of people onto the already popular trail... Merrillville, Ind., closed all of its parks and trails this week. Carmel, Ind., closed a section of the Monon Trail that runs north from Indianapolis." more

NACTO: 10 Ways Every City Should Respond to COVID-19

"The novel coronavirus has rapidly changed the way we use our roads. Cities must respond to the emergency — but they have to do it right." more

Calls for all Governments to Declare Bike Repair Essential

3/31/20

BEL - "The World Bicycle Industry Association is asking all countries to allow bike repair services to continue through the COVID-19 pandemic. " more

More News...

• UK: Beryl bikes now free for NHS staff across all its cities
• OR: Medford Greenway "campers" get help to stay put
• TN: Springfield closes parks, keeps greenway, golf course open
• NYC: Temporary Bike Lane on Smith Street
• NYC: Second Avenue’s Temporary PBL Has DISAPPEARED!

Good Samaritans Assist Injured Trail User

3/30/20

Munroe Falls, OH - "...Good Samaritans help badly injured senior on hiking trail in Summit County." more

Cincy Transport Systems Scaled Back or Suspended

3/30/20

Cincinnati, OH - "The city's streetcar, bike share and electric scooter rental joined other public transportation systems that have taken a hit as the coronavirus continues to spread throughout the Tri-State." more

Trail Closures in the Dayton Area

3/30/20

Dayton, OH - "The Great Miami River Trail between Triangle Park and the I-75 bridge is closed due to high water. "

"The Wolf Creek Recreation Trail from the Antioch Street access and the mouth is closed due to flooding."

See more closings in the 5 Rivers Metroparks area.

Alum Creek Trail Update

3/30/20

Columbus, OH

Illegal Parking along Heartland Trail

3/30/20

Marshallville, OH

Cities are Repurposing Car Space

IL - "During the global pandemic, cities around the world are recognizing it makes sense to take road space that is usually used for moving and storing cars and instead give it to people..." more

Kitsbow Ships Personal Protection Items

3/30/20

Old Fort, NC - "...Kitsbow Cycling Apparel shipped its first personal protective equipment Friday in response to the COVID-19 pandemic." more

Drive Thru Testing for Cyclists

New Orleans, LA

Bike Share & Car Share Step Up Cleaning Practices

3/30/20

Seattle, WA - "Bike share and car share remain options for essential travel during the COVID-19 pandemic..." more

Feds Say Bike Repair Workers are Essential

3/30/20

D.C. - "Many jurisdictions are allowing shops to stay open, but in about a dozen states it's still unclear whether shops can operate." more

More News...

• NY: In Search of Quiet Streets in NYC
• OR: PBOT Commissioner: ‘Now is not the time’ to make street changes
• AR: Residents near Buffalo River warn of tourist overcrowding
• GA: Perimeter cities appeal to GDOT for multi-use trail space
• NY: Rochester’s bikeshare program ends, for now
• FL: Orange County bans e-scooters and e-bikes over safety concerns
• UK: Brighton Bikeshare scheme to stay open to support NHS staff
• NYC: Woman In Critical Condition After Hit-And-Run
• IL: Chicago bike shops keep rolling
• TX: Arlington closes playgrounds and park workout stations indefinitely
• NY: Construction begins on Harry Howard Ave for bike and walking path

Red Bike Shuts Down

Cincinnati, OH - "City officials directed Red Bike, Cincinnati’s bike share program, to shut down temporarily Sunday, according to a Red Bike spokesperson." more

Towpath Flooding Update

3/30/20

CVNP, OH

Related: Flooding Photos.

'100-Year Flood' in Cleveland

3/299/20

Cleveland, OH - "Authorities say severe weather in Ohio has spawned what forecasters are calling a “100-year flood” in Cleveland and led to a number of water rescues. more

MoGo Offering Free Monthly Bike Pass

3/30/20

Detroit, MI - "MoGo Detroit, the bikeshare program in the city, will be offering its monthly pass for free in response to the COVID-19 outbreak." more

Social Distancing on 2 Wheels

3/30/20

Dayton, OH - "...While the recent Stay at Home Order by Amy Acton, Director of the Ohio Department of Health, put additional limits on Ohioans activities, a variety of outdoor activities, including biking, are still permitted." more

Groups Want More Street Space for Walking, Biking

3/30/20

Philadelphia, PA - "...LoBasso and other advocacy groups want Philadelphia to close even more streets to cars, such as the roads through the 2,052-acre Fairmount Park." more

Are Bike Lanes Really Safe?

"In just the last eight months, I’ve had two cycling accidents when inattentive drivers made right turns and cut me off..." more

Calgary Blocks Traffic Lanes to Help Pathway

3/30/20

CAN - " Fans of a decision by Calgary officials to block off some traffic lanes to give pedestrians and cyclists extra room for social distancing hope others cities will follow suit." more

More News...

• UK: Yobs defy lockdown and smash bike into woman
• UK: London Bridge shop to loan electric bikes to NHS staff
• IL: Chicago’s bike infrastructure is growing
• NC: Crowded parks, greenways could lead to more restrictions
• TX: Dallas warns it could close all parks, trails

Towpath Closed in the Cuyahoga Valley

3/29/20

CVNP, OH

More Blacklick & Alum Creek Trail Flooding

3/29/20

Columbus, OH

Pandemic Underscores Importance of Sidewalks

3/29/20

Orange Village, OH - "...Sidewalks usually get little attention. But during the pandemic, they’ve stepped to the foreground as a critically important form of public space." more

Kokosing River Safety Addressed

Gambier, OH - "A work crew from the Knox County Park District erected eight river safety signs Friday at canoe and kayak access points along the Kokosing State Scenic River, which became an imperative for river safety following two drownings on the river last summer." more

Pittsburgh Introduces "Neighborways"

PA - "...It’s a street, or series of connected streets, where motor vehicle speeds and volumes are kept low to make it more comfortable for existing residents, while also making it safer to walk, ride a bike, and for kids to play." more

Chicago Ponders Lakefront Trail Repairs

IL - "The Lakefront Trail was officially closed to the public Thursday after a sunny day brought Chicagoans out in droves, but the Chicago Park District still hopes to tackle repairs on sections clobbered by erosion starting this spring." more

Pace Bike-Sharing Suspends Service

3/28/20

Norfolk, VA - "...The company said it made the decision out of precaution to ensure that the community, riders, and maintenance staff is safe from the virus." more

Scooter Companies Pull Out of Cities Worldwide

3/28/20

"...as governments around the world fight to slow the coronavirus pandemic, micromobility companies are facing a deeper existential challenge..." more

More News...

• OR: No more Green Way sweeps during stay at home order
• NC: Greenville residents still exercise despite park closures
• CA: Coronavirus In L.A. County: Beaches, Piers, Trails & Bike Paths Closed
• CA: County closes all beaches, bike path

Surface Improvements Along Cannonball Trail

Henry County, OH

No Trespassing on Future Heartland Trail Section

Marshallville, OH

Increased Use on Columbus Trails

Columbus, OH - "Expect increased foot traffic on all trails due to ‘Stay at Home’ order. Please keep the following tips in mind to ensure a safe trail experience for all..." more

Cleveland Metroparks CEO on COVID-19

Cleveland, OH - "...Brian Zimmerman, CEO of the Cleveland Metroparks, spoke with FOX 8's Stefani Schaefer about how to safely use much of what the parks have to offer during this time." more

Portion of Monon Greenway Closed

IN - "...closure of a part of the Monon Greenway and Midtown Plaza due to overcrowding which makes social distancing difficult during the COVID-19 crisis..." more

Newborn Body Found Near Greenway

Oak Ridge, TN - "Police are investigating after a newborn child’s body was found along the Melton Lake Greenway on Thursday." more

Entrepreneurs Jumping on Bikes

3/27/20

Portland, OR - "When coronavirus ended their burgeoning bicycle tour business, southeast Portland based Around Portland Tours turned to a different kind service. A company that used to take people to things, is now taking things to people." more

Closing Streets to Create Space for Walking & Biking

3/27/20

U.S. - "...In Pennsylvania, trails have become overwhelmed with bicyclists, pedestrians and runners, leading the City of Philadelphia to look for new solutions to help ensure safe physical activity outside. This includes the closure of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, one of its two river drives, due to overcrowding on the Schuylkill River Trail—enough so that appropriate social distancing was nearly impossible." more

Don't Close Trails, Open Streets Instead

Chicago, IL - "...it was disappointing when Mayor Lightfoot announced today that all lakefront parks, the Lakefront Trail, The 606 elevated greenway, and the Chicago Riverwalk will be indefinitely closed as a safety measure during Stay at Home..." more

Cycling in the Time of COVID-19

3/27/20

CA - "Advocate reflects on the weird calm of San Francisco's almost-car-free streets." more

More News...

• CA: Redondo Beach will close some public places due to the virus
• VA: Danville bike-share program cycles to stop
• MA: ValleyBike Share delays opening due to COVID-19
• MA: Study lays out issues with proposed Yarmouth bike trail connection
• CA: Cleveland, San Bernardino National Forests Close; Trails Open
• CT: Brookfield Closes Still River Greenway
• CA: City says sporting goods retailers are 'essential'

Columbus Trail Flooding Update

Columbus, OH - MetroParks Trails, especially Alum Creek Trail, continue to have issues from flooding this past week. Crews will be working on the ACT to remove silt and debris.

Trailside Playgrounds Close

Knox County, OH

ODNR Closes Additional Facilities

Columbus, OH - "The Ohio Department of Natural Resources announced Monday it will be closing campgrounds, cabins, golf courses, restrooms, shower houses, playgrounds and state park marinas at all ODNR properties." more

COTA and CoGo Are Still Available (But Scooters Aren’t)

Columbus, OH - "...An update posted to the CoGo website on March 19 laid out new procedures for cleaning bikes and stations, and posts on social media since then have encouraged riders to 'wash your hands immediately after riding public transportation – trains, buses, and bikeshare included'.” more

Lorain County Metro Parks After Hours Noice

Lorain County, OH - "While Lorain County Metro Parks is currently closing parks at 6 pm, the park system states that several parks throughout the Lorain County Metro Parks system are not gated. Should you want to get out to a metro park after 6 pm, consider these parks: Amherst Beaver Creek, Lakeview Park (Lorain), Kopf Family Reservation (Avon Lake), French Creek Nature Center (trails behind the building), Charlemont (New London), Kipton (Oberlin) and the North Coast Inland Trail (trailheads from Elyria to Kipton). more

Outdoor Recreation Encouraged Despite Closures

3/27/20

Wheeling, WV - "...Nearly all of the parks and playgrounds operated by the city of Wheeling were closed until at least April 6, if not longer depending on the status of the pandemic. However, Wheeling Heritage Trail will remain open, and there are many other options for outdoor recreation in the city." more

Biking Rising In Popularity Across Delaware Valley

3/26/20

Philadelphia, PA - "...Officials say it appears Philadelphians are taking social distancing seriously and using two wheels to do it." more

Driver Kills Bicyclist on Bike Trail

3/26/20

TN - "...Police said a male driver was trying to negotiate a curve when his vehicle left the roadway..." more

Health-Care Workers Get Free Access to Some Bike Share Networks

3/26/20

NY - "As part of its LyftUp initiative, Lyft will provide free access to its bike-share programs in three metropolitan cities for health-care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic." more

States Reverse Course on "Essential" Status for Bike Shops

3/26/20

Santa Fe, NM - "More state and local officials are declaring bike shops "essential" businesses that can stay open despite shut-down orders due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, several jurisdictions have reversed course in what is a constantly changing landscape across the country." more

More News...

• TX: Austin Deems Bicycle Sharing An Essential Business
• FL: Don't ban us from our parks, please
• CO: Some question legality of 'locals-only' trail and lodging closures
• ITA: 3T: We’re no longer a bike factory
• NC: For one North Carolina bike shop, it was time to voluntarily close

Trail Facilities Closed in Miami Valley

SW OH - "...The Miami Valley Trails all remain open to the public through this State of Emergency. THAT SAID, trail users should be advised that most (if not all) restroom facilities located along the trails ARE CLOSED..." more

Camp Chase Trail Detour

Columbus, OH

COVID-19 Statement from Columbus Mayor

3/26/20

Columbus, OH

Knox County Trail Rack Cards

3/25/20

Knox County, OH

Franklin County Park/Trail Facilities Notice

3/25/20

Franklin County, OH

Advocates Call to Close Some Streets to Cars

NYC - "Over the weekend, Gov. Andrew Cuomo demanded the city come up with a plan to keep residents from congregating in public parks amid the COVID-19 outbreak, calling the outdoor crowds 'wholly inappropriate'..." more

Cleveland Metroparks Closures/Cancelations

Cuyahoga County, OH - "...All guests should follow [these] safe practices when visiting the parks..." more

REI Stores Remain Closed

3/25/20

Kent, WA - "...After closing March 16, REI intended to reopen Friday..." more

De Soto Sport to Make Personal Protective Equipment

3/25/20

CA - "De Soto Sport — makers of multisport clothing, wetsuits and accessories for triathletes — began manufacturing personal protective equipment this week, joining many other cycling and cycling clothing suppliers during the COVID-19 pandemic." more

More News...

• NYC: Bike Shops CAN Stay Open as ‘Essential’ Businesses
• OR: Portland parks bureau bans driving in 10 parks
• CAN: Charlottetown council votes to open Victoria Park bike lane a month early
• FL: Pedestrian suffers serious injuries in Capital Circle SE crash
• MO: How to stay safe on STL area trails during COVID-19 pandemic
• TX: Many hit Fort Worth trails to ‘maintain their sanity’
• UT: Richmond’s new trail a concrete path that keeps walkers safe
• UK: Brighton bike share scheme to be given subsidy despite ‘secrecy’ concerns

Alum Creek Trail Flooding Update

3/24/20

Columbus, OH

Cycling Industry Responds to Coronavirus Threat

3/24/20

"Among the constant bad news about the worsening spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, brands and people in the bike industry are trying to make the most of a bad situation. Check out some of the positive news..." more

Free Divvy for Healthcare Workers, $1 Rides

3/24/20

Chicago, IL - "Today the city of Chicago announced several initiatives designed to make travel easier and more affordable for frontline pandemic workers... Regular folks get a break on Divvy as well..." more

Public Told to Stay Off Bike Trail

3/24/20

TX - "The Trail Foundation recommends people exercise as close to home as possible and stay off the Butler Hike and Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake to slow the spread of the coronavirus." more

94-Year-Old Delivers Meals, Rides His Bike

IA - "Clarence Boesenberg, 94, spent Friday morning doing what he has been doing the last 8 years--delivering meals for the Meals on Wheels program." more

Offer to Help Manufacture Ventilators Met with Red Tape

3/24/20

Asheville, NC - " When trying to help during the COVID-19 pandemic, the last obstacle a company wants to encounter is red tape. Yet, that's what Industry Nine has in front of it." more

Using Trails Safely

3/24/20

U.S. - "...Dramatic increases in visitation are being recorded across the United States; an analysis of 31 trail counters for the week of March 16–22 by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) found a nationwide trail usage increase of nearly 200% from that same week in 2019. This surge in trail use is forcing trail managers to take fast action to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 among their constituents while encouraging careful and conscientious trail use." more

More News...

• UK: Greater Manchester’s cycling plan is radical
• NY: Syracuse bike share offers wheels to help with restaurants deliveries
• UK: Beryl goes free for NHS staff in Bournemouth & Poole
• VA: Vinton introduces project with sidewalk and bike lane accommodations
• HI: Surfers and walkers fear disregard of distancing rules
• IRE: Blessington Greenway closed
• GA: Alpharetta closes all public parks; trails, paths, Big Creek Greenway remain open
• TX: Completed Rail Trail offers 19 miles of recreation

Deserted Streets in NYC

3/23/20

NY - "...on Friday, I bicycled from Jackson Heights into Manhattan." more

Removing Dead Trees along the Kokosing Gap Trail

Knox County, OH

Lorain County Metroparks Closes All Park Restrooms

3/24/20

Lorain County, OH - "As a public health precaution due to COVID-19 (coronavirus), all Lorain County Metro Parks (LCMP) will extend the closures of all indoor public facilities through April 6, 2020. At this time, all outdoor parks and park trails will remain open to visitors from 8 am to 6 pm, daily. However, all playgrounds and restrooms have been closed until further notice." more

Lighthouse Steps Park Coming to Cleveland

Cleveland, OH - "Lighthouse Steps Park will be a pocket park in the Warehouse District at W. 9th Street near Main Avenue – the site of Cleveland’s original lighthouse built in 1873. The park is an important piece of a plan to enhance the connection between the Warehouse District and Flats East Bank..." more

Trailside Observation Tower Closes

3/24/20

Mt. Vernon, OH - Beginning today, March 24th, the Rastin Observation Tower in Mt. Vernon along the Heart of Ohio Trail (Ohio-to-Erie Trail) will be closed until further notice. Ariel Foundation Park, however, is still open.

Playgrounds Close in Springfield, Parks Remain Open

3/23/20

Springfield, OH - "...Parks will remain open, but individuals are encouraged to practice social distancing." more

OurStreets App Launches OurStreets Supplies as COVID-19 Response

"...Introducing OurStreets Supplies — a community-driven platform for consumers, retailers, and policy makers that helps minimize the spread of COVID-19. OurStreets Supplies will be free of charge to everyone — users, retailers and government." more

Cycling Industry Making Virus Protective Equipment

"Bike industry players, big and small, shift production to make personal protective equipment for front-line healthcare workers." more

Riding Through this Together

3/23/20

"...the [Bike] League is more passionate than ever about removing barriers to biking in our country, for everyone. Biking is quite literally a lifeline for so many of us during this time—whether it’s the primary way we commute to essential jobs, the way we relieve stress and decompress after being cooped up in our homes, or the way our kids get much-needed exercise when schools are closed and so many other options are off of the table. We know bikes unite us, even as we are so physically separated." more

Cycleway Funding Recommended for Boost in Bicycle Use

UK - "New York City, Mexico City, and Bogotá are rolling out 'emergency' cycleways to boost bicycle use during the Coronavirus epidemic..." more

More News...

• NYC: Mayor Suspends E-Bike Crackdown During Coronavirus Outbreak
• CA: Eerily empty freeways in L.A.
• ITA: Santini to start making face masks instead of cycling clothing
• OR: Bike shops can remain open under Oregon Governor’s ‘stay home’ order
• OR: A lack of safe street space makes distancing guidelines hard to follow
• TX: Westchase wants to put bayou bike trail connection on the map
• CA: Board revives effort to build bike path in farmland
• CA: 9-year-old girl, grandfather injured from shots from bike trail
• CA: Thousands Crowd Marin Parks and Beaches
• CA: Gunman who wounded bicyclist on Ohlone Greenway remains at large
• GA: Alpharetta closes most parks; paths and greenways to remain open
• IL: Divvy in the time of coronavirus
• NYC: Global Pandemic? Sure, But Don’t Forget Citi Bike!
• WA: Bicycle shops see steady business as Washington grinds to a halt
• NC: Group paying tribute to avid cyclist with effort to make streets SAFE
• NYC: Advocates to Mayor: Here Are The Streets To Close to Cars
• CA: East County trails in Cleveland National Forest closed

3 Creeks Trails Update

3/23/20

Columbus, OH

Cannonball Trail Paving to Begin April 1

NW, OH

Ohio Bike Shops Listed as Essential Businesses

3/23/20

Asbury Park Suspends E-Sscooters & Bike Share Program

3/22/20

NJ - "...In an email sent to media outlets on Sunday, city spokeswoman Sonia Spina said the e-scooters and bikes have been retrieved from the city streets..." more

Some L.A. Parks Closing

3/22/20

CA - "...Now the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, which operates around 70 parks and overlooks, most of them in the Santa Monica Mountains and along the L.A. River, announced on Sunday that it would be shuttering all of its parks and trails, effective immediately and until further notice..." more

More News...

• AR: Study of protected bike lanes complete; cities wait for results
• NYC: Central Park’s Decision to Open Lawns Early Starts Debate
• CA: Coronavirus shutdown fills Bay Area trails with clueless exercisers
• MA: Bicyclist injured in accident on Provincelands Trail in Provincetown
• CA: 2 East County hiking trails close

Hoover Trail Flooding Alert

North Canton, OH - Expect flooding and water over the trail in areas near the E. Maple Ballfield entrance.

Metroparks Authorizes Trail Spending

3/22/20

Jefferson, OH - "...The North Shore Trail is part of the Proposed Great Ohio Lake to River Trail, which, when completed, will run from Lake Erie to the Ohio River. more

Towpath Times E-News

NE OH - Read the latest edition.

A Message From the North Country Trail Association

3/21/20

Funding for Walking & Biking in SE Michigan

3/21/20

Detroit, MI - "A dozen walking and biking projects in southeastern Michigan will share $6.5 million in funding." more

2-Way Streets Conversion with Bike Lanes

3/21/20

Ann Arbor, MI - "The city and its Downtown Development Authority are partnering to open a pair of one-way streets to two-way traffic and to add bike lanes." more

Vehicle Sought in Hit-and-Run

3/21/20

CAN - "...A grey Mazda was travelling southbound on Drummond Road when it struck the operator of the E-Bike who was lying in the southbound lane." more

French Police Using Strava to Catch Cyclists

FRA - "French police are using Strava to catch cyclists training outdoors despite the ban on cycling as part of the country’s Covid19 restrictions." more

More News...

• UK: Plans to secure funding for new Greenway route
• CAN: What's up with vision zero in Canada?
• HI: Good Crosswalk Design Can Save Lives
• AK: 3 Iditarod mushers rescued because of poor trail conditions
• SC: Staying socially distanced on the Swamp Rabbit Trail
• CO: Longmont parks, trails remain open

Towpath Flooding Update for Stark County

3/21/20

Stark County, OH - Flooding at Blough Ave. has closed the trail between Craig Pittman Trailhead and Rt. 21 in Navarre, Lake Ave. in Massillon, and north of Lake Lucerne to the Summit County line in Canal Fulton. Parking lots at Crystal Springs, Lock 4, and Lake Lucerne are closed.

High Water along the Hockhocking Bikeway

3/21/20

Athens, OH

Flooding at 3 Creeks Metro Park

3/20/20

Columbus, OH

High Water Alert for Middle Branch Trail

Canton, OH - High water from the Nimishillen Creek has flooded the trail between Spangler St. and Martindale Rd. near the Rt. 62 overpass.

Blackhand Gorge Trail Closed

3/20/20

Licking County, OH - Due to flood damage, the paved trail at Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve is closed.

Depot Coffee House Closes

Urbana, OH

CVNP Closing Some Restrooms

3/20/20

CVNP, OH

Large Fallen Tree Cleared from LMST

SW OH - "..Thank you to those who did the clearing today!." more

Philly Sees Cycling Boom

3/20/20

Philadelphia, PA - "Bicycle Coalition launches petition to shut down MLK Drive to create more space." more

Hight Water Closes Parts of People Trail

3/20/20

Columbus, IN - "...Other sections of the People Trail could become inaccessible due to rising water in the coming days, so the public is being asked to use caution this weekend if using the trail system." more

Cuomo Order Declares Bike Shops ‘Non-Essential’

3/20/20

NYC - "Gov. Cuomo’s just-issued shelter-in-place order allows for 'essential' businesses to remain open during the coronavirus crisis, but the car-loving Big Dog has defined 'essential' to include auto repair shops, but not bicycle repair shops..." more

Bike Shops Declare Themselves Essential During Virus Shutdowns

3/20/20

"...one type of very important business is having to fight for its “essential” status: Bike shops." more

Bicyclist Shot on Greenway

3/20/20

CA - "...Officers were told that the rider came upon a male and female walking in front of him and that he got into an argument with one of them." more

Practicing Safe Social Distance in Parks & on Trails

3/20/20

"...There are a number of specific recommendations for advising the public to keep safe social distancing when in parks or on trails." more

Action Alert from the Bike League

3/20/20

U.S. - "...we are asking you to help us by sending an action alert to your Senators and Representative demanding that any Automated Vehicle legislation, whether attached to the stimulus or passed at a later date, include a Vision Test ensuring these vehicles prove they can detect, identify and respond to bicyclists, pedestrians and other vulnerable users and making it clear that a decade long safety vacuum on safety standards is not acceptable." more

More News...

• IRE: Greenway to open despite flooding
• OR: Bike delivery pros prove their value during virus outbreak
• NY: Bicycles Deemed Best NYC Transit During Pandemic

Columbus Area Trail Flooding

3/20/20

Columbus, OH

More Stark County Trail Flooding

3/20/20

Middle Branch Trail: High water from the Nimishillen Creek has flooded the trail between Spangler St. and Martindale Rd. near the Rt. 62 overpass.

Mahoning Valley Trail: The trail is expected to flood near Rt. 225, just north of the Gaskill St. Trailhead and will be closed until further notice.

Hockhocking Adena Bikeway High Water Alert

3/19/20

Athens, OH

New Trail to Chippewa Gorge Opening this Summer

Brecksville, OH - "...In November, Cleveland Metroparks crews began working on the Chippewa Gorge Trail, a new spur off the existing trail network behind the Harriet Keeler Shelter. The loop trail will feature multiple access points to guide hikers down to the creek edge in the gorge." more

Best Practices for Riding During Covid-19 Outbreak

3/19/20

"If you're somewhere where you're allowed to ride, follow these best practices. This is an evolving situation so make sure to follow the most up to date recommendations from your local government." more

Avoid Coronavirus While Riding a Rented Bike or E-Scooter

"...So if you’re considering using an e-scooter or bike-share as a way to practice social distancing from others, what should you do to protect yourself while riding?" more

This Could be the Start of Bike Boom 2020

"...With businesses closed, many working from home, and home-schooling, cycling is about to transition from the ultra-fit, upper class, city commuter, warm weather thing to an all year adventure vehicle for everyone..." more

Lime & Bird Pull Back; Spin Steps Up

3/19/20

U.S. - "The two largest micromobility companies are pulling their fleets in response to the exploding Covid-19 pandemic — but some smaller players are stepping up to provide citizens with the essential solo transportation services they need to weather the crisis." more

Cyclist Wiins $1M Payout for Vancouver Crash

3/19/20

CAN - "Port Moody’s Linh Dinh Lai was a military veteran, super fit and active, when he was forced to dive off his bike to avoid collision with an SUV that ran a stop sign." more

Bogotá Expands Bike Lanes to Curb Coronavirus

BOL - "The Colombian capital of Bogotá is opening 76km (47 miles) of temporary bike lanes to reduce crowding on public transport and help prevent the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19), as well as to improve air quality." more

More News...

• OR: Woman killed while walking on Barbur Boulevard
• NY: Citi Bike Ridership is Back to 'Normal'
• UK: Santander Cycles are temporarily withdrawn from the streets of Milton Keynes
• MA: Trees removed from bike trail offered protection from elements
• MEX: How might Mexico City fight coronavirus? Bike paths
• CA: Mountain biker falls into hole on forest trail, requiring rescue

Towpath Flooding in Stark County

3/19/20

NE OH - Flooding over the trail at Blough Ave. has closed the trail between Craig Pittman Trailhead and Rt. 21 in Navarre, Lake Ave. in Massillon, and north of Lake Lucerne to the Summit County line in Canal Fulton.

Construction Resumes on Towpath in Cleveland

3/18/20

Cleveland, OH - "Construction crews have resumed their work on stage 4 of the Towpath Trail extension project that runs from the northern end of stage 3 (Literary Rd. & University Rd.) through Scranton Flats and Carter Rd. to Canal Basin Park." more

Dayton Getting New E-Bike Fleet

3/18/20

Dayton, OH - "A zippy new way to get around Dayton launches this spring when the same group that brought bike share to the city releases its next-generation mode of transport: e-bikes." more

Coronavirus Revealed our Bike Infrastructure Weaknesses

3/18/20

Philadelphia, PA - "...Indego, Philadelphia’s bike-sharing system has seen a spike in trips and restaurants are utilizing bicycle delivery services as they remain open for delivery and takeout." more

Bike Shops in Philly Considered ‘Essential Businesses’

PA - "...the City of Philadelphia has just declared bicycle shops “essential businesses” which can remain open during the pandemic." more

Bike Path on Track for Construction

3/18/20

MI - "A much anticipated bike path connecting MSU to Lake Lansing Park appears to be on schedule, even as it will likely be another year before walkers, joggers and bicyclists can enjoy any part of it." more

State Support Needed for $3.3M Pathway Over I-94

3/18/20

MI - "Ypsilanti officials are gearing up for a $3.3 million project to develop a safe pedestrian and bicycle pathway over I-94 at Huron Street." more

Business Booming in NYC, But COVID-19 Restrictions Loom Ahead

3/18/20

NY - " Bike use in New York City is on the upswing due to the COVID-19 outbreak, and retailers are seeing the positive effects. However, they are bracing for a possible shelter-in-place order that could curtail retail shopping or even mandate store closures..." more

Can We Still Ride in Groups?

3/18/20

Portland, OR - "As I monitor the news and the BikePortland social media feeds, it’s clear that there remains confusion about whether or not it’s safe to do group rides." more

Social Distancing, the New Mantra

3/18/20

"Over the past days and weeks, life in America—and around the world—has changed dramatically." more

Need to Get Around in a Pandemic? Ride a Bike.

3/18/20

"As COVID-19 shuts down buses and trains in cities, we remember that bicycles are the ultimate contingency plan." more

How Helsinki and Oslo Cut Pedestrian Deaths to Zero

"After years of committed action, neither city recorded a single pedestrian fatality in 2019." more

More News...

• FL: What could $5 billion do for Pinellas transportation?
• OR: PBOT improves greenway connection
• ND: N.D. state and national parks close visitor centers and other buildings
• CAN: Front St. bike lanes given final approval by Nanaimo Council
• UK: Beryl’s bike share scheme arrives in Norwich
• CO: IMBA Launches Trails Count Program
• MA: Harvard To Get 2 Upgraded Bikeways In 2020
• DEU: German e-Bike market surge
• CO: Remains found near river by bike trail

Cleveland-to-Pittsburgh Trail Proposal

3/18/20

Cleveland, OH - "Trail planners will go online today to announce the proposed route of a 200-mile-plus recreational trail linking Cleveland to Pittsburgh." more

Construction Roundup: Trail Edition

Columbus, OH - "Central Ohio’s trails and greenways remain open for business, and are actually seeing quite a bit of traffic as people continue to utilize them both for transportation and recreation." more

Buckeye Trail Shop Closes

Yellow Springs, OH

Connecting Communities Plan & Survey

Cleveland, OH

Pittsburgh’s New Bike Plan Pulls No Punches

3/18/20

PA - "...We need to move beyond whether there needs to be [cycling] connections..." more

Salt Creek Trail Extension

3/17/20

IN - "...Resident Tim Clark asked about the status of purchasing land to complete the trail..." more

Man Arrested for Threatening to Kill People on Loveland Bike Trail

Loveland, CO - "...police received several reports that a man was running around the hike and bike trail south of First Street and west of Fairgrounds Park with a hunting knife threatening to kill people, police spokesman Lt. Bob Shaffer said." more

Coronacrisis Cycling Surge in NYC

3/17/20

NY - "...Polly Trottenberg, the city transportation commissioner, said her agency was reviewing additional measures to accommodate the increased number of cyclists taking to the streets to avoid the subways and buses as a result of the coronavirus." more

Desert Towns Pull in the Welcome Mat for MTBikers

3/17/20

Moab, UT - "For many mountain bikers and Spring Breakers from around the country, a March trip to Utah is an annual tradition. But this year the town would rather tourists stay home..." more

Lime Temporarily Shuts Down in CA, WA and Some European Countries

3/17/20

"Lime is pausing its e-scooter and e-bike services in California, Washington, Italy, France, and Spain, starting Tuesday. The company said the closures are intended to slow the spread of COVID-19." more

More News...

• OR: Person killed by drunk driver on SW Barbur Boulevard
• D.C.: Why the 9th Street bikeway became a debate over race, power, and space
• UK: Stirling school joins Nextbike network
• OR: Grand opening scheduled for Madras East Hills Trail System
• TX: New bike lanes planned for roads linking North Waco, downtown, riverwalk
• NC: Better Block experiments with bike lanes, crosswalks and a party
• CA: Palo Alto boy killed in Friday night collision
• NC: Shelby bike, walking plan takes shape

Little Miami Trail Section Realignment Coming in April

3/17/20

Foster, OH - "...Around mile marker 37, which is four miles north of Loveland, the Little Miami Scenic Trail on the river side has been slipping down the hill toward the river... The project will move this section of the trail eastward, away from the river. Culverts will be reworked to provide improved drainage in an effort keep the trail stable.

"The work will result in temporary closures in limited areas. There will be no closures on weekends." more

Wolf Creek Trail Section Closed

3/16/20

Dayton, OH - A section of Wolf Creek Rail Trail between Shiloh Rd. an Diamond Mill Rd. is closed due to a hazardous tree.

Ohio-to-Erie Trail Facility Closures

3/16/20

Columbus, OH

Heartland Trail has Busy Day

3/16/20

Marshallville, OH

Is Emmet County Responsible for Bike Trail Erosion?

MI - "So far, Emmet County leaders have been reluctant to submit to Petoskey officials’ appeals for help in addressing erosion issues along one section of the Little Traverse Wheelway." more

Sunnyside Resident Produces Video Against Troublesome Bike Lane

NY - "A long-time Sunnyside Gardens resident has produced a video calling on the Department of Transportation to remove the protected bicycle lanes from Skillman and 43rd Avenues and return the corridors back to the way they were prior to their overhaul in 2018." more

Bike Shops: To Stay Open or Close?

Portland, OR - "Most Portland bike shops are still open for business. Should they be?" more

Bike League Partners with Uber for Safety

3/16/20

U.S. - "...the League and Uber announced a new safety partnership towards building healthier, sustainable, vibrant communities. Through this partnership, we are collaborating on three fronts to move the needle when it comes to keeping people on bikes and all road users safe: " more

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Closes Offices & Cancels Opening Day Participation

3/16/20

D.C. - "...our staff has moved to 100% telework and postponed non-essential travel and in-person events. In this spirit, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to postpone all in-person April 18th Opening Day for Trails events. more

Italy and Spain Ban Cycling

3/16/20

"After the Italian government banned cycling outdoors last week, not even for recreational purposes, all cycling has been prohibited in Spain as well." more

More News...

• NY: Bond act will clear the way for more greenways
• NYC: Broadway Could Be New York’s Green Necklace
• IL: Micromobility could replace 51% of Chicago car trips
• CO: $168,000 grant to expand bike park
• AUS: First Melbourne Uber bike dumped
• OR: More neighborhood greenway projects slated for construction this summer
• D.C.: Meanwhile in the 14th Street Bike Lane
• NY: Electric-Powered Bike Hazard
• CT: 15 pedestrians have been struck and killed so far in Connecticut this year
• IL: Niles Eyes Caldwell-Cleveland Intersection For Pedestrian Safety Improvements
• CT: BLT appeals
• NY: Manhattan Community Board Members To DOT: Fix Canal Now!
• NY: Pedestrian Struck and Killed by Speeding Driver in Bay Ridge

Columbus Signs on to Vision Zero Initiative

Columbus, OH - "The City of Columbus announced today that it would be taking steps to become a Vision Zero community." more

Summit Lake Improvements Eyed as Economic Catalyst

3/16/20

Akron, OH - "Can a canoe livery resurrect the beleaguered Summit Lake neighborhood?" more

Erosion Forces Rerouting of Muskegon’s Lakeshore Trail

Muskegon, MI - "The Lakeshore Trail, a paved path for cyclists and pedestrians, will be diverted for at least several months as the city works to repair damage caused by erosion off Muskegon Lake." more

Township Ready for Next 2 Miles of Jordan Creek Greenway & Trail

PA - "South Whitehall Township is moving forward with plans to extend its portion of the Jordan Creek Greenway & Trail." more

Walking, Biking Spike in Chicago

IL - "The Chicago Department of Transportation confirmed that there has been a huge spike in Divvy ridership this month compared to the same time last year, although it’s not clear how much of that was inspired by warm temperatures, and how much was due to people choosing bicycling as a safe way to commute during the pandemic..." more

REI will Close its Stores Temporarily

3/16/20

WA - "Co-op announced Sunday night it will close its 162 retail stores nationwide beginning today because of the COVID-19 pandemic..." more

Spaniards Face €3000 Fines During Cycling Ban

3/16/20

ESP - "Spain has banned all outdoor activity for two weeks as the country tries to halt the spread of coronavirus." more

More News...

• DE: nator Bikeway causing issues for Dover funeral home
• NLD: Utrecht Plans To Expand Its Car-Free Zone
• WI: Electric bikes supercharge BCycle program
• UK: Pedal power - pupils switch books for bikes in UK first
• IL: MCT hopes to extend trail system
• CO: Why Does It Take So Long to Get New Bike Lanes Approved in Denver?
• NY: Cyclist Hit by Car at Freeman and West Streets
• NM: Santa Fe vandal paints lewd images along bike trail
• TX: City asks public to refrain from using trail until construction is complete
• IL: Elgin plans to add 84 bike racks to central district
• FL: Bicyclists spotted ditching drugs along bike trail
• VA: Pace bikes are leaving Norfolk
• IL: Chicago's new Divvy station locations for this spring’s Far South rollout

Bridge Construction Progress Report

Mt. Vernon, OH - "...The second [phase] will involve the reconstruction of the north side, and the third will center around intersection improvements and the construction of multi-use trails." more

Historic Treasure gets Boost from New Fund

Covington, KY - "Horizon Community Funds of Northern Kentucky has joined community partners to establish the Licking River Conservation and Greenway Fund, which supports land and water conservation and greenway initiatives in the Licking River watershed." more

Making Deliveries During the Virus Crisis

Portland, OR - "As Portlanders come to grips with life during the time of the coronavirus outbreak, people are already finding ways to help those in need." more

Bike Shop Owner Promoting Cycling During Coronavirus Fears

MS - "Much like the spread of COVID-19, psychological effects of social distancing only figure to get worse before they get better..." more

Bike share Onzo Branded 'Unsafe' by Expert

3/15/20

NZL - "A popular bike share company is facing accusations of using dangerous equipment that could put riders at risk." more

Utrecht Builds Car-Free District for 12,000 People

3/15/20

NLD - "Scheme will enhance city’s reputation as a bicycling capital of Europe." more

Cyclist Robbed, Beaten with Hammer

3/14/20

UK - "A 27-year-old man says he was brutally beaten by two hooded thugs who threatened to kill him with a hammer." more

More News...

• MD: Man dies after the driver of an SUV crossed into a lane full of bicyclists
• NY: Coronavirus has caused a bicycling boom in New York City
• CA: Council extends ban on dockless scooters, bikeshare
• ID: Local Trails Turning Down a Controversial Path
• IA: Letter: A disservice
• CO: Palisade wins $1M sidewalk grant
• VA: Loudoun County supervisors advance parks and trails project, appropriate $350K
• CHN: The coronavirus is bringing bike sharing back in China
• NY: First Staten Islander bikes across Goethals Bridge as shared-use path opens
• CAN: How other Canadian cities regulate cycling safety

The New "Dublin Link" Pedestrian Bridge in Photos

3/12/20

Columbus, OH - "...The new bridge measures 760 feet from end to end with a 500-foot suspended span over the river. The main tower of the bridge measures 169 feet in height. The bridge was designed only for pedestrian and bicycle use, connecting into the city’s park and trail system." more

City Seeks Funding for Trail

3/12/20

Green, OH - "The city will apply for a $35,000 Summit County Trail and Greenway Community Grant through the Ohio and Erie Canalway Coalition to help fund the proposed nearly one-mile Willadale Trail through Boettler Park." more

Bike Park Plans Coming Together

Rudolf, OH - "...A new hub of family-friendly activity is being created in Rudolph on a previously unused parcel of land adjacent to the Slippery Elm Trail." more

Cincinnati Red Bike Center Opens at Findlay Market

Cincinnati, OH - "A new center that opened today in Findlay Market will be a one-stop shop for users of Cincinnati's bike share program." more

The New Bethel Road Connector

Columbus, OH

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway Shuts Down Thru April 12

3/12/20

CVNP, OH

Study Finds that Biking to Work is Dangerous

3/12/20

"Cycling to work can lead to better fitness and health, but to some biking newbies it can feel like an accident waiting to happen." more

Portage Parks District Gains 89 Acres

Portage County, OH - "The Portage Park District has acquired an additional 89 acres of parkland, including 60 acres off Ferguson Road in Streetsboro." more

St. Clair Residents Object to Trail Extension along Clinton Avenue

3/12/20

MI - "It did not take long for complaints to surface from residents along a proposed new section of bike path in St. Clair." more

Cyclist Killed Near Site of Previous Fatality

Chicago, IL - "...This case, the first Chicago bike death of 2020, was the third bike or pedestrian fatality on a mile-long stretch of Lake Street in the space of about six months" more

Cycling Surging in NYC

3/12/20

NY - "Citi Bike officials revealed today that customers have taken 67 percent more rides so far this March, compared to the same, coronavirus-free period last year..." more

Students Talk about Bike Share & the Coronavirus

3/12/20

WI - "...Peer health advocate Emily Holden spoke with SA in regards to a new bike-share program set for the La Crosse community to adopt..." more

Coronavirus Partly to Blame for E-Bike Delay

ID - "Coronavirus is one of the newest reasons for the delay in bringing 50 pedal-assisted electric bicycles to Moscow and the University of Idaho campus." more

Mountains to Sound Greenway Connection Underway

WA - "...There is a nearly four-mile gap in the trail between Factoria and Lakemont Boulevard, which is closer to Issaquah. This construction is the first phase in closing that gap." more

L.A. Installs 200th Bike Share Station

CA - "The latest station fills the gap in the local bike share network between Echo Park, Los Feliz, Koreatown and downtown L.A." more

More News...

• MN: Plan for controversial bike lane wins approval
• MD: Bike lanes, wider sidewalks planned for Old Georgetown Road
• MD: Increased focus on bicyclists after tragic death
• CA: Valencia Cyclery Owner Feels Misunderstood
• CA: Mayor Celebrates Milestone Of Townsend Street Corridor Improvement Project
• IA: Rally at Iowa Capitol Calls for Sustained Investment in State's Trail System
• CAN: Jacques-Cartier Bridge’s multi-purpose bike path reopens
• UK: Cyclist airlifted after being knocked off bike in Globe Lane
• CA: What Happened After Market Street Went Car-Free

Repairs Coming to Little Miami Trail Section

Foster, OH - "...This has been an area of great concern and we are happy to announce work to repair the trail south of Foster will begin soon!" more

Bloomington Proposing Trail Expansion

IN - "A more than half-mile-long section of Old State Road 37 would be converted into a pedestrian and bike trail if the city of Bloomington receives approval for a new project..." more

Indego Experiencing Ridership Bump

3/11/20

Philadelphia, PA - "...Indego clocked 14,000 rides during the first nine days of March, that’s close to twice the number from 2019." more

Trail Linking Crisfield to Marion Station Nearing Completion

MD - "...A five-mile portion of the trail stretching from Crisfield to Marion Station is now just a couple months away from completion, but eventually, this trail will be 16-miles long serving the entire county." more

Experimental Bike Lanes in D.C.

3/11/20

D.C. - "...We volunteered to be an experiment here, in lieu of just slapping some sharrows down." more

Human Remains Found on Riverbank Near Bike Trail

3/11/20

Pueblo, CO - "...The group alerted a park ranger to the black bag found on a steep embankment south of the river’s bike trail..." more

Walking & Biking Bills Introduced in Congress

U.S. - "There’s been a flurry of activity in the past couple months as Congress works to craft the next major federal transportation bill, which will guide how decisions are made about transportation spending—including funding for trails, walking and biking—for years to come." more

More News...

• NYC: Protected Bike "Erased" in Brooklyn
• CAN: City asks horse carriages, bikes to share portion of downtown Victoria bike lane
• CA: Following tragic bike accident, a local family and their friends take action
• VA: Bicyclists hope to save old U.S. 301 bridge across Potomac for bikes
• MA: Revised rail trail plan in Wellfleet fails to quell critics
• NY: Gov. announces State Parks projects adding open space to upstate New York
• ME: Vision for regional greenway development includes current, future train passage
• NYC: Parks Department Removes Key Part of Bay Ridge Bike Network
• AUS: Rail trail push for track removal
• CO: Bluestem Prairie Open Space follow-up and ribbon cutting
• FL: One year later, crosswalk signal still missing as pedestrians dash for their lives
• WA: Seattle use traffic cameras to ticket bus-lane, crosswalk violators
• NM: No help in sight for area plagued by pedestrian deaths
• UK: £27bn for new roads, £0 for cycling
• OR: 84 volunteers built a half-mile of new MTB trail at Rocky Point

Bike Commuting to Avoid the Coronavirus

NYC - "...After Mayor de Blasio asked New Yorkers to bike to work this week to reduce the spread of coronavirus, Streetfilms auteur Clarence Eckerson hit the street to talk to riders..." more

Stream Restoration in the Cuyahoga Valley

Boston Twp., OH - "Crews with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have restored about 2,200 feet of Stanford Run near the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail in Cuyahoga Valley National Park." more

Garfield Chips in More for Trail

Traverse City, MI - " Funding for a missing stretch of the Boardman Lake Trail could all be in place — if contractors’ bids to build it aren’t too high." more

Subway Looks Empty During Coronavirus Panic

NYC - "...Mayor Bill de Blasio warned New Yorkers to stay off subway trains and urged people to bike or walk to work." more

What's Going on with the Lakefront Trail?

Chicago, IL - "...those who approached the Lakefront Trail at Fullerton of North Avenues, the boundaries of one of the busiest stretches, encountered police barriers and concrete slabs blocking access to both the pedestrian-only path, closer to the shoreline, and the bike path, next to Lake Shore Drive." more

Sandy Springs Plans 31-Mile Trail Network

GA - "Sandy Springs’ planned Marsh Creek Greenway is to be the first of the city’s planned 31.4-mile network of trails that is to link the city’s parks, Perimeter Center and the city’s central park..." more

Time to Get Serious about E-Bikes

Colorado Springs, CO - "...amid the first year of e-bikes on Jefferson County trails, a lead ranger there told The Gazette that Class 1 e-bikes were causing no noticeable uptick of conflicts..." more

Progress on State E-Bike Legislation

3/11/20

Boulder, CO - "PeopleForBikes enters 2020 with momentum toward eventually getting universal e-bike legislation passed in every state." more

How the Media Shapes Public Perception of Roadway Safety

CA - "... Recent research confirms that journalist reports on traffic crashes leads readers to place blame on the most vulnerable party–the person biking or walking–and leave drivers’ actions unquestioned." more

More News...

• TX: Devil’s Den Trails Expand Mountain Biking on Leon Creek
• AR: $55M earmarked for Central Arkansas trails
• NE: Lincoln's bike share program testing e-bikes
• IRE: Group 'baffled' by narrowing of cycle lane to accommodate bus stop
• WA: New law requires 3 feet to pass bicyclists, walkers
• WI: Howell Avenue Residents Plead Make Our Street Safe!
• MN: 3 Rivers Park District aims to fill missing link on popular bike trail
• CA: Group volunteers to patrol American River Bike Trail
• TX: Should electric scooters be allowed on some parkland trails?
• IRE: Temporary Liffey cycle path along Dublin’s quays coming
• NY: Reddy Bikeshare to open first full season in Niagara Falls
• NE: Biking in the metro
• MO: Spin scooters not returning to Capital City
• CO: Controversial proposed plan would designate days for uses of trails
• VA: Roanoke County accepts $3M grant to expand greenway
• NY: Parks Department Removes Key Part of Bay Ridge Bike Network
• CA: Advocates Welcome a Safer Townsend
• RI PVD City Council pushes back against Great Streets Initiative
• MN: City aims for 60% of trips made by transit, bike or foot by 2030
• AUS: Traffic island blunder a 'hazard' for cyclists & motorists in Port Adelaide

Connector from Olentangy Trail Now Open

Columbus, OH - "A pair of major upgrades to the Olentangy Trail have been completed, including a connector that enables direct access to and from Bethel Road for the first time." more

Towpath Times E-News

NE OH - Read the latest edition.

Volunteers Add Pizzazz to Downtown Bike Lane

3/10/20

TX - "...a bike lane — which now needed a coat of paint. Everyone grabbed rollers, donned utility vests and got to work." more

Protective Bike Lane Flex Posts Destroyed

NYC - "...A short stretch of post-protected bike lane on 13th Street near Third Avenue in Manhattan was completely destroyed within 24 hours..." more

DUI Suspect Drives Across Bridge Bike Lane

CA - "A woman who drove westbound over the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge via the new bicycle/pedestrian lane during the evening commute Wednesday was arrested o suspicion of driving under the influence and child endangerment." more

Dangerous Driving Convictions Via Bike Cam Videos

UK - "...cameras on bicycles are going to transform the safety of our roads both for cyclists and pedestrians, and even for car drivers." more

More News...

• UK: Beryl Bikes boss hits back at criticism of new cycle rental scheme
• NE: Lincoln police: Sidewalks for pedestrians, not bikers
• NY: Ocean Parkway Bike Path Being Extended
• CA: Circulate San Diego working to increase safety for pedestrians, bicyclists
• GA: 5 outdoors projects in metro Atlanta tentatively win $9.5M
• D.C.: DC bike lane enforcement is in full effect
• FL: Bicyclist struck by pickup in Indian River Shores
• MN: New Duluth 'Craft Connector' trail
• FL: Pine Street is getting a protected bike lane
• NY: N.Y. Traffic Deaths Rise
• FL: St. Pete leaders oppose state bill to change pedestrian crosswalks
• TN: Notice: Upcoming Railroad Abandonment in Scott, Campbell & Anderson Counties

Scioto Trail Section Closed Until 5 pm Today

3/9/20

Columbus, OH

Towpath Section Closure

3/9/20

Barberton, OH - The Towpath Trail will be closed from Fairview Avenue south to Robinson Avenue, a distance of 1.2 miles, for approximately 90 days while Ohio Department of Natural Resources works to cap an oil and gas well adjacent to the canal corridor.

Cleveland Drivers Make Worst Speeders List

Cleveland, OH - "A new report by Compare Auto Insurance puts Cleveland in third place for cities with the worst speeding problems in the U.S. — which is no surprise as Clevelanders have recently landed on several worst driving lists." more

Grant Would Expand Devou Trails

3/9/20

KY - "...More than 10 miles of trails have been carved out of Devou’s 700-plus-acre oasis of green since 2008, some by professional trail builders, others by volunteers..." more

How PA has Remained Mostly Scooter-Free

Philadelphia, PA - "Go to pretty much any big city in the U.S. and you'll see people zooming around on electric scooters. But not in Philadelphia. Or Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, or Allentown for that matter. At least, not legally." more

New Segment of Lake to Sound Trail Opens

WA - "A new segment opened Wednesday of King County Parks’ Lake to Sound Trail that will eventually connect Lake Washington to Puget Sound in 16-miles of paved trail." more

35 ‘Critical Need’ Locations on Oregon Coast Bike Route

OR - "...The projects stretch from Astoria to Brookings and are the scariest places to bike along [the] 340-mile stretch..." more

What’s Really Killing New York’s Cyclists

"Last year, 27 cyclists were hit and killed by drivers on the streets of New York City, up from 10 deaths in 2018. Despite adopting a Vision Zero safety program in 2014..." more

Uber Hopes to Succeed Where Other Bike Shares have Failed

3/9/20

AUS - "Jump is the latest bike-share program to hit Australian streets, with trials of the Uber-backed e-bikes launched in Melbourne and Adelaide on Wednesday." more

More News...

• NE: Stothert announces 'bikeways' in State of the City
• AR: City of Fayetteville removes bumper stops on Rolling Hills Drive
• MD: Bike lane being planned for road where teen cyclist was killed
• D.C.: Ignorance is not bliss for the safety of D.C. bicyclists & ped
• GA: Greenway resolution passes state Senate
• NC: Concord making push to connect city through greenways, multi-use paths
• CAN: Design of $23M West Toronto Railpath Extension Revealed
• NM: Cyclists push toward Taos bike map
• NZL: Proposed e-scooter, e-bike reforms and the fight for the footpath
• CA: Richmond Bridge bike count stinks for motorists
• UT: Advocates, Environmentalists Disagree on Trail Extension
• CA: $8.5 M Prop 68 grant to improve Escondido Creek Trail
• IL: How Can Chicago Support the e-bike Revolution?
• CA: City of Alameda Celebrates Opening of Newest Trail Connection

Scioto Trail Section Closure Coming March 9 - 10

Columbus,, OH

Towpath Section Reroute Coming in March

2/27/20

Akron, OH - Beginning in early March, the Towpath Trail will be rerouted around the KB BioEnergy plant while the City of Akron performs work associated with its ongoing sewer project. The trail is anticipated to be restored by August 1, 2020.

Security Guard Tackles Cyclist in Bike Lane

NYC - "...NYC rent-a-cop aimlessly walks into bike lane with his nose in his phone, gets cursed out, tries to act like he did nothing wrong, then tackles a passing cyclist and puts him in a headlock..." more

Goats Grazing on Greenway Eyesores

2/27/20

NC - "...Last summer, after almost a decade of remaining untouched, kudzu had taken up residence in roughly 17 acres of Salem Creek Greenway in Winston-Salem..." more

Is It Time to Sue Cities for Unsafe Roadways?

2/27/20

Portland, OR - "A $5.9-million lawsuit says the city of Portland is negligent for allowing cars to park right up to the intersection — and argues this bad parking policy has already cost pedestrian lives." more

Why Would a Bike Shop Fight a Bike Lane?

CA - "A store owner is objecting to San Francisco’s plan to install a protected bike lane, because of parking worries..." more

Pedestrian Deaths Reach 30-Year High

U.S. - "Pedestrian fatalities on U.S. roads have increased by more than 50 percent over the past decade, while deaths of people riding in cars, trucks and other vehicles remained essentially unchanged..." more

Police "Victim Shaming" Over Taff Trail Robberies

2/27/20

UK - "...Cycling UK Wales' Gwenda Owen said police should be addressing the crime - not discouraging trail users at night." more

More News...

• AR: Rolling Hills Drive bike lane changes underway
• NY: Petition in Opposition to DOT’s Plan for Protected Bicycle Lanes on 31st Street
• OR: Property owner erects fence around popular bike path access point

Senate Votes to Change Crosswalk Law

2/26/20

Columbus, OH - "Ohio drivers would have to stop for people waiting at the curb to enter a crosswalk if a bill passed unanimously by the state Senate on Wednesday becomes law." more

Dockless Bike Share on Hold in Philly

2/26/20

Philadelphia, PA - "Dockless bikesharing won’t be coming to Philadelphia — at least not right now." more

Cyclist Sued by Driver Who Hit Him

2/26/20

NY - "On a cold, rainy night last month, Bryan Agnello was biking home when a motorist struck him from behind, propelling him onto the car’s hood..." more

Linking Regional Trails in Washington

2/26/20

WA - "Opening a new segment of paved trail that will connect Lake Washington to Puget Sound..." more

L.A. Makes Progress on Bike Crashes

2/26/20

CA - "Biking in Los Angeles traffic has never been easy, but there are signs that it is getting a little bit safer..." more

DUI Suspect Arrested for Driving in Bike Lane

2/26/20

CA - "A woman has been arrested on driving under the influence and child endangerment charges after she drove across the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge in the recently constructed bike lane..." more

Study: Ride Share Apps Create More Pollution

2/26/20

"... A new report found that ride-share apps create 69 percent more climate pollution on average compared to the trips they displace." more

More News...

• AR: Pulaski County eyes old bridge for Southwest Trail
• NJ: Signs Warn Roxbury Trail Users to Watch for Careless Righter Road Drivers
• CA: New bike park among $6M improvement coming to Caldwell Park
• WA: Vancouver (Washington) council says yes to protected bike lanes
• CAN: It's time to bring bike lanes to more of Bloor Street in Toronto
• NC: It's time to make progress on the Piedmont Greenway
• NC: Asheville City Council approves two greenway projects for 2020 construction
• TX: New bayou bridge in Houston
• MN: Police investigating greenway graffiti
• UK: Coventry could pay residents to scrap their cars
• D.C.: $150 fines for parking in bike lane
• CA: Palo Alto steers bike boulevards in a new direction
• IA: Des Moines prepared to spend $3M on miles of new sidewalk
• DEU: Germany’s New Pedestrian Policy Framework

OurStreets App Helping Cleveland Commuters

2/26/20

Cleveland, OH - "A relatively new app, OurStreets, is already catching on among Cleveland commuters and advocates as a new way to help the city, Bike Cleveland, and Clevelanders for Public Transit better track traffic violations." more

More Funding Sought for Plum Creek Trail Project

2/25/20

Brunswick, OH - "The next phase of the city’s Plum Creek Greenway Project got the green light from City Council on Monday (Feb. 24)." more

Road Rehab May Include New Bike Lane

North Olmstead, OH - "...we’ve contemplated slightly widening the road to better accommodate bike traffic on the street..." more

Land Added for 9/11 Memorial Trail

2/25/20

PA - "Somerset County has picked up land near Berlin to develop another section of the fledgling September 11 National Memorial Trail." more

Proposed Trail Extension Draws Supporters, Naysayers

2/25/20

PA - "A proposed trail extension in Manor Township drew praise Monday night from local stakeholders, who view it as a welcome addition to local recreation, but it received equal criticism from others who believe it’s a threat to privacy and property values." more

Many Ways to Complete New Trail

2/25/20

Alpena, MI - "Support from the community will be needed for the Sunrise Coastal Trail to move forward, officials said." more

NYC Police Crack Down on Cyclists Without Bike Bells

2/25/20

NY - "Over the last 48 hours, four pedestrians, ranging in age from 10 to 88, have been killed by drivers on NYC streets....

..."[meanwhile] some cops are spending their time cracking down on cyclist for petty violations." more

Pacific Grove Bans Pedicabs from Rec Trail

2/25/20

CA - "Beginning next month anyone peddling a pedicab along the Monterey portion of the Recreation Trail will need to start braking along about the Monterey Bay Aquarium..." more

Lyft to Charge San Fran E-Bikers that Don't Dock Up

CA - "San Francisco e-bike riders' penchant for locking their Bay Wheels wherever they damn well please is about to cost them some serious dough." more

Related: Customer backlash after Lyft hikes Bay Area bikeshare prices.

More News...

• OR: $350,000 grant will complete Salmonberry Trail master plan
• TN: Large land parcel added to Cumberland Trail State Park
• CA: Bike lane more popular on weekends
• GA: DOT donates land to Firefly Trail and Oconee Greenway
• NZL: New Awataha greenway to connect Northcote community
• IRE: €700k for Greenway improvements
• TX: Historic Battlefield Trail Will Extend to Los Fresnos
• NE: North Platte Trails Network shares new plan
• IL: Moline Wants to Build More Bike Paths
• CAN: Kids will be allowed to bike on Saskatoon sidewalks
• IRE A lot of people don’t cycle because it is too dangerous
• CA: Metro Bike Share celebrates 200th station
• TX: New Bridge On Brays Bayou Officially Opens

Funding for Trails to be Released

2/24/20

Columbus, OH - "Sen. Tim Schaffer this week announced that the Ohio Department of Natural Resources will release funding for recreation trail projects throughout the state pending State Controlling Board approval." more

Officials Consider Connecting 40 Miles of Trail

2/24/20

PA - "...a feasibility study is underway to link the 6-year-old, 14-mile Northwest Lancaster County River Trail from its southern terminus in Columbia to the 7-year-old, 5-mile Enola Low Grade Rail Trail." more

Public Hearings To Be Held About Proposed Bike Lanes

2/24/20

Pittsburgh, PA - "Reactions to the new proposed bike lane plan have been mixed so far." more

Related: 'Residents, business owners weigh in on the city’s ‘master bike plan’.

Making Non-Motorized Transportation Easier & Safer

2/24/20

East Lansing, MI - "...East Lansing residents are significantly more likely to walk or to bike to work than other Michiganders, but last week’s discussion-only City Council meeting revealed that both pedestrians and bicyclists often feel they face less than ideal commutes here." more

Bicyclist Stabbed on Chicago's 606 Trail

2/24/20

IL - "The 30-year-old male victim was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital and listed in stable condition." more

Supreme Court Hears Pipeline Battle Case

2/24/20

U.S. - "The Supreme Court on Monday appeared ready to remove an obstacle to construction of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, with a majority of justices expressing skepticism about a lower court ruling that tossed out a key permit needed for the natural gas pipeline to cross under the Appalachian Trail." more

Car Crash Fatalities Down Slightly in 2019

U.S. - "The council also recorded 4.4 million people who suffered from crash injuries." more

More News...

• WA: Trail runner breaks leg, crawls for 10 hours before being rescued
• NJ: Forest fire near I-80, Appalachian Trail mostly contained
• FL: Local roads are incredibly dangerous
• D.C.: Are people who ride bikes and scooters on the sidewalk being fined?
• NE: Kearney's hike-bike trail bridge damaged in flood
• FL: East Lake Trail is one step closer to being built
• AR: Trailside development piquing interest of Fayetteville planners
• CA: Gov. offers up Santa Rosa greenway site for homeless shelters
• CO: Better Bike Share Partnership Awards $79,600 in Grants
• NZL: Petition to get horses on Hauraki Rail Trail receives wide reaching support

Towpath Times E-News

NE OH - Read the latest edition.

E-Bikes Returning to Philly

Philadelphia, PA - "...Aaron Ritz, manager of the Philadelphia Transportations Program, says this year's e-bike fleet is more than double what it was last year." more

Brighter Street Lights Make a Difference

Philadelphia, PA - "...people say they are less scared to walk around at night and driving feels less risky." more

Making Muskegon County a Bicycle Haven

MI - "...this group of individuals who make up the relatively new Muskegon County Bicycling Coalition (MCBC) are determined to make our region one of the best places for bicycling in the state—or even country..." more

Ann Arbor Bike Share to Relaunch as Year-Round Service

MI - "...ArborBike includes 13 stations of 125 bikes, which will cost $200,000 to operate, using funds from the city, Downtown Development Authority, TheRide and University of Michigan..." more

100+ B-Cycle Stations in Houston

2/23/20

TX - "...there are already 109 stations, up from three in 2012. according to B-Cycle. In 2018, 56,000 riders rode a total of 967,000 miles on B-Cycle bikes..." more

We're Here to Take Your Land & Build a Bike Path

"A handful of farmers in Ohio’s Mahoning County are getting an unpleasant lesson in government power at the hands of a local park district..." more

Motorists Switching To Bikes & Buses To Be Gifted up to £3,000

UK - "Coventry—the U.K.’s motor-city—is hoping to ease traffic congestion and improve air quality by enticing motorists to scrap their cars in favor of transit, taxis, or bike share..." more

More News...

• NY: Forest Hills residents push back on bike lane plan
• AZ: Tucson's DOT adds 'mobility' to its name
• D.C.: Bust stop costs $1M?
• AR: Cycling devotees go to bat for North Little Rock track
• IRE: EI injects €250k into bike-share scheme
• MO: Advocates push for safer pedestrian crossings in downtown Kansas City
• TN: Nashville's Growing Pains: Slow Sidewalks

Accused Attacker Appears in Court

Cleveland, OH - "A 19-year-old man arrested in two separate kidnapping incidents [in Cleveland Metroparks] appeared in court Friday morning." more

NOACA's ACTIVATE Public Survey

NE OH - Planning for the Cleveland area which includes: Lorain, Median, Cuyahoga, Lake and Geauga Counties. more

Trails Growing Across the Region

2/23/20

PA - "The Cambria-Somerset region’s outdoor recreation leaders have been in the trail business for decades, carving hiking and biking paths on former railroad beds, alongside rivers and past the footsteps of history and heroism." more

Cyclist Vandalizes Truck in Bike Lane

Boston, MA - "...An argument ensued and the suspect broke his passenger side window and fled on his bike." more

More News...

• NC: Plaza Midwood residents celebrate Charlotte’s new bike lane opening
• CA: Large tree limb comes down on East Beach parking spots & bike lane
• NC: Village Council majority poised to kill park greenway

Ohio & Erie Towpath Section Still Closed

2/21/20

Brecksville, OH

Creekside Trail Connector Construction Alert

2/21/20

Xenia, OH - "Please be advised that starting Monday February 24, 2020 there will be reconstruction efforts happening at the bridge at James Ranch and spur along the Creekside Trail. There will not be a detour in place during this time, and the work is expected to last at least three weeks. The Creekside Trail will remain open at this location."

Wintering the Miami & Erie Towpath

2/21/20

Grand Rapids, OH

NCIT Low Brush Cut Back in Huron County

2/21/20

Monroeville, OH

Downtown Park, Pedestrian Bridge Plan

2/21/20

Columbus, OH - "...Building a bike and pedestrian bridge to connect the western terminus of Nationwide Boulevard to the Olentangy Trail across the river is an idea that was first floated in 2015..." more

Summit Metroparks Seeks Additional Funding

Akron, OH - "...the funds will be used to maintain, operate, conserve and improve the Bike & Hike Trail; Freedom Trail; portions of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail; F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm; Nimisila Reservoir; Liberty Park; Cascade Valley, Deep Lock Quarry, Firestone, Furnace Run, Goodyear Heights, Gorge, Hampton Hills, Munroe Falls, O’Neil Woods, Sand Run, Silver Creek, Springfield Bog and Wood Hollow parks; and other park properties." more

Water & Bike Trails Proposed

Point Pleasant, OH - "Mason County Tourism Director Denny Bellamy announced plans for a bike trail and a water trail leading to Point Pleasant. more

Pittsburgh Public Meetings on Bike Lane Plans

2/21/20

PA - "The City of Pittsburgh released its Draft Bike (+) Master Plan and are holding public meetings around the city for comments and feedback." more

Is New Orleans any Safer for Cyclists?

2/21/20

LA - "...officials acknowledge that there are still far too many dangerous encounters involving cars, even as they continue to encourage walking and cycling during Carnival." more

No Oil & Gas Drilling along Slickrock Trail

2/21/20

UT - "Under pressure from elected Utah officials, the Bureau of Land Management on Friday decided against selling leases near Moab that could have exposed the famed Slickrock Trail to oil and gas development." more

Washington Enacts 3-Feet Law

2/21/20

WA - "Washington state is once again trying to prove the status of the most 'Bicycle Friendly State' by creating an even safer environment for the state’s resident cyclists." more

More News...

• CA: Santa Monica’s Beach Trail Is Getting a Facelift
• NY: Bill Branson invited to enjoy delights of biking a rail trail
• GA: GDOT will transfer land worth $2.4 million for bike, pedestrian trails
• IL: Chicago Has a New Way to Stop Drivers Who Misuse Bus and Bike Lanes
• NY: DOT reneges; Beryl bike share will no longer launch borough-wide
• LA: New Orleans Launches New Blue Bikes E- Fleet
• AUS: ACT's bike lane targets missed despite active travel push
• CAN: Snow-clearing policy to review bike lanes, culs-de-sac, intersections
• OR: Drivers commandeering bike lanes in Portland
• IRE: €700k awarded to Greenway projects in the North East
• WI: Bike share program coming to La Crosse
• CA: Bike Shop Owner Opposes Car-Free Valencia
• OR: $5.9M lawsuit says Portland is negligent for allowing parking at intersections
• OR: Portland Police online crime reporting system now includes bike theft
• OR: Fatal collision in Goose Hollow a tragic result of decisions and design

Long-Term Funding in Doubt for Baileys Trail System

2/19/20

Athens, OH - "...two of the Commissioners said last week that they’re not going to support the 'pay for success' model that has been asked of the county for the project." more

Trailside Clean Up along the NCIT

2/19/20

Norwalk, OH

Cincinnati Working to Create 176 Miles of Bike Lanes

2/19/20

Cincinnati, OH - "...City Council member Greg Landsman says the city is working to create as many protected lanes as it can." more

OurStreets App for Better Streets in Cleveland

2/19/20

Cleveland, OH - "...OurStreets is a reporting tool, and the more people that use it – the better it gets..." more

Bike-Path Killer Threatened to Behead Jail Officer

2/19/20

NY - "A man charged with killing eight people by driving a truck down a lower Manhattan bike path in October 2017 recently threatened to decapitate an officer at the jail that has housed him since his arrest.." more

Greenway to be Expanded to Austin Peay State University

TN - "The Clarksville Greenway will soon be connected to Austin Peay State University, in a plan that will eventualy allow people to bike, walk or run from APSU all the way to Billy Dunlop Park." more

20 mph is Too Fast for E-Bikes

2/19/20

"...The American e-bike market needs to re-direct itself by looking at the European market and learning from it. Twenty is too fast." more

OB: We expressed the same concerns back in 2018.

More News...

• UT: 1,000-acre park, 2.8-mile bike path could soon be coming
• AR: City mulls alternative multi-use trail route
• MN: Minnetonka works to improve trail system
• CA: Palo Alto looks to shift gears on bike boulevards
• CA: New hiking trail connects Baldwin Hills to the Pacific Ocean
• NYC: Protected bike lane coming to Sixth Avenue in Midtown
• IL: Lightfoot’s crackdown on bus and bike lane violations
• MN: Bike lane improvements in Whittier, Lyndale
• ID: Idaho initiative to combat budget cuts for trail maintenance
• GA: Man found dead in Georgia days after going missing on hike
• MN: Boardwalk installation begins for Long Lake trail extension in Vergas
• ME: Bethel Pathway to extend, connect to MLT trails
• MO: Will proposed pothole czar make KC’s neglected streets any better?

Demolitions Along Proposed Trail Route

Ashland, OH - "...The legislation, passed unanimously, will essentially be the first truly visible action taken in support of the proposed trail, which will run along what’s most commonly called 'Town Creek.' It was formerly called 'Center Run' on early maps." more

Electric Citi Bikes are Back

2/19/20

NY - "...Starting this week, Citi Bike will begin adding “several hundred” e-bikes to its network of 900 stations in New York City. The rollout will increase gradually over the next several months, with operators hoping to have a promised 4,000 e-bikes as part of the fleet by the end of the year." more

Green Wave Plan for Bike Lanes

NYC - "The city Department of Transportation boasted that it’s ahead of schedule in its 'Green Wave' plan announced last year, which expands the protected bike lane networks in Brooklyn and Manhattan." more

Man Fat-Biking in State Park Found Dead

2/18/20

ME - "The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office says a 59-year-old man was found dead on the side of a trail in Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal on Monday." more

Governor Joins in Protesting Drilling on Slickrock Trail

UT - "...The Governor appreciates the unique beauty of the Slickrock area and wants to ensure that nothing is done that would be detrimental to the visitor experience or local water quality..." more

‘Nighttime Nailer’ Sentenced to 30 Days

Portland, OR - "An Oregon City man who threw roofing nails onto city streets will spend 30 days in jail." more

Investing in Cycling Pays Off

UK - "A report shows that when bike lanes are built, people cycle more and drive less." more

More News...

• CA: Opening of new Cross Alameda Trail segment Feb. 29
• TN: Murfreesboro's $23.6M capital improvement plan includes soccer park, greenway
• CA: Jefferson Loses Bike Lanes
• TX: Bicycle Advisory Council takes on cars parked in Austin bike lanes
• ND: Bike lanes coming to Minot, city council approve lowering speed limit
• GA: Search continues for Georgia hiker near Appalachian Trail
• VA:Council approves funding to extend Danville Riverwalk Trail
• MN: Connection trail advocates heading to Capitol
• SC: Plans to start next phase of Wadsworth Trail to historic Anderson Mill
• OR: Man riding a bicycle dies after collision with a truck driver

Ann Arbor Mulls Shifting Car Culture

MI - "Ann Arbor hopes to get more people out of cars..." more

Marquette Greenway Construction Begins this Year

IN - "Construction on one section of the Burns Harbor portion of the Marquette Greenway Trail is set to begin this year..." more

Driver Kills Cyclist in Hit-and-Run

2/18/20

Charlotte, NC - "Police are searching for the driver who they said hit and killed a bicyclist before speeding away late Monday in east Charlotte" more

Commissioner Pledges $7.4M To Bayou Greenways Project

Houston, TX - "The funds, which are pending approval by the Harris County Commissioners Court, are intended to help finish up a massive bike trail project linking up the city’s waterways." more

Are More People Biking These Days?

U.S. - "...The number of daily trips made by walking or biking ― whether running errands or getting to work or school ― hadn’t changed from 2001 to 2017." more

NZ's 1st Dockless E-Bike Shares in Auckland

2/18/20

NZL - "More than 600 dockless electric ride share bikes will hit the streets of Auckland from February 19 - the first of their kind in New Zealand." more

More News...

• CA: Santa Barbara to Add Bike Lane
• FRA: Paris mayor promises bike lane on every street if re-elected
• TX: Dallas Falling Far Short of Bike Friendly Goal
• IRE: Greenway slammed as 'disaster' as floods repeatedly delay opening
• OK: Thieves nab trailer from nonprofit bike share in Tulsa
• NLD: Dutch neighborhood could share a pool of cars and bikes
• TX: Dallas Proposes Fixes for Its Scooter Problem
• FL: More scooter companies coming to downtown Orlando
• CAN: Long-delayed Hoffman Estates bike path expected this year
• IL: Repair stations coming to four Will County Forest Preserve bike trails
• ID: MAMBA paves way for trail users on mountain
• MA: City wins $78K grant for rail trail ramp
• AR: Cycling group reports vandalism at Jonesboro trail
• MA: Boston Starts Bus and Bike Improvements

South Loop Bike Lanes are Hazardous

IL - "...Concrete barriers are meant to protect bike lanes and ensure cyclist safety by separating the pathway from car lanes. However, they can also create an unexpected tripping hazard for cyclists and pedestrians due to visibility issues..." more

Crashes Involving Peds Rare in Trail Town

Damascus, VA - " Despite thousands of hikers passing through town every year, it’s been nearly four years since a pedestrian has been struck in Damascus, Virginia..." more

Mighty Touch and BCycle’s 3.0 Dock

2/17/20

WI - "Mighty Touch, a division of Menomonee Falls-based Connected Technology Solutions, teamed up with BCycle, a Waterloo, Wisconsin-based bicycle sharing company owned by Trek Bicycle, to develop an all-in-one bike dock that allows users to check out a bike using an app or membership card..." more

Bucharest on the Verge of Micro-Mobility Revolution

2/17/20

ROM - "The shared economy and micromobility are increasingly discussed in the context of the development of modern cities just like Bucharest..." more

More News...

• NC: Greenway trail remains closed after nearly 2 years
• NY:Philipstown Plans More Sidewalks, Bike Paths
• WI: Madison gears up for bike path improvements
• FL: Woman on bike fatally struck by car in Boca Raton
• CA: Will other California cities ban cars?

Cleveland can do Better with Complete Streets

2/16/20

Cleveland, OH - "...The failure to create a downtown loop is an example of the mixed record of Mayor Frank Jackson’s administration in observing the city’s 2011 'Complete and Green Streets' ordinance..." more

Bicycle Takeover in Pittsburgh

2/16/20

PA - "Dogs pee on trees and those alert bicycle enthusiasts and their clever strategists here in Pittsburgh have copied this primal territorial approach..." more

Grants Breathe Life into Northern Panhandle Projects

2/16/20

WV - "...The Center for ActiveWV has announced a slate of inaugural grant funding for 13 projects that increase or improve pedestrian and bicycling infrastructure in communities, schools and health centers across the state." more

Memphis to Arkansas City by Trail

2/16/20

AR - "...That $20 million will be matched (mostly with federal funds) by the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage & Tourism in order to complete the Delta Heritage Trail, an 84.5-mile biking and hiking route from Lexa in the north to Arkansas City in the south." more

If Denver Wants People to Bike to Work, It Has to Clear the Snow!

2/15/20

CO - "...Getting more people to bike to work — and to do so year-round — will be a critical step for Denver as it seeks to lower the share of Denver residents commuting in single-occupant vehicles..." more

More News...

• TX: TxDOT to pay lion’s share of city-county trail project
• NY: Official Pushes For Bike Path To Mario Cuomo Bridge After Deaths
• NS: Winter Bike Week wraps up today in Halifax
• VA: UVA ending docked bicycle program
• NZL: Memorial ride for rider killed on State Highway 2 near Petone

Indego E-Bikes Return to Philly Docking Stations

2/14/20

PA - "10% of the vehicles were recovered — but the city won’t say how many went missing in the first place." more

Sculptures Stolen from White River State Park

2/14/20

Indianapolis, IN - "...The two basketball-sized sculptures were stolen from their posts on the park's Environmental Trail sometime between Feb. 6 and Feb. 8..." more

Cyclist Cuffed & Arrested for Rolling a Stop Sign

2/14/20

FL - "...Javier Lopez, 18, was arrested during a group ride near Oveido, Florida, this past weekend after he rolled through a stop sign." more

Bicycle Lanes are Moving Everyone Forward

2/14/20

BRA - "The intersection of Avenida Leste Oeste and Avenida Pasteur in the Brazilian city of Fortaleza was always tricky to navigate by bicycle..." more

More News...

• CA: American River bike trail finally reopens after three-year landslide closure
• GA: Citizen support keeps trail as part of road widening project
• IA: Lawmakers work to classify electric bikes
• CA: Bike sharing program leaves UCSB
• NY: Crescent, 31st Street In Astoria To Get Protected Bike Lanes
• WA: Melrose next for Capitol Hill street overhauls
• CA: Costs a challenge for San Mateo bike plan

Hockhocking Adena Bikeway Flooding

Athens, OH

Authorities Rescue Woman Who Fell Ill on Trail

Twinsburg, OH - "...If not for the plowed bike and hike trail, our response vehicles would have had a harder time trying to navigate the main path..." more

Eminent Domain Hearings Continue

2/14/20

Columbus, OH - "...This legislation gives our constituents another avenue to protect their property [from trail use] from the government’s reach..." more

Fairfield Developing Connectivity Plan

Fairfield, OH - "...The number one overall comment (was) … we need connectivity, we need walkability..." more

Kettering Suspends Shared Bikes, Scooters

2/14/20

Kettering, OH - "...Law Director Ted Hamer told council the vehicles have disrupted pedestrians and business owners in other cities." more

Old-Time Racks for Bikes

Mt. Vernon, OH - "A dozen new bike racks will appear near the new parking lots along Gay Street and by the Kokosing River entrance to Ariel-Foundation Park and in other areas in downtown..." more

Concerns Over Proposed Trail Extension in Cambria County

PA - "PennDOT and local legislators have presented a plan to connect the James Mayer trail with parts Ferndale Avenue, creating a continuous three-mile loop..." more

New Bike Repair Stations along D&L Trail

PA - "...new bike repair stations have been installed along the D&L Trail on Bethlehem’s Sand Island,.." more

Petition in Support of Protected Bike Lanes in Nashville

TN - "Walk Bike Nashville representatives and Metro Nashville Councilman Freddie O'Connell delivered more than 2,000 signatures to the mayor's office Thursday morning in support of building protected bike lanes downtown." more

Bike Share Shocker in Boston

MA - "... it was that bike-sharing program that left Samantha’s head spinning this past fall when a $2.50 ride turned into a $1,200 missing bike ordeal." more

Cyclists Lies Dying in a Ditch While No One Calls 911

GA - "...Instead of calling 911, the driver left the scene and called his friend, state Rep. Trey Kelley, according to police documents..." more

Truck Driver Knocks Cyclist Off His Bike

2/14/20

UK - "Video has emerged of the moment a cyclist was slammed to the ground by a Tesco delivery driver who turned left across a painted cycle lane." more

Green Transport Making an Impact

UK - "From public transport to cycling, sustainable transport is on course to overtake driving in the world’s biggest cities within a decade, according to a study released on Monday." more

More News...

• NYC: Protected bike lane coming to Williamsburg
• CA: Berry Contraflow Here to Stay
• HI: A Simple Proposal To Help Cyclists In Honolulu
• NC: City officials working to find answer to closed portion of Raleigh greenway
• CA: Moped Rideshare Business Brings New Problems to Oakland
• VA: Trail shuttle business seeks new owner
• MD: Upcoming Railroad Abandonment in Allegany County

Levy Project to Impact Towpath, New Stark County Trail Maps

Perry Twp., OH - "The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wants to reinforce one of its levees and could close a trail section..."

...Separately, Fonte told the board that his staff is updating the park district’s maps so they only show existing trails and trails under construction, not proposed trails that go through private property..." more

Efforts Underway to Reduce Pedestrian-Vehicle Crashes

Columbus, OH - "...Columbus Police said they investigated 431 pedestrian crashes in 2019. 23 of those crashes were fatal..." more

Ypsilanti to Repave Trail Segment

MI - "Crews will repave and expand a portion of a pedestrian-friendly pathway in Ypsilanti’s Frog Island Park." more

Plans For McNichols Streetscape Project

Detroit, MI - "...The city plans to improve sidewalks, lighting, bus shelters, bus stops, crosswalks and landscaping..." more

New Protected Grand Street Bike Lane Is Still Not Protected

2/13/20

NY - "...Bikers are still forced to swerve into traffic thanks to cars and trucks continuously parked in what’s supposed to be a new-and-improved protected bike lane along one of North Brooklyn’s main corridors to the Williamsburg Bridge." more

Flagler County has had Zero Bike Fatalities Since 2017

2/12/20

FL - "...Flagler County is one of the safest counties in Florida for bike riders and the safest in Central Florida, statistically, at least in 2018 and 2019." more

New Links To Northern Strand Trail Coming

2/12/20

MA - "The Baker-Polito administration announced last week the groundbreaking of a $13.7 million project to complete the remaining unbuilt sections of the Northern Strand Trail to Western Avenue in Lynn by the summer of 2022." more

Austin Traffic Fatalities Nearly Triple in January

TX - "...The City of Austin, TX is off to a rough start for achieving its Vision Zero goals in 2020." more

More News...

• NY: CB7 Pushes Back On Plans To Close Cherry Walk For Hurricane Sandy Repairs
• TX: Proposed Rules Would Prohibit Scooters On Butler Hike And Bike Trail
• AUS: Creswick bike trail vandalised days before cycling classic
• NY: Warren County approval for more 'rail bike' routes
• MN: Progress continues on new state trail from Harmony to Iowa border
• CA: $1.2M Indio bike lane project announced
• CA: HOPR Bike Program Decides to Leave Campus
• NE: Lincoln police cracking down on bikes on downtown sidewalks
• D.C.: DC’s bike lane plan reflects political calculations and exploitation
• OR: Will Portland’s ‘Rose Lanes’ be safe for cycling?
• D.C.: police to step up distracted driving patrols on Valentine’s Day

Fire Closes Section of Olentangy Trail

2/12/20 -- 9:16 am

Columbus, OH - From MetroParks, "Please avoid the Olentangy Trail between King Avenue and 3rd Avenue as firefighters fight a fire at Battelle Institute. Please use alternate route until the area is cleared."

Towpath Trail Section Closure Feb. 17

Barberton, OH - The Towpath Trail will be closed from Fairview Avenue south to Robinson Avenue, a distance of 1.2 miles, for approximately 90 days while Ohio Department of Natural Resources works to plug an oil/gas well adjacent to the canal corridor.

Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Closure in Summit County in NE Ohio

Planned Winona Railway Trail Extension Moves Forward

2/11/20

Goshen, IN - " Plans for an extension of the Winona Railway Trail on the city’s south side got their initial start Tuesday during a meeting of the Goshen Redevelopment Commission." more

Mill Race, Parts of People Trail Closed for High Water

2/11/20

Columbus, IN - "...The parks department also warns people to use caution as additional sections of the People Trail System and Noblitt Park may become inaccessible due to rising water." more

Denver Nears Bicycle Tipping Point

2/11/20

CO - "...the increasing percentage of people commuting downtown by bike, is putting the city on the brink of a culture shift, advocates say." more

How London Got Rid of Cars & Grew More Congested

2/11/20

UK - "Britain’s biggest city has almost ground to a halt, thanks to the rise of Uber, delivery drivers – and cycle lanes. Can anything be done to end the gridlock and pollution?" more

More News...

• CAN: City of Campbell River to remove parking, install bike lane
• MN: Residents in St. Louis Park bracing for a bike lane battle
• CA: Cycling in Saint Helena is bad for your health
• IA: Tedesco Learning Corridor aims to connect city to bike trails
• WI: Expansion of North Mendota Trail set to begin
• IL: Lane of Lower LSD converted to protected bike/ped path
• MD: Mountain bike trails planned for Broadford Park
• IA: Popular scooter share program will return to Cedar Rapids
• OR: Advocates disappointed with Portland Bike Plan

Impaired Driver Kills Bicyclist in Lorain

2/10/20

Elyria, OH - "...Gill was arrested and is charged with operating a vehicle impaired, aggravated vehicular homicide, failure to control and failure to stop after an accident." more

Ped Deaths on the Rise in Columbus

2/10/20

Columbus, OH - "As the number of people struck and killed by vehicles in Columbus has increased each of the past three years, the state’s largest city is working to find ways to reduce the number of fatalities." more

Arlington Reveals ‘No Scooter’ Zones

2/10/20

VA - "By the end of the month, Arlington County will start posting signs making it clear where e-scooters and e-bikes are not welcome." more

Section of Roanoke River Greenway Closed Due to Rain Damage

VA - "Due to heavy, soaking rain that led to flooding last week and this weekend, a major portion of the Roanoke River Greenway stretching from Wasena Park to Bennington Park is closed." more

More News...

• CA: New Push To Put The Brakes On LA's Rising Speed Limits
• CA: Bike ridership up 20 percent on first day of car-free Market Street
• BEL: Bicycle thief is sentenced to three years in jail for 'ecological crimes'
• IND: Mumbai Police Play a Trick on Honking Drivers
• NYC: Council to Pass ‘Reckless Driver Accountability Act’
• CA: Richmond Greenway pilot project aims to address homeless problem
• MO: Crews work on trail connection for Springfield's Fulbright Spring Greenway
• FL: Expanded E-bike bill clears second Senate committee
• BRA: Brazilian city’s bike focus shows how to move society forward
• CAN: Saskatoon reviews changes to the bicycle bylaw
• NH: Salem rail trail defaced with spray-painted profanities
• CA: Sycamore Grove bridge now open to public
• MA: Lynn Rail Trail on track for spring

Towpath Times E-News

NE OH - Read the latest edition.

Actor Struck by 2 Drivers, Dies

CA - "Orson Bean, the 91-year-old veteran actor-comedian and a mainstay of the Westside’s theater scene, was killed when he was hit by two cars Friday night while crossing Venice Boulevard on his way to see a play..." more

Town Rejects State Recommendation for Bike Path Route

RI - "The town will continue to push for the completion of the South County Bike Path to the town beach through Canonchet Farm, despite rejection of the route at the state level..." more

Cyclists Linked to Illegal Trail Fight Vandalism Charges

2/10/20

CA - "Three Marin County men are facing prosecution on charges they caused thousands of dollars of damage to public land by building an illegal bike trail in Indian Valley Open Space Preserve." more

Most Ped Crashes are From Cars Turning at Intersections

Seattle, WA - "...two-thirds of pedestrian and vehicle crashes involved a vehicle turning at an intersection, which the city is addressing by installing signals that give pedestrians a head start." more

More News...

• NYC: Bike lanes you can drive a truck through
• FL: Chef’s death while bicycling raises call for safe lanes
• CAN: City admin recommends axing rule requiring bike lane use
• AUS: Shires to share in funds for new bike paths
• GA: Good Bike Lanes Keep Kids Safe

Eminent Domain Playing a Role in Park Levy Renewal Opposition

2/9/20

Stark County, OH - "...'We have no intentions of building a trail through somebody’s property who doesn’t willingly sell it to us, period,' he said. 'His constituents (Stoltzfus) has heard from are misrepresenting what’s actually happened'." more

The Future of Kokomo Trails

2/9/20

IN - "...The project, in many ways, represents the finishing touches of former mayor Greg Goodnight’s vision for the downtown span of Kokomo’s Wildcat Creek and has also sparked interest in Mayor Tyler Moore’s goals for a biking and walking system that has evolved into one of the city’s primary amenities." more

Smithtown Settles Suit Over Skate Boarding Death on Trail

2/9/20

NY - "...Lawyers said the town was negligent for not properly maintaining a trail they described as bumpy and broken, with “trap like” conditions, including the 16-inch crack that caused Castrillon’s fall." more

Fatal Bike Crash Remains a Mystery

2/8/20

IL - "...How does an experienced cyclist, wearing a helmet and pedaling uphill, sustain such massive injuries from a simple fall?" more

More News...

• TX: Official opening of Shoal Creek bikeway on Saturday
• BEL: Almost 9% more use of bicycle in Brussels
• FL: Making the venetian causeway safer for bicyclists

Large Tree Down on the Kokosing Trail

Knox County, OH

Snow in Cleveland Bike Lanes

Cleveland, OH

Canfield Township Closer to Bike Tail Connector

2/8/20

Canfield, OH - "Canfield Township is getting closer to making a connection from the township park on Herbert Road to the Mill Creek MetroPark’s bike trail." more

Board Supports Riverside Trail Plan

2/7/20

Muncie, IN - "...Muncie should also be proud that our community has a robust vision for the buildout of new trail miles and a truly connected bike/pedestrian network. The inception of the Cardinal Greenway trail in the 1990s was only the beginning." more

County gets OK to Build Onondaga Lake Trail

2/7/20

Syracuse, NY - "Two years ago, the state cautioned Onondaga County not to build a trail on contaminated land along Onondaga Lake before a cleanup plan for the whole site was in place." more

Idaho Parks Considers Trail Pass Program

2/7/20

Boise, ID - "The director of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation said Friday that his agency is starting a voluntary trail pass program as part of a long-range goal to raise awareness and eventually money for non-motorized trail maintenance." more

Officials Oppose Oil, Gas Leasing In Sand Flats Rec Area

2/7/20

UT - "...Sand Flats Recreation Area is home to the internationally known Slickrock Bike Trail. The county estimates Sand Flats contributes nearly $7 million dollars in net value to the local economy." more

Coronavirus Could Cause Bike Shipment Delays

2/7/20

TWN - "The CEO of A&J Bicycles — one of the world's largest original equipment bike makers, with factories in Taiwan, China, Vietnam, and Cambodia — is warning customers of possible shipment delays due to the novel coronavirus outbreak in China..." more

More News...

• CA: Comanche Creek Greenway is getting $1M upgrade
• D.C.: Alexandria road diet gets mired in misinformation
• TX:New bike lanes open on Shoal Creek Boulevard
• OK: Bicycle lanes rollout on city streets
• OR: Now you can bike home from the station
• VA: Vice mayor announces Shenandoah Rail Trail effort
• CA: Appellate court clears path for bikes on Bob Middagh Trail
• NC: Residents, cycling advocates at odds over Chapel Hill's new bike plan
• GA: State budgeting error puts conservation projects on hold

Howard Arch to Receive Historical Marker

Howard, OH - "...The arch now serves as a bridge for U.S. 36 over the Kokosing Gap Trail. The former Howard railroad station now has a playground for children and is a stopping point for travelers on the trail." more

Cool Bike Racks in Fremont

Fremont, OH

Autonomous E-Shuttle in Columbus

Columbus, OH - "...An electric-powered shuttle funded mostly by the federal government will give residents access to services that have slowly vanished from the area..." more

Pittsburgh Plan Would Add 120 Miles of Bike Lanes

PA - "The city of Pittsburgh on Thursday released a draft of a bike master plan that envisions adding 120 miles of bike lanes to the city streets and 32 miles of trails." more

VeoRide Ceasing Bike-Share Services at WKU

2/7/20

KY - "...Though the program has been well-received by WKU students, VeoRide gave notice that they were refocusing 2020 efforts in markets that were focused on multi-modal fleets centered on eScooters and eBikes." more

2-Way Traffic, Bike Lane Project to Begin

2/7/20

Ann Arbor, MI - "...Restoration work will also include two-way bike lanes on the east side of the road, an enhanced streetscape and pedestrian experience and curbside improvements for loading or drop-off..." more

Burned, Abandoned SUV Found on Trail

Henrietta Twp., MI - "...Someone reported an abandoned 2006 Pontiac Torrent around 10:20 a.m., Feb. 5, on the Mike Levine Lakelands Trail near Wooster Road and Root Station Road..." more

Activist Tries Shaming Cops to try to Stop Them from Parking in Bike Lanes

NYC - "...'This NYPD officer is an asshole,' reads a new flier that activist Rich Mintz slapped on squad cars in the bike lane in Columbus Circle on Thursday." more

Greenway Closes Due to Human Waste, Unsanitary Condition

Denver, CO - "Human waste, pest activity, unsanitary conditions, and garbage has lead to the second closure of an outdoor recreation area in Denver, Colorado." more

Man Arrested for Threatening People on Greenway

WA - "Police arrested a man in Yakima who they say was threatening people along the Greenway with a big stick." more

Former Trek Exec Says E-Mountain Bikes are Too Powerful

2/7/20

CA - "...'The industry has a history of what I call 'ready, fire, aim,' Vadeboncoeur said. 'The industry didn't do all the things it should have done (before launching e-MTBs), but there is still time'." more

OB: The same e-bike classes are being applied to both mountain bike trails and multi-use, paved trails. As pointed out in this blog post, E-Bike Class 1 is also too powerful for paved trails.

Ancient Human Remains Found on Port Angeles Trail

2/6/20

WA - "It’s not every day that a bike ride through the Olympic Discovery Trail turns into an ancient human remains discovery." more

More News...

• VA:Flooding causes part of Roanoke greenway to close
• CT: Bike Share Hiatus Extended
• NY: 25 bikes and 5 bike stations to be deployed in Riverhead
• EST: Tartu to expand smart bike share system by building 10 new terminals
• TX: Bikes central to commerce at M-K-T Heights development
• AFR: Bicycle Lanes Move Everyone Forward
• NJ: MTB Group Wants to Help Westfield Build Trail in Brightwood Park
• WI: Expansion of North Mendota Trail set to begin
• GA: Construction of final phase of Decatur cycle track
• NC: Charlotte pedestrian deaths continue at record pace
• NV: 16 Reno-area pedestrians died in 2019, the deadliest in years
• FIN: Zero pedestrian fatalities in Helsinki traffic in 2019
• OR: Construction begins in March on major improvements to Gateway Green

Towpath Section Closure Feb. 6-21

Brecksville, OH

A New Way to Pay for Trail Building

Athens, OH - "Athens, Ohio, has ambitious plans to build 88 miles of singletrack in three years. To make it happen, they’re eyeing a new funding model that could make it easier to bring recreation to rural America." more

Committee Gives Green Light to Sheltered Bike Lanes

PA - "Pennsylvania state lawmakers came one step closer Wednesday to authorizing safer bike lanes on state-owned streets across the Commonwealth." more

Tired Of The City Not Maintaining Bike Lanes

NYC - "Months after cyclist Carla Aiello has hit and killed by a truck at Milwaukee and Kilbourn avenues, someone repainted the faded bike lanes this week." more

Inaction After Tragic Crashes is Unacceptable

Chicago, IL - "...Last November Lee Luellen, 40, was fatally struck on his bike five blocks north of Jackson’s crash site at 67th and Stony Island in Grand Crossing..." more

Senate Gives Preliminary Nod to Bike Lane Bill

2/6/20

CO - "Motorists who fail to yield to cyclists who are properly riding in bike lanes could get a $70 ticket under a bill that won preliminary approval in the Colorado Senate on Wednesday." more

Response to: "Bike Lanes Cause Misery for Teachers"

2/5/20

"...This is how efforts to build safe and convenient places for cyclists are demonized—as something that screws up the lives of motorists struggling to get somewhere important..." more

Doppelt Trail Fund Helps Fill Critical Funding Gaps

2/5/20

U.S. - "Today, in anticipation of the 2020 spring trail season, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) announced the recipients of the 2020 Doppelt Family Trail Development Fund grant program, awarding a total of $100,000 to six impactful trail projects across the United States." more

More News...

• AR: Construction starts Monday on Pullman Trail
• TX: City moving forward with 11th Street road diet
• VA: Bike Lane Violations in Crystal City and Pentagon City
• OR: 4 miles of raised, protected bike lanes part of TriMet’s next light rail line
• AUS: Melbourne councils sign up to jump-start electric bike-share
• HI: Biki Continues to Grow in 2020
• LA: Blue Bikes moves toward expansion into more uptown neighborhoods
• LA: Cyclist, pedestrian robbed in two incidents near Broad and Lafitte Greenway
• AL: Extension will connect Rotary Trail to 41st Street
• IA: Trails extension coming on Milner Street
• D.C.: Monthly Capital Bikeshare ridership tanks nearly 50 percent in 2019

Man Arrested for 2 Attacks at Brookside Reservation

2/4/20

Cleveland, OH - "...On October 20, 2019, Barker is accused of attacking a 61-year-old woman near the Meadow Ridge Picnic area in the Brookside Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks." more

Expansion of Funding for Transportation Safety Projects

Columbus, OH - "Thanks to the recent increase in the state motor vehicle fuel tax, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is making it easier for local governments to fund much-needed safety improvements..." more

Pittsburgh’s 1st Complete Street Debuts

PA - "The future of street design has arrived in Pittsburgh." more

Is D.C. Waging a ‘War on Cars’?

D.C. - "Is the District waging a 'war on cars?' The available evidence suggests the answer is absolutely..." more

Tampa Earns First-Ever Bike Friendly Airport Award

FL. - "Tampa International Airport has been designated the first bicycle-friendly airport in the USA by the League of American Bicyclists." more

Funding Boost for Completing Bike Path

2/4/20

Minneapolis, MN - "Minneapolis officials first started making plans for a trail system that encircles the city almost 140 years ago." more

More News...

• CA: Missing couple found dead in San Bernardino Mountains
• NY: Sheboygan wants to buy unused Union Pacific railroad tracks for bike path
• TN: First downtown Nashville bike lane coming to Commerce Street
• NYC: Pol Who Fought Street Safety Measure Now Blasts DOT For Delaying It
• OK: Officials say county property acquisition will move bike trail project forward
• WY: County pursues open space Greenways Plan
• NY: Lime bikes leave White Plains and Yonkers
• AUS: After yellow and blue bike failures, councils pin their hopes on red
• VA: Main Street intersections "greening" for bicycle safety
• CA: Supervisors reject Page Street Bikeway appeal
• FL: Bicycle lane to be constructed along CR 389
• IL: A breakdown of Chicago's scooter pilot, by the numbers
• OR: Oregon unveils new ‘Community Paths’ grant program

Richland B&O Trail Alert

2/4/20

Richland County, OH

GoFundMe Effort for Water Fountain & FixIt Stand

Mt. Vernon, OH - "The Mount Vernon terminus of the Kokosing Gap Trail; is the most heavily used access point on the KGT. Trail users will no doubt appreciate a water fountain and bicycle repair Fixit station at this trail head. more

Rail Trail Project Back on Track

2/4/20

Zionsville, IN - "A section of the Rail Trail that will connect Zionsville and Whitestown is the focus of a $4 million plan to get it done by the end of the year 2021." more

Planned Greenway Shutdown Angers Advocates

2/4/20

NYC - "...Orcutt demanded parks honchos release more information about the closure, including its exact dates and location so that the nearly 3,000 cyclists who ride through Riverside Park each day can plan ahead." more

Cycling Death on Causeway Leads to Safety Push

2/3/20

FL - "...We can't have a situation where a cyclist loses her life, it's preventable, and there's no mobilization to fix the problem." more

Port to Block Valet Parking in Bike Lane

2/3/20

CA - "...The Port of San Francisco is asking transit officials to protect bike lanes along a stretch of the Embarcadero where the restaurant Waterbar is known to valet park its customers’ vehicles." more

Lawmakers Propose $2.5B Over 5 Years for Bike, Pede Projects

2/3/20

U.S. - "The federal government would offer up to $500 million annually in competitive grant funding for sidewalks, bikeways and other 'active transportation' projects for cyclists and pedestrians..." more

More Tariff Exclusions for Bikes, Tires & Trailers

2/3/20

D.C. - "The Trump administration has announced additional Chinese tariff exclusions for some bike-related products..." more

More News...

• NM: Albuquerque proposes update to speed up the sidewalk repair process
• AUT: Vienna’s Cultural Approach to Going Car-Free
• IRE: work begins on new Midleton-Youghal Greenway
• CA: Coroner identifies woman, 45, found stabbed near American River bike trail
• FL: Bike Trail Plans To Connect Downtown Tavares With Mount Dora
• TX: Completion of first phase of Walnut Creek trail project
• NE: Bike tunnel could be replaced this year
• LA: An Attempt to Make the Big Easy Easier
• CAN: Works start at Ellis Street bike lane outside Bendigo SE College
• IL: BG Council may get bicycle work pedaling again
• NC: Pella invests in Reidsville Recreation
• TX: First of six Caracara Trails catalyst projects unveiled
• CA: Car Free or Protected Lanes on Valencia?
• IL: Lane of Lower LSD will be converted to bike/ped facility
• NZL: Cyclist killed in crash on Hutt Road

Park Improvements Include Trail Repairs

2/3/20

Youngstown, OH - "...[also] resurfacing the MetroParks Bikeway will include asphalt repair and paving, and aggregate shoulders." more

E-Bike Setback Shouldn’t Detour Philly Cycling

2/3/20

PA - "Advocates like the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia characterize Philly’s e-bike thefts as a bump in the road as the city and the region work to encourage private cycling and bike-sharing, and to expand cycling infrastructure..." more

Debate Over Proposed Bike Route

2/3/20

East Rockhill, PA - "Officials aren't slamming the brakes on a request that bike route signs be added in the municipality, but they're also not ready to push down hard on the pedals." more

Lime Scooters Can Detect Sidewalk Riding

"Lime has been hard at work developing a new sidewalk riding detection program that can be pushed to its existing electric scooter fleet..." more

Traffic Accidents Increased in 2019

CA - "A new national traffic safety study from Go Safe Labs shows that accidents across the United States increased 6.8% year-over-year in 2019 – with nearly 1 million crashes on America’s roadways." more

More News...

• GA: Milton OKs $45K to design Big Creek Greenway connector
• IL: Grant awarded to Veterans Memorial Trail project
• CO: Are bike lanes a safe bet?
• GA: Cars, bikes jockey for space in Decatur
• CA: Making Lancaster streets safer
• NC: Lane reduction coming to portion of Sixth Street to make it safer

Vehicle Spotted on Huffman Dam Trail

Dayton, OH

Trimming Brush along the NCIT

Huron County, OH

Bill Could Benefit NEPA Trails

2/2/20

PA - "A bill introduced in Congress to close gaps on hiking and biking trails, or to extend those trails, could benefit trail organizations in Northeast Pennsylvania." more

A Sea of Vehicles & Peds Flow Thru Oakland

2/1/20

PA - "...Investigators have not yet said who they suspect was at fault in a Port Authority bus accident on Jan. 18 that killed pedestrian Barbara Como, 20, a University of Pittsburgh senior..." more

Will They Vote to Rescind Bicycle Ban?

KY - "...The following Frankfort City Commission candidates responded..." more

Louisos Presents Trails Plan

WV - "Commissioner Tom Louisos on Friday presented a proposal to the county commission to expand the county’s involvement in trails development." more

More News...

• UT: Riders are just destroying the area
• CA: Refugees from Joe Rodota Trail homeless camp
• CAN: Lime says bye-bye to bikes in Calgary
• WY: Dogs biting people, harassing wildlife draws ban in Tetons
• TX: Fatality puts spotlight on wheelchair access along Longview roads
• CAN: Man, 56, arrested for deadly Mississauga hit-and-run
• CAN: Drivers, Dutch Reach could save lives

Safe Cycling an Issue in the Miami Valley

2/1/20

Dayton, OH - "...Making those on-street infrastructure improvements to help people safely bike to the trails or other destinations is certainly a growing area..." more

More on Summit Metro Parks New Park Restoration

Akron, OH - "...We are going to restore the physical habitat to the river, we’re going to reforest it, and we’re also going to recreate and restore about 60,000 acres of floodplain..." more

Northern Tier Trail Construction Starts Soon

1/31/20

Lansing, MI - "...This extension will reconstruct 2,100 feet of pathway to the already 4.8-mile Northern Tier Trail, weaving through White Park and connecting the trail from Pebblebrook Lane to the intersection of Lake Lansing Road and Birch Row Drive..." more

Reckless Truck Driver Killis Cyclist, No Charges From NYPD

1/31/20

NY - "A Brooklyn cyclist was killed by an illegally turning truck driver in East Williamsburg on Thursday — marking the first cyclist fatality of the new year." more

Residents Want to Shut Down Trail Project

1/31/20

WI - "...Clair says her neighborhood had no knowledge of the proposed access point and said the city ignored her safety concerns." more

Is Critical Mass Responsible for Car-Free Market Street?

1/31/20

San Francisco, CA - "...Sometimes the unauthorized, outlaw expression leads to the institutionalized version, which then leads to changes in infrastructure..." more

New Segment of Great Redwood Trail Opens

1/31/20

Ukiah, CA - "An ambitious plan to build the nation’s longest trail on a former rail line took a leap forward in Mendocino County on Friday with the opening of a new mile of paved path in city limits..." more

More News...

• CAN: Lime pulling dockless bike-share from Calgary after short stint
• CAN: Toronto’s Bike Share program will need more dedicated bike lanes
• AZ: 3 pedestrians hospitalized after vehicle crashes into Phoenix bus stop
• AR: $20 million grant to help fund completion of Delta Heritage Trai
• NY: More cars are hitting New Paltz pedestrians
• MA: Congressman tours latest rail trail section
• D.C.: You can be fined $65 for blocking bike lanes in DC
• CA: Divided Opinions on Pedestrian, Bike Safety in Newport Heights

Final Alignment for Trail is Set

1/31/20

Warren, OH - "...The Trumbull County commissioners have selected the final alignment for the Western Reserve Greenway Phase IV trail. Approximately 21 acres of the project will include 1.115 acres of temporary right-of-way required from 17 property owners to construct the project..." more

Carmel's Secret to Reducing Traffic Fatalities

IN - "...Compared to national average traffic fatality rate of about 12 per 100,000 people, Carmel’s fatality rate is at two per 100,000..." more

Take Back the Streets with OurStreets App

U.S. - "...OurStreets is available now for download on both Android and iOS and crowdsources the reporting of dangerous driving like blocking of bike lanes and crosswalks, near misses and aggressive driving..." more

Pop-Up Bike Lanes Report

1/31/20

Atlanta, GA - "...According to the city, 73% of the people surveyed reported they felt safe during the one-week pop-up period." more

Westfield Breaks Ground On Columbia Greenway Extension

1/30/20

MA - "A new trail link in the city of Westfield will extend a network of rail trails that leads all the way to New Haven, Connecticut." more

More News...

• AR: Walton Family Foundation announces grant for Delta Trail project
• NC: Sexual assaults on Durham trails
• OR: NW Broadway will create more space for cycling and transit
• TX: Residents speak out over bike lane project in Tyler
• CA: L.A. considers bold makeover for Hollywood Boulevard
• CAN: Bike Lanes are NOT for Vehicles
• GA: Progress Continues on Greenway Replacing Kell Hall, Library Plaza
• CO: Denver bike-share company B-cycle wheels out of town
• FL: Bike share now available in Sarasota
• AR: Grant will extend SE Arkansas hike-bike trail to 84.5 miles
• MA: Townsend-Groton rail trail corridor cleared
• IL: Carbondale receives grant to further bike path plans
• TN: Pam Arnold explains stance against transportation grant
• FL: Florida's Brightline Railroad Is Nation's Deadliest
• NY: Cops gave more tickets to cyclists than truck drivers in 2019

Funding Approved for Trail Linking Wendy Park to Flats

Cleveland, OH - "...Cleveland Metroparks will build the 700-foot trail connecting the existing end of the Cleveland Foundation Centennial Lake Link Trail through the Willow Street Bridge to the Wendy Park Bridge." more

Clearing Low Hanging Branches on the Kokosing Gap

Knox County, OH

Bike Racks Coming to Tremont

Cleveland, OH

Ann Arbor Debates Bike Lanes

1/30/20

MI - "A proposal to eliminate street parking to make room for bike lanes on Barton Drive is being considered by City Council." more

Homicide Suspect Arrested

1/29/20

Sacramento, CA - "Sacramento police said they have arrested a man in connection with the death of a woman who was found near a bike trail." more

If it Takes a Hike, Riders Won't Use Bike Sharing

1/29/20

"...It’s no surprise that people want stations close to them, but it’s much closer than most planners and bike-share systems thought they needed." more

Every Street In Paris To Be Cycle-Friendly By 2024

1/29/20

"Should she get reelected as Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo plans to turn the French capital into a myriad of neighborhoods where “you can find everything you need within 15 minutes from home." more

More News...

• CO: Boulder Council saves bicycle sharing service
• NY: Mayor, DOT announce 2020 bike lane expansion projects in Brooklyn
• RI: Providence Unveils Plan for ‘Great Streets’
• TX: Hike & bike trail to connect 11 Cameron County cities
• FL: Trail aims to safely connect Fernandina schools to downtown waterfront
• MA: Rail Trail project in early stages

Richland B&O Trail Alert

1/29/20

Bellville, OH

2 Proposed Road Projects to Include Trails

1/28/20

Cleveland, OH - "...Plans include adding bike lanes to Dunham and Tinkers Creek roads in Maple Heights and Walton Hills, and adding a multi-use trail to the Mastick Road bridge in Fairview Park, according to a news release." more

Akron Pledges $3M to Revitalize Summit Lake

1/28/20

Akron, OH - "...The project would include the addition of a new outdoor amphitheater to the west, an art installation of giant marbles, a boat launch area to the north and a trail lopping all the way around the water’s edge along the historic Ohio & Erie Canal." more

Mayfield Heights Seeks Trail Grant

1/28/20

Mayfield Heights, OH - "...It is hoped that the trail will be the start of a trail system that will not only connect the entire city, but also connect with other communities’ paths." more

Emergency Call Boxes Installed After Greenway Rape

1/28/20

KY - "...After pleading guilty in October, Orlando Leavell was sentenced to 10 years in prison this month for rape, disorderly conduct and resisting and evading arrest..." more

Stalled Negotiations Slow Rail Trail Development

Clarksburg, WV - "Harrison County and Rails-to-Trails officials are determining the best way to move forward after a series of property acquisition negotiations along the rail trail system seem to have come to a halt." more

Driver Hits Woman in Bike Lane

1/28/20

OR - "A driver hit a woman riding a motorized wheelchair in a bike lane on Monday evening, according to police." more

Construction Begins on Pilot Solar Bike Lane

NLD - "The electricity generated by the PV panels will be used to power the surrounding lighting system, as well as to heat the lane in winter to prevent road slipperiness caused by snow, ice or water..." more

Coronavirus Could Disrupt Industry Travel & Production

1/28/20

UK - "The U.S. industry, which depends on China for about 95% of its bikes as well as many of its parts and accessories, is bracing for disruption due to the Coronavirus..." more

More News...

• FL: City tests bike-share program on St. Armands
• CAN: $11.25M funding boost recommended for Toronto Bike Share
• NY: SUNY Oswego strives for sustainability
• CA: Fremont’s Fabulous New Bike Lanes
• AR: Razorback Greenway extension agreement OK’d
• RI: Mount Pleasant neighbors: We don’t want two-way bike lanes
• GA: Midtown pop-up bike lane praised for safety, criticized for traffic
• FL: Coral Gables rejects another proposal to add bicycle lanes
• CA: San Diego County Approves $90M Bond for Bike Lane Expansion
• NY: Ogdensburg council votes to continue Maple City Trail work
• MA: Protected bike lane: Coming to Brookline’s St. Mary’s neighborhood
• NY: Tweaks to East Main resurfacing project roil residents
• NY: Brooklyn to get 10 miles of Protected Bike Lanes

Prototype Trail will Open in New Metro Park

Akron, OH - "...The 200-acre site off Cuyahoga Street was the former Valley View Golf Club. It was purchased for $4 million in 2016 with the goal of returning the property to its natural state and linking together three area Metro Parks..." more

Groups Taking Sides Regarding Eminent Domain Bill

Columbus, OH - "...HB 288 also drew opposition from several cities in Ohio, including Akron, Cincinnati, Dublin and Upper Arlington. The Ohio Parks and Recreation Association, the Ohio Municipal League and the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association also voiced their opposition to the bill." more

Perry Road Going on a Diet in Grand Blanc

MI - "...The city of Grand Blanc is hoping to shave the roadway down from four lanes down to three lanes. The two eastbound and westbound travel lanes would be converted to a single lane in each direction with a center turn lane and bike lanes on each side." more

Is The Joe Louis Greenway a Pathway to Success?

Detroit, MI - "...Based on what developers saw during their tour of the Atlanta BeltLine, Dick says, this may be exactly what neighborhoods need." more

PeopleForBikes: NY E-Bike Bill Needs Amendments

1/28/20

NY - "...Our main issues are a bad Class 3 definition, e-bikes being restricted from roads with a speed limit greater than 30 mph..." more

Another Body Found Along American River Bike Trail

1/28/20

Sacramento, CA - "Another body has been found along the American River Parkway, less than 24 hours after the first one was discovered." more

California Bike Fatalities Hit 25-Year High

1/28/20

CA - "...In California, the 2016-18 rate of such accidents was at its highest for any three-year period since the mid-1990s. Nationally, the three-year death rate was at its highest since the mid-2000s." more

Trails Transform America

U.S. - "New federal legislation has been introduced that will connect the nation’s trails and active transportation system." more

Uber Calls on US Legislators to Prioritise VRUs

1/28/20

U.S. - "Uber is urging the US House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure to prioritise the safety of vulnerable road users (VRUs) through funding and incentive programmes." more

More News...

• TX: Advisory council urges city not to give up on safety at intersections
• CAN: Widow of North Vancouver cyclist calls for better bike lanes
• NE: City planning to replace bridge, sections of hike-bike trail
• MN: Wright County seeks to connect state's largest bike trails
• OR: Bend river trail upgrades likely to advance

Building the Hewitt Avenue Bikeway Connector

1/27/20

Dayton, OH - "Kettering and Centerville are joining efforts to build the Hewitt Avenue Bikeway Connector, which will begin at the Iron Horse Bike Trail and continue east to tie into an existing trail." more

Wayne County Rails to Trails E-News

Wayne County, OH - Read the latest edition.

City Council Finally Moving on Student's Sidewalk Request

Cincinnati, OH - "After years of lobbying city, neighborhood and school district leaders, a Mount Washington student's pursuit of a safer walk to school saw its final step realized Thursday afternoon, but not in time for the Sands Montessori sixth-grader to use the new sidewalk herself each morning." more

Pryor Mountain Trails Reassessed

MT - "An order allowing some electric bicycle use on trails — along with negative public reaction to the rule — has prompted the Billings Field Office of the BLM to take a closer look at some Pryor Mountain trails." more

Mayors Believe Their Cities Are Too Car-Oriented

U.S. - "Mayors from around the U.S. in a new survey released on Tuesday raised concerns about pedestrian and cyclist safety..." more

Embracing Dockless Bike-Share

1/27/20

"...This latest breed of dockless bike-sharing systems builds on a remarkable history of bike-sharing modalities that goes back half a century." more

Cycling Group Named on Counter-Terror Watch List

UK - "...Critical Mass was named among a collection of 'Left Wing and Associated Single Issue Groups' that were included in a document issued to counter-terrorism police units." more

More News...

• CO: Transportation staff: Don’t allow e-scooters in Boulder
• CAN: Uber and Lyft finally make their way into Vancouver
• NY: Planned greenway along Vestal Parkway to connect campus to Downtown
• GA: New boardwalk is latest addition to Savannah River Greenway
• IRE: ‘Stars aligning’ for West Clare Greenway
• NH: Portsmouth needs more, not fewer protected bike lanes
• VT: Town asks for pedestrian safety improvements along Route 9
• CA: Body Found Along American River Bike Trail
• CO: The Great Redwood Trail in Ukiah celebrates official ribbon cutting
• CA: BiTiBi Santa Cruz County?

Pennsylvania Connector Trail Planned

1/26/20

Ashtabula County, OH - "...The trail will ultimately run from the Pennsylvania state line through Dorset and connect to the Western Reserve Greenway Trail, a stretch that is more than 25 miles. The Metroparks have owned the land where the trail will exist since 2003. It was originally a rail line." more

Winter Trail Cleaning

1/26/20

Richland County, OH

Philly Declares all Indego E-Bikes ‘Stolen Property’

1/25/20

Philadelphia, PA - "A memo instructs officers to 'stop and ID' anyone caught riding one." more

Bill Would Restore Eminent Domain Use for Trails

1/25/20

Salt Lake City, UT - "...that option was removed through a bill passed in 2008. The current law states that eminent domain can’t be used for trails." more

Vermont Hopes to Complete 93-Mile Rail Trail

1/25/20

VT - " The completion of a 93-mile rail trail across northern Vermont would help link an ever-expanding network of recreation trails across New England and beyond..." more

More News...

• NC: County-wide Brunswick trail one step closer to reality
• NC: Local historian wants bridge preserved
• CO: Boulder bike sharing in jeopardy, citing lack of funds
• CA: New phase of the Rail Trail in Santa Cruz County

Little Miami Trail Connector Phase 1

1/24/20

Columbia Twp., OH - "...Preliminary construction on the trail extension [into Mariemont] began earlier this month with an anticipated Grand Opening in early May." more

Lots of People Riding Scooters in Cbus

1/24/20

Columbus, OH - "...There were a total of 796,438 scooter rides taken in Columbus in 2019, according to data collected from the companies by the city and compiled by Columbus Underground..." more

When You Take an E-Bike, You Have to Return It

1/24/20

Philadelphia, PA - "...Apparently some riders don't understand the rules of the game." more

Man Dies From Bollard Crash on Virginia Capital Trail

1/24/20

VA - "An elderly bicyclist died after hitting a post and getting thrown from his bike." more

OB - Severe injuries and deaths occur on trails with bollards. But no statistics are kept on these crashes and they are so rarely reported that there is virtually no public awareness regarding this danger.

Two cyclists have died on one trail in Ohio (the Richland B&O Trail). But again, since no stats are recorded on these crashes, no one knows what the count may be for other Ohio trails. Learn more about this ongoing trail danger.

Court Dismisses Bike Share Contract Lawsuit

1/24/20

Chicago, IL - " Social Bicycles' lawsuit against the city's transportation department for renegotiating a share-bike contract with its rival and giving it exclusive rights to operate was dismissed Wednesday in U.S. District Court." more

No Jail Time for Driver Who Killed Cyclist

1/24/20

Denver, CO - "...David Anton, 51, was sentenced by Denver Judge Nicole M. Rodarte after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge last month..." more

IMBA Announces 8 New Trail Accelerator Grant Recipients

1/24/20

Boulder, CO - " The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) is pleased to award its third round of Trail Accelerator grants to eight recipients in six states, putting $91,000 into new trails in communities across the country..." more

Off-Duty Police Officer Attacked on Bike Trail

1/24/20

Austin, TX - "Sources say the officer was knocked off her bike. When the corporal revealed her pepper spray, the suspect ran away." more

More News...

• VT: Money for Lamoille rail trail is good news for businesses along route
• GA: Bike Tech Macon burglars get away with bicycles, cash
• MN: On-street bike lanes debated
• NY: Man recounts getting stabbed in the head by e-biker in Midtown
• FL: ‘Road diet’ on the table for Dixie Highway in LWB
• CO: Some Denverites want to throw a speed bump under a planned bike lane
• CO: Powderhorn gets green light for huge project
• IL: Extending The 606 across the Chicago River into Lincoln Yards

Bike & Hike Trail Closure

1/24/20

Northfield, OH - "A 300-foot section of the Bike & Hike Trail will be closed for one day [on Jan. 29] immediately south of Brandywine Road for work on the gas line adjacent to the trail."

Bexley Bike Plan

Bexley, OH - "...Catherine Girves, executive director of Yay! Bikes, a Columbus-based organization that promotes bicycle safety, is overseeing the drafting of Bexley’s bicycle plan." more

Commissioners Salute Ghost Town Trail Developers

1/24/20

PA - "...Patterson said that the creation and expansion of the 46-mile-long trail system has always been a multi-county effort." more

Proposal to Connect Kokosing Gap with Downtown Gambier

1/23/20

Gambier, OH - "...One of the projects outlined in the plan would connect the Kokosing Gap Trail with downtown Gambier, using a trellis bridge for bikers and pedestrians that would cross Ohio State Route 229..." more

D.C., MD & VA's Most Dangerous Roads

1/23/20

"Less than five hours into the new year, the District of Columbia had already recorded its first traffic death of 2020." more

Capital Bikeshare Trips Slide

1/23/20

D.C. - "Thousands of people appear to be using shared dockless scooters or bikes in place of Capital Bikeshare, posing a challenge to the publicly-owned system that remains popular with regular users." more

Oil & Gas Leasing Proposed for Moab

1/23/20

UT - "...The Bureau of Land Management now proposes leasing the world-famous outdoor recreation hot spot for oil and gas drilling..." more

Read another post on this topic.

The Scooter is Just the Beginning

1/23/20

"Sustainability head Melinda Hanson believes 2020 could be a big year for dockless scooter companies to cut emissions while encouraging safer streets." more

More News...

• NC: Downtown Greenway Slips Past NCDOT Cash Crunch
• UT: New bike lanes closer to reality for downtown Boise
• D.C.: Silver Spring will get a bunch of bike projects
• FL: Orlando has a plan for safer streets

Lot Donated to New London-Greenwich Trail

New London, OH

2019 an Ugly Year on Ohio Roads

OH - "2019 was an ugly year on Ohio’s roads. We have documented some 23 fatal bicycle crashes…23 cyclists killed on the roadway. .." more

Bicycle Education Center Puts Education First

1/22/20

Elyria, OH - "A group of volunteers has undertaken the task of educating the people of Elyria about their bikes." more

NYC May Finally Legalize E-Bikes

1/22/20

NY - "After vetoing a bill that would legalize e-bikes and e-scooters late last year, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that he will legalize them this year if his budget is passed unscathed." more

Can Washington Ave Become More Bike Friendly?

1/22/20

Philadelphia, PA - "According to James Gitto, a member of urbanist political action committee 5th Square, the striping of Washington Avenus is still stuck in the past." more

The Petition for Protected Bike Lanes in Pennsylvania

1/22/20

PA - "For the past two years, the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, Bike Pittsburgh, bicycle and pedestrian safety groups from all over Pennsylvania, in conjunction with municipalities from Philadelphia to Lancaster, have been advocating — both locally and in the state Capitol — for legislation which would make it easier to install parking-protected bike lanes in the Commonwealth..." more

Booby Traps along Dallas Bike Trails

1/22/20

TX - "...Multiple cycling groups report seeing twine strung across the trails, specifically the Ridgewood and SoPac trails." more

Nails in Corks Found on Aussie Trail

1/22/20

AUS - "An Australian runner found corks with nails through them along a trail during a run on Monday." more

More News...

• CA: Russian river bike trail could cost $145 million
• TN: Knox County continues push to create more greenways
• CA: Pilot program will test adaptive scooters
• MA: LimeBike ends bike-share relationship with Revere and others
• NPL: Nepal ends search for missing South Korean trekkers, guides
• TX: Bike lane construction delayed a few months
• CA: San Diego still plagued by pedestrian deaths despite progress
• FL: Is Tampa’s Bayshore Boulevard really that dangerous?

New Quarry Trails Metro Park Will Offer MTB Trails

1/21/20

Columbus, OH - "...the trails would be attractive not only for local residents but for those riding the Ohio-to-Erie Trail... Trails will connect the park to the Ohio-to-Erie Trail." more

Bill to Prevent Eminent Domain for Trails in Ohio

1/21/20

OH - "...This bill will allow individuals facing eminent domain by an un-elected government entity to ask their local legislative authority to veto the use of eminent domain." more

Knox County Parks Trail-Paving Poll

Knox County, OH - "I support [or do not support] the Knox County Commissioners, Knox County Park District, Licking County Commissioners and Licking Park District’s proposed ODNR Clean Ohio Trail Fund joint-application to pave 1.32 miles of Ohio To Erie Trail (OTET)" Vote here.

Driving While Texting Could Soon Become a Primary Offense

1/21/20

Columbus, OH - "A Democratic Ohio House member introduced legislation last Tuesday that would make using cell phones while driving a primary offense, meaning law enforcement would be able to pull over drivers they observe using them." more

No Jail Time for Driver Who Killed 2 Cyclists

1/21/20

FL - "Nicole Vanderweit struck a group of 15 cyclists during a morning ride on November 25, 2018, in Broward County, Florida, killing two people and injuring others." more

Ruling May Allow Work to Resume on Rock Island Bike Trail

1/21/20

MO - "...If upheld, the decision by the Surface Transportation Board would allow the county and the Union Pacific Railroad to formally abandon the line and enter into what’s referred to as an interim trail use/rail-banking agreement after the board’s decision takes effect in late February." more

Proactive Approach To Catch Bike Lane Blockers

1/21/20

Austin, TX - "...Parking in a bike-only lane compels cyclists to enter general travel lanes, which greatly increases the chances of a deadly or serious crash..." more

More News...

• MA: Winchester to improve navigation along Greenway
• TN: Greenway project moving forward
• AR: Changes coming to Rolling Hills bike lane project
• NH: Cyclists turn out to support Middle Street bike lanes
• CA: Eatery Endangers Cyclists
• TX: DCTA says rail trail completed
• NYC: Lebron Partners With Lyft To Provide Bike-Share Memberships For Harlem Teens
• MA: Bluebikes Could Push Into Arlington As Lime Pedals Out
• HI: Honolulu’s venture towards micromobility
• FL: Lime rolls out motorized scooter rentals in Orlando
• CA: 3-year-old boy recovering from cougar attack
• GA: Atlanta’s busted sidewalks are an urban scourge

Little Beaver Trail Receives Extension Funding

1/21/20

Lisbon, OH - "A state grant has been received to help pay for extending the Little Beaver Greenway Trail from downtown Lisbon to nearly state Route 11." more

Bus Takes Out Bike Share Station

NYC - "An MTA bus crashed into a Citi Bike station at 95th Street and Columbus Avenue on Sunday, smashing several of the bikes and the information kiosk attached to the station." more

Residents Properties Attacked by Bike Trail Criminals

1/21/20

Belleville, IL - "..'.We’re getting attacked from the bike trail,' said Kip Ryan, dumping a large bucket of rocks that have been flying down on him from above..." more

Mountain Lion Attacks, Injuries 3-Year-Old Boy

1/21/20

CA - "A mountain lion attacked and injured a 3-year-old boy at a wilderness park in Lake Forest on Monday, prompting evacuation of the popular hiking area, officials said." more

More News...

• LA: LSU begins installing new bike lanes
• NY: DOT says Brooklyn bike lane saved lives
• CA: More bike lanes and trails planned for 2020
• FL: Miami Commissioner Wants Scooter Rental Companies Ranked by Safety
• CA: Santa Cruz Rail trail segment work begins Jan. 21
• OR: Kronberg Park path finally comes to fruition
• CA: Wild Pacific Trail extension axed after failed legal challenge
• MA: Natick section of Cochituate Rail Trail on track for 2021 opening
• IL: How to make some Rogers Park side streets safer
• NY: Manhattan community board calls for safer crosstown Central Park streets
• CAN: Proposed Granville bridge redesign in Vancouver

Dublin Announces March Opening Date for New Bridge

Dublin, OH - "The city of Dublin has announced the opening date for the new pedestrian bridge that will span the Scioto River." more

State Plans to Use Eminent Domain for Bike Path

1/20/20

Lynwood, IL - "The State of Illinois is planning a $154,000 bike path alongside a road construction project in the south suburbs – and the state is threatening to take over some private land to do it." more

New Chouteau Greenway Plan for St. Louis

1/20/20

MO - "...The plan connects 17 city neighborhoods linking parks, business and arts districts, transit corridors, and cultural/educational institutions..." more

Lawmakers Seek Funding for $111-Mile Trail

1/19/20

CT - "...Much of the trail is finished in sections, except for 16 miles that needs to be constructed and connected." more

$60M Bridge Overhaul will Include Bikeway

1/19/20

MN - "Protected bike lanes will make link between Dinkytown area and West Bank safer, engineer says." more

More News...

• CA: Sausalito intersection project to boost biking safety
• NZL: Wanaka mountain bike heaven ready for riders

North Country Trail Featured in Podcast

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Indiana Man Rescued, Cited in Yellowstone Canyon

MT - "A 55-year-old Indiana man had to be rescued in Yellowstone National Park after he rappelled down a deep canyon, then was unable to climb back out..." more

Philly’s Bold Vision Zero Plan Needs Bolder Action

1/18/20

Philadelphia, PA - "One word to sum up Philly’s Vision Zero goal of eliminating traffic deaths by 2030? Ambitious..." more

Thief Picks Handcuffs, Steals Police Bike

Portland, OR - "Portland’s bike theft problem has reached a new high..." more

Encouraging Physical Activity with Safer Streets

U.S. - "...the League is proud to be a partner and to promote today’s launch of the CDC’s Active People, Healthy NationSM, a new initiative aimed to help 27 million Americans become more physically active by 2027..." more

Don't Forget the Pedestrians

"Pedestrians and bikers are second-class road users, partaking only of crumbs from the mobility table." more

More News...

• D.C.: New electric Capital Bikeshare bikes may be semi-dockless
• TX: Family seeks answers after east Austin bike crash kills their loved one
• NPL: New avalanches in Nepal interrupt search for 7 trekkers

Towpath Section Closing in Summit County

Akron, OH - Beginning January 22 and continuing through January 24, a ~2.2-mile section of the Towpath Trail will be closed for tree removal from Botzum Trailhead to Weathervane Lane. This segment lies between Akron and Peninsula, Ohio.

This work is part of the Akron Waterways Renewed project to replace the outfall bridge at the City of Akron water treatment plant.

Illegal Riding at Leslie Morris Park?

KY - "...On Monday, current Frankfort City Manager Keith Parker said his office has not received any phone calls about bicycles at the park, but if someone has seen bikes up there he wants to know about it." more

Red Bike to Open Center at Findlay Market

Cincinnati, OH - "Cincinnati bike-share Red Bike announced this week it is expanding a partnership with Over-the-Rhine's Findlay Market in the form of a new center designed to be a 'one stop shop' for members." more

Mile-Long Homeless Camp Causing Problems along Bike Trail

1/18/20

CA - "...The rat problem could hardly have been a surprise. Trash and human waste had been piling up for months along the Joe Rodota Trail, nestled behind neighborhoods in the heart of Northern California wine country." more

Helmet Laws are a Bad Idea

1/17/20

U.S. - "...We thank NTSB for taking on bicycling safety at a time when fatalities are on the rise and support your recommendations on building better infrastructure and improving vehicle design to enhance conspicuity. However, we are writing today to express our grave concern with your recommendation on mandatory helmet laws..." more

Rails-to-Trails E-News

U.S. - Read the latest edition.

More News...

• HI: PATH hoping to add bike-share locations in Hilo
• OR: Bike Theft Task Force has bike stolen
• AR: Changes coming to bike infrastructure
• CA: Group tasked with cutting rail-redesign options instead adds 3 more
• TX: Austin Backs Off Plans To Stabilize Shoal Creek Slope
• VT: Kingdom Trails responds to first major challenge
• CAN: Winter bike lane clearing not a priority for Halifax
• NPL: 4 S Koreans, 3 Nepal guides missing in avalanche

A Lack of Ped-Safe Infrastructure in Central Indiana

IN - "...The areas studied include all of Marion County and most of, or parts of Hamilton, Hendricks, Boone, Johnson, Morgan, Shelby and Hancock counties..." more

Bike Lane Remains Faded Months after Cyclist Killed

NY - "Ald. Jim Gardiner said he's trying to get the lanes repainted, but the Department of Transportation was unresponsive." more

A Gift for NYC’s Pedestrians

NY - "Mayor de Blasio’s holiday experiment at Rockefeller Center was so successful that he should make it permanent." more

Lawmaker Proposes Stronger Protections for Cyclists

1/17/20

CO - "Cyclists would have right of way in bike lanes." more

153 Bike Friendly Businesses

U.S. - "...Whether it’s vacation lodging like Delaware North at the Grand Canyon or a Tampa-based shuffleboard bar aptly named Shuffle or a city hall in Arcata, California, there are easy steps every place can take to make it easier for people to get there by bike..." more

More News...

• CA: San Diego waiving $2,000 permit fee for sidewalk repairs
• GA: How Midtown projects could be huge for crosstown mobility
• MA:LimeBike Ends Bike-Share Relationship with Everett
• MT: Pondering more limits on e-bikes
• MN: Edina banishes scooters in light of complaints
• TN: Board looks at moving greenway
• IRE: Fall out over funding 'blockage' for Limerick greenway
• CO: Denver to build 125 miles of bike lanes by 2023
• AZ: Tucson’s record number of Pedestrian Fatalities
• NC: Closing of Alexander bike park 'inevitable'
• CA: Reopening of the Ojai Valley Bike Trail
• WI: “Grandma’s Gateway” trail project moves forward

Ohio-to-Erie Trail Progress in Delaware County

1/16/20

OH - "Step by step, the Ohio To Erie Trail (OTET) gets closer to completion, and the public got to hear the latest about local links in an open house Tuesday at the Sunbury Town Hall." more

New Licking County Preserve Will Provide Trail Link

1/15/20

Licking County, OH - "Licking County commissioners have approved the purchase of a 40-acre plot of farmland near Centerburg that will link the Ohio to Erie bike trail between Delaware and Knox counties..." more

Trail-Paving Contract Awarded

1/15/20

Toledo, OH - "...The new pavement will be 12 feet wide, like other parts of the "[Wabash Cannonball] trail. Besides providing a smoother surface for bicyclists and hikers, the project will provide a paved section of the 46-mile North Fork in Fulton County." more

Rail Trail Connector Project Complete

Elkins, WV - "...The connector project has created a safe pathway from the current end of the Allegheny Highlands Trail to the Elkins Depot Welcome Center in downtown Elkins..." more

Philly Mayor Makes Big Bike and Transit Promises

Philadelphia, PA - "...He promised us 30 miles of protected bike lanes four years ago, and we wound up with around six..." more

Activists Make Music To Demand Bike Lane Fix

NYC - "...Two dozen street safety advocates marched up Sixth Avenue on Tuesday morning singing Talking Heads’ 1985 hit “Road To Nowhere” to demand that the Department of Transportation finish the protected bike lane on the avenue..." more

Officials Want Docks, Fences Removed from Trail Route

1/15/20

Seattle, WA - "Officials want the owners of about 150 properties along a Washington state lake to remove docks, boat lifts, decks, driveways, fences, landscaping and other amenities that stand in the way of completing a long-anticipated paved trail through the area." more

Lyme Disease Bills Pass in Wisconsin

1/15/20

Madison, WI - "...The first bill would require the DNR to post at least one sign warning visitors about Lyme Disease at each state park, trail, recreation area and forest..." more

Trump Signs Phase 1 Deal with China

1/15/20

D.C. - " President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed a Phase 1 trade agreement with China and said he will reduce recently imposed tariffs on some products from 15% to 7.5%..." more

More News...

• MA: Negotiations underway to expand bike-share system to more Massachusetts
• SD: Group proposing Wall Lake bike trail moves forward
• NJ: Paramus Set To Install First Dedicated Bike Lanes
• NYC: Community Board 7 Asks City to Improve Crosstown Bike Routes
• D.C.: Franklin Street NE finally gets a protected bikeway
• CA: Scooterist Severely Injured on Embarcadero
• AUS: Bike path construction to begin ... finally
• CAN: Local trail association looking for donations to help repair popular trail
• VA: VDOT approves more than $500,000 for trail extensions

Names Sought for Baileys Trail System Trails

Athens, OH

Woman Grabbed, Threatened on Bike Trail

TX - "...She said he told her not to look at him and that he was going to kill her." more

Fugitive Apprehended along Bike Trail

FL - "A Volusia County K-9 tracked down a fugitive, wanted for armed robberies in Kentucky, hiding off a bike trail in Deltona Tuesday..." more

Bike Share Gender Gap Persists

U.S. - "...According to the American Community Survey, women make up less than one-third (28 per cent) of commuters who regularly bicycle to work in the United States." more

Uber Calls on Congress to Boost Cyclist / Ped Safety

1/14/20

U.S. - "...the company sent a letter to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure..." more

Safety Must Come First with Automated Vehicles

U.S. - "...I have found that the United States, at seemingly every turn, chooses to leave people biking and walking out of conversations about safer vehicles..." more

Retired Chief Struck, Killed in Bike Lane

1/15/20

THA - "A retired village chief was hit and killed by a pickup truck while cycling for exercise in a bike lane in Muang district on Wednesday morning, police said." more

UL Publishes New Standards for E-Bikes

1/14/20

CAN - "Underwriters Laboratories has published a new standard for e-bike systems and certification of the bikes' electrical components." more

More News...

• CAN: Toronto Bike Share getting a big new cash infusion
• TX: San Antonio named one of deadliest U.S. cities for cyclists
• UK: Micromobility: travel solutions for short journeys
• CAN: Bumpy ride for Hunter Street bike lane project
• NJ: Paramus adding bike lanes to Midland Avenue
• NYC: Bike Advocates Demand More 6th Avenue Protected Lanes
• CAN: Hamilton goes back to the drawing board with bike lane design
• TX: Completion nears for trail crossing Clear Creek in east Pearland
• ME:Ellsworth wants to connect path with 96-mile Down East Sunrise Trail
• CA: New Segment of Cross-Alameda Trail
• MO: Cold war between KC biking advocates, City Hall isn’t making streets safer
• MN: Minneapolis residents want more done on sidewalks
• OR: New bridge on Springwater Corridor to open
• OR: Pedestrian Struck, Killed Crossing Highway

Fallen Trees Cleared from Kokosing Trail

Knox County, OH

County Receives $500K in Trail Funding

Greene County, OH - "...The county will be awarded $500,000 for a new trail in the Village of Yellow Springs that will be called Mary’s Way..." more

MORPC Seeking Input on Transportation Plan

Columbus, OH - "Northland residents soon will have the opportunity to comment on a transportation plan that affects their neighborhood and beyond." more

CoGo to Add E-Bikes

1/14/20

Columbus, OH - "...Lyft, which operates the city’s bike sharing system, will add 250 electric bikes equipped with hybrid locks that allow them to be secured at one of the docking stations littered around the city or to a public bike rack..." more

Cincy Pedestrian-Involved Crashes Drop in 2019

Cincinnati, OH - "For the first time in recent memory, Cincinnati saw a substantial decrease in the number of people involved in traffic crashes while they were walking city streets..." more

Towpath Times E-News

NE OH - Read the latest edition.

Ghost Town Trail Named Best in State

PA - "...Pennsylvania boasts more than 12,000 miles of trails throughout the commonwealth. The Ghost Town Trail needs only 5 1/2 more miles in order to complete the first continuous rail-trail loop in the eastern U.S..." more

80 Acres Purchased for Superior Greenway

MI - "A recent purchase of a nature preserve in Superior Township will add 80 acres to Washtenaw County and Ann Arbor’s Superior Greenway..." more

Boardman Lake Trail Cost Estimates Rise

1/14/20

Traverse City, MI - "The missing piece of a fully looped Boardman Lake Trail could be more expensive than project partners originally estimated." more

Transient Accused of Killing Man on Bike Trail

CA - "A 41-year-old transient has been found mentally unfit to stand trial for the stabbing death of a man on a popular Irvine bike trail." more

Bike Highways Plan in Paris

1/14/20

FRA - "...Composing 650 kilometers of protected bike paths, its tendrils would reach as far as the suburbs of Melun to the east and Mantes to the west..." more

More News...

• HI: PATH hopes to add bike-share locations
• VA: U.Va. to discontinue bike sharing program in May
• TX: Bagby bike lanes part of growing cycle grid
• CO: New ‘safe route’ to Glenwood’s Riverview School
• NYC: "I Will Get Cops Out of Schermerhorn Street Bike Lane!""
• FL: New e-scooters available on University of Central Florida campus
• CO: 71 people were killed while traveling around Denver in 2019
• D.C.: 2020 begins with a stark reminder about our dangerous roads
• FL: South Florida police step up investigation of slain cyclist

New Bridge Design Includes Bike Path

Elmore, OH - "...The replacement bridge... will feature 12-foot lanes, 4-foot shoulders, an 11-foot multi-use path on the west edge, and a 6-foot sidewalk on the east." more

Volunteers Clear Space for NCIT Trailhead

1/13/20

Norwalk, OH

'Walk It! Bike It!' in Lewisburg

PA - "...the Lewisburg Walk it! Bike it! committee is developing bike/ped maps for the area, organizing safety trainings, promoting national events like Bike to Work or Walk to School Days..." more

E-Bikes Excluded from Tariffs

D.C. - "U.S. Customs and Border Protection has ruled that e-bikes fall under the same category as electric motorcycles and therefore share an exclusion, granted in September, from the Trump administration's Section 301 tariffs on Chinese imports..." more

Sprawling Homeless Camps Vex California

1/13/20

CA - "... He's one of nearly 200 people living in a sprawling camp here that has sprung up along a popular recreation corridor..." more

Mayor is Making Paris More Bike Firendly

FRA - "...by far the most radical transformation Hidalgo has overseen has been the radical expansion of protected cycle lanes around the city." more

More News...

• CA: San Diego Planning Commissioner releases footage of hit-and-run accident
• LA: Man robbed at gunpoint near Lafitte Greenway
• TX: VeoRide has implemented new rules on A&M campus
• IRE:Up to 1,000 electric bikes to be available for hire in Dublin

Red Line Greenway off to Ugly Start

1/12/20

Cleveland, OH - "The early stages of building an urban trail or greenway can be ugly. Trees need to be cut. Stumps need to be pulled. Earth needs to be moved." more

Pickerington to Construct New Bike Path

Pickerington, OH

Comments Sought for Trumbull County Bike Trail

Warren, OH - "The public has a chance to weigh in on the final route of the last leg of Trumbull County’s portion of the bike trail, which will join the sections in Niles and Warren." more

New Trail along Conestoga River

1/12/20

Lancaster, PA - "Arising from the ruins of Lancaster city’s old sewage-treatment plant along the Conestoga River, a modest but pivotal trail system and natural area has taken shape along the eastern edge of the city and is now open to public wandering." more

Winds, Waves Shut Down Portions of Lakefront Trail

1/11/20

Chicago, IL - "...Earlier Saturday, high waves hammered areas at the lakefront and caused closures on portions of Lake Shore Drive and bike paths, as the region was soaked in a wintry mess." more

More News...

• NC: Charlotte Is the 12th Most Dangerous City for Cyclists
• MA: Lime Putting Brakes On Bikes In Melrose
• TX: Abilene ranked No. 2 in study of most dangerous cities for cyclists
• THA: Mabprachan bike lane now complete
• NM: Soledad Canyon Road multi-use path nears completion
• CA: Mojave Riverwalk offers a new walking and biking trail in Victorville
• CO: Another step in trail development in Pueblo
• NC: Extension of Cape Fear River Trail

High Winds Bring Tree Down on Roberts Pass

1/11/20

Madison County, OH

Richland B&O Trail Alert

1/10/20

Butler, OH

Driver Sentenced to 3 Years for Killing Cyclist

1/10/20

Elyria, OH - "...Sharan Carr, 65, was convicted on two counts of aggravated vehicular homicide for the death of 66-year-old Richard Knilans, in Avon Lake." more

ODNR Awards $6.64M for Trail Projects

1/10/20

Columbus, OH - " The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is providing more than $6.6 million in grants for new and improved trails for hiking, biking and other outdoor activities — including $500,000 for a Clinton County project..." more

Wilmington Receives $500K to Extend Trail

1/10/20

Wilmington, OH - "The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has awarded the city a $500,000 grant to help finance construction of a 3.5-mile extension of the Luther Warren Peace Path..." more

Lowellville gets Money for Bike Path Repairs

Lowellville, OH - "The first fix-up phase for the portion of Stavich Bike Trail that runs through Lowellville will be under way in 2021." more

Minority Overrules Majority to Pass $90M Bike Lane Project

San Diego, CA - "...The project initially failed on a simple tally vote with 50% voting on each side. A call for a second, weighted vote, was seconded and the project passed easily..." more

New Adaptive Scooters Introduced in Oakland

CA - "Oakland becomes first city in the nation to introduce a scooter program for people with disabilities." more

The Most Dangerous U.S. Cities for Cyclists

"...Although cyclist fatalities have been on the rise nationwide, the risk varies widely by location..." more

More News...

• IRE: government outlines commitment to Sligo/Enniskillen greenway
• NC: Cleveland County Water awarded grant for proposed trail
• CAN: Oak Bay done with U-Bicycle experiment
• NY: Scenic Hudson moves ahead with trail plan
• CA: San Diego Moving Forward With ‘Compromise’ in North Park Bike Lane Project
• NY: Another Cyclist Injured Along Dangerous Flushing Avenue in Williamsburg
• CA: San Fran Transit Center Car-Free Street in Danger
• AZ: Group needs volunteers to help put finishing touches on bike park
• WY: Landowners threaten court action over illegal bike use
• CO: No solution for big dam problem on stretch of Cherry Creek trail
• ID: Teton Canyon Road users see lapses in common courtesy
• OR: Arrest in St. Johns hit-and-run

Wayfinding Signs in Springfield

Springfield, OH

Cleaning Up Along the Kokosing Gap

Knox County, OH

Can a Roundabout Fix a Dangerous Philly Intersection?

Philadelphia, PA - "...this passive approach can work. In the year since Palm Beach, Fla., installed its first Dutch-style roundabout, average car speeds have dropped from 38 to 25 m.p.h., and there hasn’t been a single crash..." more

71 Vehicle Break-Ins Along 2 Trails

PA - "An arrest has been made in the recent rash of vehicle break-ins involving parking lots (including SEPTA lots) along the Manayunk/Norristown Regional Rail line and Schuylkill River Trail..." more

Tree Removal for Portion of Marquette Greenway

IN - "The Burns Harbor Redevelopment Commission (RDC) is going out for bids for tree removal along the route for Phase 1 of the Burns Harbor portion of the Marquette Greenway Trail..." more

Bear Creek Greenway Sweep Filling Up Dumpsters

Bedford, OR - "The Jackson County Sheriff's Office estimates that crews will remove at least four 40-yard dumpsters full of garbage over several days." more

County Pays Cyclist $500K for Fall in Bike Lane

CA - "Records show the county had been aware of street defects along the stretch of road for months prior to the fall." more

Using Traffic Cameras To Monitor Blocked Bike Lanes

1/10/20

VA - "...In one case, a stretch of the bike lane on Crystal Drive was blocked for 16 hours over the course of a week..." more

Lime Departs 12 Cities, Lays off 100 Employees

"...The electric scooter and bike-sharing company said that it is retreating from 12 cities worldwide and laying off 14% of its workforce, or 100 employees, as it seeks to cut costs." more

E-Bike Sales Catching Up with E-Cars

1/9/20

"Analysts predict there will be hundreds of millions of ebikes on the road by 2023. more

More News...

• NY: Bike Lanes Planned at Greenpoint-Williamsburg Border
• CAN: Richmond councillor says protected bike lanes are a ‘no brainer’
• CO: Trial period for e-bikes favored by Parks and Rec Commission
• TN: Baker Creek Preserve taking shape in South Knoxville
• CT: Edgewood Cycletrack Delayed Again

Knox Parks Volunteers Get Their Own Newsletter

Knox County, OH - "...every other month for a total of six months per year, [volunteers] will be recognized through a Volunteer Appreciation Newsletter that has made its debut with a winter issue..." more

The Great Lake to Lake Trail links up Metro Detroit

1/9/20

MI - "...Michigan has five Great Lake to Lake Trails that reach from one Great Lake to another..." more

Cyclists Need Safe Routes Thru Central Park

1/9/20

NYC - "Upper West Siders are demanding that the city create safe routes for bike riders through Central Park, citing a lack of crosstown infrastructure that led to the death of a cyclist last month." more

Number of Boston Bike Share Systems Plummets

Boston, MA - "Two years ago, it looked like bike-shares would overwhelm the Boston area. Now, as 2020 begins, there are basically two systems left—and one operates only in the warmer months." more

Cyclist Murdered in Bike Shop Parking Lot

Miami Beach, FL - "A cyclist who led group rides from a South Florida bike shop was murdered Sunday morning in the parking lot from where the rides started." more

Speed Kills

1/9/20

U.S. - "...Speeding on our roads is linked to over 36,000 deaths each year in the U.S. That’s almost 700 deaths a week… 100 a day." more

More News...

• MO: Greenway construction on Interstate 55 will connect with Grant’s Trail
• GA: Groundbreaking ceremony for Panola Mountain Greenway Trail
• NC: Are wheelchairs OK in a bike lane?
• IL: Bike lanes are finally coming to Pratt Ave in Lincolnwood
• CAN: Selfish, obtuse cyclists are destroying trails and meadows
• VA: Biking in Fairfax County Gets a New Face for Advocacy
• CA: City foregoes EIR on Rincon Trail project to community’s dismay
• CO: Overdue WAAP project nearing completion
• IA: McCollister extension approved, will provide arterial link on Iowa City's south side
• CA: Car crashes are the 4th leading cause of premature death in LA County
• FL: Tampa Unveils Initiative To Make Crosswalks Safer
• HI: How the 'distracted walking' law is holding up in Honolulu

Debris Cleared from the Richland B&O Trail

Richland County, OH

New Scioto River Bridge Will Open Soon

Dublin, OH - "...Dublin officials are working to set a date for a public-opening celebration this month for the pedestrian bridge spanning the Scioto River..." more

New Coffee Shop & Restaurant Near Trail

1/8/20

Mt. Vernon, OH

Skinned Animals Left in Public Park

Cincinnati, OH - "...The SPCA dog warden says three dog-like animals were left in a cardboard box near the park’s bike trail..." more

Bicyclist Hit in Trail Crosswalk

IL - Here's a common danger that every cyclist should be aware of: A driver stops at a road crossing along a trail to let a cyclist / pedestrian cross. When the trail user enters the crossing, one or more approaching drivers drive into the crosswalk without yielding. more

Letter Reveals Interesting Twist Regarding E-Bike Rules

1/8/20

UT - "...E-bikes are regulated under Title 10 of the city’s municipal code. Pursuant to this code, riders 65 years and older, and 'persons with mobility disabilities,' are permitted to use Class 1 e-MTBs on trails..." more

NYC Mayor Defends E-Bike Stance

1/7/20

NY - "...On Dec. 26, Cuomo vetoed legislation that would have given all classes of e-bikes, including those with throttle-control, the same rights of the road as traditional bicycles throughout the state. Only pedal-assist bikes are allowed in the city." more

E-Bikes Not Allowed on Natural Trails

1/7/20

Larimer County, CO - "Larimer County is among many Colorado counties which has chosen to allow e-bikes only on paved surfaces..." more

Emeryville Improves Safety at Bike/Ped Crossings

1/7/20

CA - "...The raised crosswalks force motorists to slow down and help make crossing cyclists and pedestrians more visible. Another cool feature of this project: the RRFBs don’t require pedestrians or cyclists to stop and push a 'beg button'.’ They are instead triggered by motion detectors..." more

More News...

• TX: Texas A&M makes changes to VeoRide bike-share program
• CA: Santo Barbara gears up to roll out bike-share program
• TX: Killeen: Work continues on hike and bike trail
• MN: Baxter man says measures needed to slow traffic at new trail crossings
• CA: Frequent bike lane foes challenge Page Street project
• LA: New Orleans launches Westbank street, bike lane improvements
• FL: Bike lanes lowering safety
• WA: SDOT releases final North Downtown Mobility Action Plan
• WA: Cyclists in the Valley excited about new bike-friendly law

Miami & Erie Canal Towpath Photos

Auglaize County, OH - Some photos of the lesser known (and less developed) towpath in NW Ohio.

View slideshow.

To view another photo gallery, scroll down this page.

FHWA Request: Implement More Separated Bike Lanes

1/6/20

U.S. - "This New Year, encourage the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to resolve to build more separated bike lanes by telling them that this game-changing, proven, effective, simple, and yet under-utilized innovation should be part of the next Every Day Counts deployment." more

Why Do Americans View Zero as an Impossible Goal?

1/6/20

"...The idea of Vision Zero, which began in Scandinavia, has fittingly seen a real-life demonstration in Scandinavia." more

Maximizing Bike Share Ridership is all about Location

1/6/20

"10% increase in bike-availability levels increases ridership by 12%." more

Construction on 11-Block Bike Lane Begins in Vancouver

1/6/20

CAN - "...The city plans to move the bike path to the east side of the street and is adding physical barriers. They will also widen the lane for cyclists to pass in either direction." more

More News...

• TX: San Antonio Bike Share is struggling
• WA: Bike ridership hits record highs on 2 Seattle routes
• AL: MPD patrols DIP after driving lanes reduced, bike lanes added
• TN: Memphis adds 270 miles of bike lanes in a decade
• CA: Construction Begins On Westwood Greenway
• IRE: Works get underway on greenway in Cork
• DE: Milton Rails to Trails project set to begin this month

Connellsville Sees Trail Visitors from 27 Countries

1/6/20

PA - "...in the last decade, 5,467 people have traveled through the town from 49 states (every state except North Dakota) and 27 foreign countries." more

Signs Installed on Susquehanna Warrior Trail

1/6/20

PA - "Twelve directional signs have been installed to get hikers and bikers onto the Susquehanna Warrior Trail, which runs along the Susquehanna River." more

App Helps Wage War on Bad Drivers

1/6/20

"OurStreets reveals the often ugly history of irresponsible motorists and lets you report new misdeeds to the proper authorities." more

UC Santa Barbara now a Platinum-Level Bike Friendly University

1/5/20

CA - "...UC Santa Barbara twice before, in 2011 and 2015, was rated at the Gold level. With the announcement today of 48 new and renewing BFUs across the country, UCSB cements its place in a cutting-edge group..." more

San Diego Charges $2,000 for Sidewalk Repair Permits

CA - "...If you’re wondering why San Diego has a backlog of at least 81,000 sidewalk repairs, those absurdly high fees are on the short list..." more

More News...

• CA: Far more men bike Valencia than women
• NC: A solution to Charlotte’s growing traffic problem
• TX: First steps to connect trails from White Rock Lake to South Dallas
• NC: Quarry dispute shows need to rethink public land use for recreation
• CA: Sacramento neighborhood on edge after killing of 16-year-old girl
• D.C.: D.C. officials to fine drivers for blocking bike lanes

Cracks Repaired Along GMRT Section

Franklin County, OH

Tree Falls Cleared from Richland B&O Trail

Richland County, OH

Pathway Projects Among Chardon Accomplishments

Chardon, OH - "...the city, in October, was recognized as a Buckeye Trail Town by the Ohio Buckeye Trail Association during a ceremony at the city’s annual Fall Fest." more

Utility Construction to Close Mon River Trail Section

Morgantown, WV - "... crews will be installing utility lines at the future site of Reynolds Hall [at West Virginia University]..." more

Truck Driver Stikes, Kills Man on E-Bike

Edison, NJ - "A 44-year-old man riding a three-wheeled electronic bicycle was fatally struck by a tractor trailer in New Jersey Friday morning." more

2 Injured, Rescued In Separate Biking Accidents

CA - "A woman and a boy were injured in separate bicycling accidents Saturday in North Bay parks..." more

Motorists Driving Thru Bike Lanes After Flex Post Removal

1/5/20

CAN - "Drivers are once again misusing a segregated bike lane to turn at the intersection of St. Laurent Boulevard and Donald Street, less than six months after flexible posts were installed to halt the same problems." more

More News...

• CAN: It's time to make cycling safer in Richmond, B.C.
• TX: San Antonio Bike Share at a Crossroads
• MN: 'New' lines on street have worn off
• OK: Man Killed After Collision While Riding Bike Along I-40
• CA: $1.9M Bike Park Opens in Bonita
• AZ: Arrest made in investigation into remains on Arizona trail

Edgewater Park Rape Suspect Charged

Cleveland, OH - "Cleveland Metroparks police and the U.S. Marshals have taken into custody a man accused of beating and sexually assaulting a woman at Edgewater Beach on Dec. 29." more

Land Obtained for Hellbender Preserve Access

Howard, OH - "...At present the only way to access Hellbender is to park at the Kokosing Gap Trail in Howard, walk the trail and the preserve is adjacent to the trail..." more

Bike Between Philly and the ’Burbs'

PA - "The Circuit Trails in Pennsylvania and New Jersey — one of the largest trail networks in the nation — just got a big funding boost, and nearby cyclists, joggers, and outdoors-lovers will soon reap the benefits." more

Homeless Tents Have Returned to Uptown Bike Lanes

Chicago, IL - "...While the green bike lanes are largely clear, the encampments basically render the pedestrian portion of the sidewalk unusable..." more

Bike Lane Proposal has Residents Furious Again

1/4/20

Coral Gables, FL - "Bike lanes are a tough sell in Coral Gables. That’s putting it lightly." more

Austin 311 App Changes help Cyclists

1/3/20

TX - "A new category allows people to report vehicles parked in bike lines. Austin Transportation can use this data to more easily identify hot spots." more

Safe Passing Law Takes Effect

1/3/20

WA - "Starting this year, Washington state is telling drivers that if there's more than one lane going your direction, you must get into the left lane when passing a bicyclist — as you would when passing slower cars." more

Teen Found Dead on Bike Trail

1/3/20

Sacramento, CA - "A missing Carmichael teenager was found dead Thursday along the American River Bike Trail after his high school says he took his own life." more

More News...

• IRE: Proposed plans for Rosslare Greenway rejected by councillors
• CAN: Ontario e-scooter pilot; London plans bike-share program
• NYC: DOT Will Protect Grand Street Protected Bike Lane
• FL: Bicycling Downtown Jacksonville can be hazardous
• TX: More bike lanes are coming to Houston
• TX: Suspected 'Flasher' Charged
• CA: Ukiah’s newest trail opens
• CAN: Oak Bay parents still waiting for safe routes on Cadboro Bay Road
• CA: Car-free Market Street officially has a start date

$1.4M in Grants Awarded to 3 Central Ohio Trails

Columbus, OH - "The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has awarded Clean Ohio Trails three grants to help fund projects in Columbus, Canal Winchester and Delaware County." more

Paving Planned on Wabash Cannonball Trail

Fulton County, OH - "Metroparks Toledo and the Northwest Ohio Rails-to-Trails Association are working to extend the paved section of the Wabash-Cannonball Trail six miles by next summer." more

Girard Mayor Talks Bike Trail

Girard, OH - "... We have an extension by the court to continue to acquire the property necessary for the bike trail and to continue to make improvements at the former Ohio Leather site." more

Rose Run, Infrastructure Improvements on Tap for 2020

New Albany, OH - "...Rose Run Park is part of the Rose Run stream corridor that runs mostly parallel to Dublin-Granville Road through New Albany..." more

$215,700 Grant Recommended for Waters Trailhead

Waters, MI - "The proposed Iron Belle trailhead project in Waters has been recommended to receive a grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund." more

Philly Urban Growth and Design Trends

PA - "...PennDOT has historically treated bicyclists and pedestrians as squishy inconveniences to the awesome forward momentum of cars..." more

A Look at the Impact of Rail Trails over the Last Decade

U.S. - "...As the 2010s built momentum, opportunities to maximize the power of these essential community assets became clear, and a new focus took hold at Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) and across the movement: that of regional connectivity and the potential to connect the country by trail like never before." more

Norwegian Capital Nearly Achieves Zero Road Deaths

Oslo, NOR - "...With a population comparable to Portland, Ore., Oslo recorded only one traffic fatality: a driver who smashed his car into a fence..." more

E-scooters in London?

UK - "The province lifted a ban on electric scooters as part of a 5-year pilot." more

2020 Will be the Year of Cooperative Mobility

1/3/20

"...In 2020, an increase in different micro-mobility transportation methods will be seen, even though the bike share market crashed in 2018..." more

More News...

• TX: Here’s how to use Fort Worth’s BCycle for free
• CHN: China's bike sharing businesses in for repairs
• CAN: Construction of new downtown Vancouver bike lane starts next week
• NC: Mount Airy poised for greenway growth
• UK: Extension planned for Aylesbury's greenway
• MD: Plan for $3M connector bike/pedestrian path is moving forward
• NM: Proposal to make Albuquerque drive-thrus more pedestrian friendly
• AZ: Man missing at Grand Canyon for 11 days has been found alive
• CO: 2019 marks deady year on Denver roads

Greenway Construction off to Controversial Start

Cleveland, OH - "Advocates and supporters of the soon-to-be-built Red Line Greenway trail are upset with the Cleveland Metroparks after the early work done on the $6.4 million project included the removal of numerous trees..." more

Dead Tree Removal along Roberts Pass

Delaware County, OH

Budget Priorities Include Lakefront Greenway

Cleveland, OH - "...The county also listed as a priority its proposed lakefront greenway project, which would create a walking trail and bike path from Euclid to Bay Village along Lake Erie..." more

Dick Lebold Dies at 76

Bolivar, OH - "...He actually was very, very important in getting the Towpath Trail through the Village of Bolivar..." more

Senator Takes a Spill while Biking

NYC - "...State Senator John Liu, one of the few public officials who bikes regularly, was scraped up in a crash on Friday..." more

Feds Investigate Transportation Projects

Seattle, WA - "Officials must comply with a subpoena for documents related to the bus routes, streetcar and other projects by next week." more

Tariff Exclusions for Most Kids Bikes

1/2/20

D.C. - "The U.S Trade Representative has granted tariff exclusions to two more categories of kids bikes from China. Combined with other exclusions granted late last year, now all bikes with wheels from 12-inch through 24-inch diameter are exempt from the tariffs..." more

Bike Sharing Company Loses More Than 2,000 Bikes

1/1/20

"Mobike, a Chinese bike sharing startup which later rebranded as Meituan Bike, announced it lost more than 200,000 bikes to theft and vandalism in 2019..." more

More News...

• CHN: Suzhou Creek riverbank greenway
• SC: Columbia’s latest riverwalk is ready
• NY: Bike skills park to introduce new generation to cycling
• NY: Light at the end of the bridge for cyclists
• AZ: 3 mountain lions killed after feeding on human remains
• FL: $5K Reward offered for info regarding dead teen near Apopka bike trail
• D.C.: Bike lane blockers that drive away will be mailed fines
• CAN: Garbage trucks may be damaging bike lane bollards
• NZL: City Council unsure how cycle lane just inches wide happened
• LA: Mandeville siblings hurt in hit-and-run made it home from the hospital
• CA: More bicycle infrastructure is on the way
• HI: How Does Honolulu Become More Walkable?
• UT: Area near South Salt Lake homeless center prone to auto-pedestrian crashes

For more news, visit the 2019 Archive.

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