Northwest/Elm/Dupont Bike Lanes: Going to Bid This Month

At the Feb. 27, 2012 Bellingham City Council meeting, Project Engineer Craig Mueller gave an update to the Council on the project to add bike lanes on Northwest/Elm/Dupont from McLeod Rd. to Whatcom Creek (project page). Council had asked staff to go forward with designing the project back in May of 2011 (see post), and apparently that work was nearing completion.

Staff were asking for approval on the final design, and permission to put the project out the bid. Council agreed on both parts.

The project is actually a bit more than just bike lanes. According to the information provided to Council, "Elm and Dupont Streets will receive an overlay as well as ADA complaint pedestrian ramps prior to restriping. Light bases will be installed at the Alderwood Avenue intersection in preparation for an enhanced crossing. Curb extensions will be installed on the east side of the Connecticut Avenue intersection per the Fountain District Urban Village Plan."

As for funding: "The estimated budget is $420,000 for TBD [Transportation Benefit District] (Non-Motorized) funds to be utilized for bike lane improvements. TBD (Overlay Funds) will be used for the overlay portion of the project."

Construction is expected this year.

Gary Fisher Disses SUVs

Momentum Magazine has a short interview with Gary Fisher, one of the fathers of the mountain bike, in their latest issue. In it he says, "...a mountain bike is a way to sell an SUV. A lot of people will drive their bikes out to where they're going to ride."
Question for local relevance:
What's the local split on riding vs driving to recreation spots, esp. mountain biking?
Do you ever commute by bike out to where you recreate?
Discuss.

Arrest in Hit & Run

The Herald has the story.
It happened last Tuesday.

Help Fund Some Better Bike Lights

If the "Be Seen" lights at your local bike shop aren't everything your heart desires, maybe this is: strips of LEDs for your front and rear forks. The high-end versions include a wireless controller you use can use for signaling turns, and the highest-end has a quick-release system.

But it's not yet available! You can help it get to market with their Kickstarter campaign. Pledge funds, and if they get enough pledges they'll be able to manufacture them (once they collect from you...). Big enough pledges will get you the product, and during the Kickstarter campaign everything's 30% off .
There are several explanatory videos on their Updates page.
They also have a regular website.

Via.

Bike Light Coupon - Good Through Nov. 30

A vast number of groups are sponsoring an effort to help people get lights on their bikes, and just generally be more visible when riding at night. It's billed as "See & Be Seen." I think the "Reflectorize Your Walk & Ride" events are probably part of the same endeavor. 

There's a 10%-off coupon available online (just print it out) good for a discount on lights at many of our local bike shops:

• Earl's Bike Shop
• The Hub Pedal Project
• Fanatik Bike Co.
• Kulshan Cycles
• DropNzone Bikeworks
• Fairhaven Bike & Ski
• Jack's Bicycle Center

I'm disappointed in REI for not participating.

Sponsors:

• City of Bellingham
• Whatcom County Traffic Saftey Task Force
• Kona
• Mt. Baker Bike Club
• Casade Radio Group (KGMI)
• Western Washington University
• everybodyBIKE

Word.

Swept Away...

Thank goodness we don't have to worry about very large waves taking out bicyclists and pedestrians in Boulevard Park or on the boardwalk:

"Local authorities warned bikers and runners to stay away from Chicago's Lake Shore Drive. They were all warned about gale winds, huge waves, and Yakety Sax but chose to try their luck anyway."

Via.