== Bike-Walk Alliance of NH ==

August 2010: Rail trails and bicycling education continue to make the headlines

If you bike or walk in New Hampshire, there is something on this Bike-Walk Alliance of NH web site that should be of interest to you! There is so much activity here in the Granite State involving biking and walking it is difficult to write about all of it. However, let's get started!

Support for and use of NH rail trails increases every day

Rail trail users come in all sizes and shapes using different means of non-motorized travel. Walkers, runners, roller bladers, and even wheelchair users take advantage of the smoothly-paved surface along the M&L corridor. On August 8, 2010, Salem Town Manager Henry ("Hank") LaBranche and his wife Pam were riding their bikes on the Windham Rail Trail when they met Viola Topham in her wheelchair being pushed seven miles by her son, Dave Topham. Two wheels, four wheels, or no wheels, rail trails are "For everyone, everyday." (A quote from the Salem Bike-Ped Corridor committee.)

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Viola Topham in wheelchair with Pam and "Hank" LaBranche
riding their bikes on the Windham Rail Trail, August 8, 2010

The Windham Depot project is nearly complete and the very unique "union station" looks great from the outside. This station served two rail lines crossing at a 45-degree angle so the building was constructed with platforms serving both lines -- a most unusual design!

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Windham Depot Station and Freight Shed, July 31, 2010

And let's not forget the fully-restored Salem Depot Station, about six miles south of Windham on the M&L corridor.

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Salem Depot Station, platform view looking toward Methuen, August 14, 2010

Other rail trail news

The Granite State Wheelmen bicycling club offered $25,000.00 via ten $2,500.00 grants to the 22 NH rail trail groups. Applications were received, scored, and the winners were notified on June 10. Presentation of the awards were made at the BWA-NH Concord office, 57 Regional Drive, Suite 6 (in the SHC-NNE section) on July 29. Rail trail supporters, bicyclists, and guests were invited to attend the 7:00-9:00 PM event. Snacks were provided by the GSW.

Some post-event publicity at local levels was arranged by the award recipients. Coverage in the NH edition of the Eagle Tribune was arranged by the Windham Rail Trail Alliance at their newly-restored Windham Depot. The article is available here in PDF format.

The winners of the ten $2,500.00 grants were: Derry Rail Trail Alliance, Friends of Northern Rail Trail, Merrimack County, Friends of the Goffstown Rail Trail, Friends of the Salem Bike Ped Corridor, Londonderry Trailways, Milford Conservation Commission, New Hampshire Seacoast Greenway, Pathways for Keene, Windham Rail Trail Alliance, and the WOW Trail (Laconia).

TE Grant approved for sections of the Salem-Concord Bikeway

The long-planned Salem to Concord Bikeway received a major boost via a $1.272M grant from the Transportation Enhancement program. The communities of Derry, Windham, and Salem will be able to build a paved rail trail connecting to the existing and well-used trails in Derry and Windham. See recent newspaper article for details. BWA-NH is pleased to have helped coordinate the many months of proposals, meetings, and paperwork which resulted in the grant being awarded. With only $6.4M available to the entire state for two years and serious competition for that money, being awarded nearly $1.3M is a major victory. Details will be forthcoming soon.

Bicycles, mopeds, and scooters now allowed on the Sagamore and MAAR bridges

Bridge access a major "Win" for those of us on two wheels! For nearly a year, BWA-NH has been quietly working with NH-DOT and FHWA to remove the restriction of bicycles, mopeds, and scooters on two key bridges crossing the Merrimack River. Using two wheels for transportation is highly supported at the Federal level, especially after the announcement in March by US DOT Secretary Ray LaHood. Locally, the Sagamore Bridge connecting Route 3 (DW Highway) in Nashua to Route 3-A in Hudson and the soon-to-be-completed MAAR project (the $200 million Manchester Airport Access Road including the Pearl Harbor Survivors Bridge) connecting Bedford to Manchester no longer restrict bicyclists. Both bridges connect to roads commonly used by bicyclists with alternate routes not practical in terms of time and distance. Small bike-ped sidepaths were provided but they are not maintained for travel year round, are not illuminated, go through wooded areas being a security hazard, and do not accommodate mopeds and scooters. For those who use efficient two wheels as a true vehicle for transportation year round, the only viable solution is to utilize the bridges for their intended purpose: transportation. Daytime recreational cyclists, families with kids, and those not competent in vehicular cycling will still have the opportunity to use the sidepaths - they are not expected to share the road with 45 MPH traffic. For commuter cyclists including those on electric bikes, mopeds, and scooters, lifting this restriction not only grants access to these two bridges but sets an example for the entire state. Bicycles are vehicles and access to roads and bridges for transportation must be considered per Federal guidelines.

BWA-NH member and GSW Safety & Education Chair Bill Fisk was highly instrumental in seeking the restriction being lifted on the Sagamore Bridge and he foresaw the same issue with the original plans for the MAAR bridge. Bill is a year-round bike commuter who believes in vehicular cycling and that roads are meant for people to travel from point A to point B with minimal problems and delays. His use of the Sagamore Bridge was a problem when only the east-bound lane allowed for bike travel, but when both directions were closed in February 2010 without notice to the public, Bill worked with BWA-NH and NH-DOT to seek having the restriction removed. Many meetings and roadway design reviews followed with the bike ban being lifted as of May 25, 2010.

BWA-NH wishes to thank Bill Fisk and many people within NH-DOT including Commissioner George Campbell and MAAR Project Manager Alex Vogt who helped lift the bridge access restrictions. Cooperation at all levels within NH-DOT and acknowledging that vehicular travel on two wheels should be accommodated on bridges now allows better and safer use of our shared roadways.

Help for rail trail and local bike-ped advocacy groups

BWA-NH helps local bike-ped and rail trail organizations generate income by utilizing BWA-NH as their 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor. Not every group wants the overhead and cost of attaining the IRS tax-exempt status to accept grants and donations. As the statewide "umbrella" organization with a mission of bike-ped advocacy and education, BWA-NH affiliates can obtain most 501(c)(3) benefits at minimal cost and inconvenience. Two organizations have taken advantage of this offer (Friends of the Salem Bike-Ped Corridor and the Central NH Bicycling Coalition) with a third expected late this year. If interested, contact BWA-NH at 603.898.9926 or email info@bwanh.org.

New England Bike-Walk Summit, Providence RI, October 7, 2010

This conference will offer an excellent chance for advocacy groups, clubs, state departments, cyclists, and walkers to learn about what is being (and can be) accomplished by working together and sharing ideas. NH-DOT and BWA-NH are two of the NH sponsors and will have representatives participating in the panel discussions. Tickets are $40.00 and include lunch and closing reception. For more info visit www.newenglandbikewalksummit.org.

Implementation of sustainable and standardized bicycling education in public schools

This effort will get a boost starting this fall when the Safe Routes to School $42K grant awarded to BWA-NH becomes available on October 1. Publicity and training the BWA-NH staff will take place in the late fall and winter with the "Train the Trainers" courses starting about March. The NH schools which previously received some SRTS funding will be contacted first. PE teachers, coaches, nurses, and long-term school personnel are the likely candidates for this LAB-supported bike-ed program - and they have been asking for it! A separate pilot "TT" program was held in Hopkinton and Concord by BWA-NH prior to the SRTS grant being awarded.

Other Bike-Ed activities included a series of six free "Orientation Rides" conducted in Salem during this season. Aimed at cyclists unfamiliar with group cycling, dealing with motorists on our shared roadways, lane usage, proper shifting techniques, or making the most of their energy, the instruction period of an hour in a parking lot followed by a 10-mile practice ride was very well received. Some people drove up to 1.5 hours one-way to attend, and then raved about what they learned! These "O" Rides and more complete training will be offered again next year by Certified LAB Cycling Instructors.

Another form of bicycling education is available in the form of videos linked from this BWA-NH web site. On-road vehicular cycling techniques, handling a mountain bike in rugged terrain including how to fall, and multiple videos on bike maintenance are all just a few clicks away. See the home page for these selections.

And last but not least, the free NH BikeSmart program administered by Roger Lohr of Hanover had another successful season. See the NH BikeSmart page for details.


Update on Distracted Driving Awareness

Focus on Distracted Driving continues with funding expected from the NH Highway Safety Agency to purchase two portable computerized simulators which should help increase public awareness of this deadly action. The Injury Prevention unit at Dartmouth is working with BWA-NH to obtain and use the simulators. When not in use, one will be stored in Hanover and the second at the BWA-NH Office (SHC-NNE suite) in Concord for easy access. Funding is expected in early 2011.


Enforcement of the "3 Foot Rule"

has taken another step forward via a reporting system offered by BWA-NH. Any cyclist who is harassed, threatened, or hit by a motorist should obviously report the incident to the local police department. (A listing of NH police departments with non-emergency numbers is available on the BWA-NH web site.) In many cases such incidents are not witnessed and certainly not by a police officer so the matter could be one person's word against the other for what really occurred. However, across the country, if the same offending motorist is reported three times to the police they will take action without them actually witnessing the incidents. Often a motorist with a grudge against bicyclists or some who think cyclists don't belong on "their road" will harass cyclists again and again, almost like a game because they can get away with it. Even if the police are willing to take action after three reports about the same offending motorist, the plan fails when the incidents and subsequent reports occur in different towns. For example, on Memorial Day a regular GSW rider was hit with a full beer can thrown by the passenger in a car speeding down a 30 MPH country road at about 60 MPH. Reportedly several teenagers in the car howled with delight when they saw the cyclist crash into a ditch. They appeared to be "high" on alcohol or drugs as the car careened down the road into the next town where another cyclist could be their next target. The report filed with the first town is not likely to ever be seen by police departments in surrounding towns. Our BWA-NH initiative is to request that cyclists provide us with the same incident report filed with the local police department. Once a pattern of three incidents is recorded, regardless of what towns where the incidents occurred, then action can be taken at the county or state level. Cyclists should not attempt to take direct action against a motorist as you will not win either physically or legally. Two tons of steel against a cyclist on a 20 pound bike is no match, and if the cyclist happens to catch a car after a "dust-off" (say at a stoplight) and the cyclist hits the car with his fist or foot, the cyclist will be in more trouble than the motorist who provoked the action. Let's see if better logging of harassment incidents will get some of the motorist "clowns" a day in court and a nice fine which, if repeated, could lead to loss of license.

New Hampshire is #6 in the country!

New Hampshire has been rated as the sixth most "Bicycle Friendly State" in the country for 2010 by the League of American Bicyclists! The ranking system started in 2008 when NH was rated as #10. In 2009, the rating went up to #8, and now we are at #6. (We may be biased, but we believe BWA-NH helped NH attain the higher scores.) The top five states for 2010 are Washington, Wisconsin, Maine, Minnesota, and Oregon. For a listing of all states and comparisons to prior years, click here. For complete details about the BFS program, please visit the LAB web site.

News of interest from prior months follows -- just in case you missed it!

"Tour de Forts" on May 16, 2010

BWA-NH partnered with Great Bay Services in Newington to offer a unique biking and walking tour along the shorelines of New Castle, Portsmouth, and Kittery to explore the old forts and enjoy scenic views of the waterfront. Please see the Tour de Forts page for a review of this fantastic day on the seacoast!

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Distracted driving continues to make headline news around the country. The US House of Representatives passed a resolution on March 23 declaring April as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Whether caused by talking or texting on cell phones or other distractions within the car when driving, the resulting crashes are taking a tremendous toll on many people with the most vulnerable road users, bicyclists and pedestrians, always faring the worst. Check out our distracted driving page for more information.

BWA-NH is investigating the use of a Distracted Driving Simulator which might just make a positive difference here in NH. This product focuses on behaviors and their consequences versus typical driver training simulators. Several organizations are checking out this product from Virtual Driver Interactive which could be used by various groups in different venues. Funding from multiple sources is also being explored. We should know within a few weeks if this idea will gain traction here in NH.

US Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood declares "sea change" regarding bicycling

At the National Bike Summit hosted by the League of American Bicyclists in DC, on March 10 US Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood was a keynote speaker and declared bicycling to be an important factor for all state departments of transportation to recognize and accommodate. The official US Department of Transportation policy statement was announced on March 15. Since then various pundits have found fault with the policy based on their car-centric attitudes. The LAB and other national bike-ped organizations are attempting to prove that bicycling, while not for everyone, is a viable method of transportation and should be accommodated by the infrastructure. For relatively little investment, the return for the states, communities, health, less pollution, and saving fuel can be very significant. BWA-NH urges all bicyclists to write to their governor requesting their state Department of Transportation complies with this national policy statement. A simple, on-line letter can be drafted and sent via this link to the LAB web site.

NH Rail Trails Coalition making progress

This statewide organization comprised of some 22 individual rail trail groups has been working with NH-DOT, NH-DRED Bureau of Trails, and local organizations to promote the development of connected rail trails within NH. The most recent development involves Londonderry Trailways, Manchester Moves, and the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in determining how to route the Manchester to Lawrence corridor around the airport. With local leadership from Londonderry, a walking tour along the perimeter of the airport was conducted on March 27. The proposed route will be formally presented to the airport and NH-DOT (owner of the corridor) in April. The route around to airport, and potentially connecting to the terminal, is a key link in the Salem to Manchester rail trail, that being part of the NH-DOT Salem to Concord Bikeway as proposed in 2003. The NH-RTC has proposed including this project in the overall Granite State Rail Trail which someday could have connectivity to many areas of the state beyond the immediate Salem to Manchester communities. BWA-NH is helping to facilitate NH-RTC and the individual rail trail organizations see this concept become a reality.

On May 15, a ribbon cutting ceremony in Lakeport will official open a new one-mile segment of the WOW Trail along the westerly shore of Lake Winnipesaukee. Issues concerning insurance, rail-with-trail liability, and a fence seemingly required to separate future trail segments from the track used by a scenic railroad have yet to be resolved.

Check out New Hampshire via this YouTube parody

The "Granite State of Mind" video of almost five minutes gives an entertaining look at the many regions of NH and some history as well. It starts in black and white then changes to color toward the end. And while not bike-ped related, the scenes depicted are typical of what we see when cycling through this beautiful state. So when you have five minutes to spare, click and have fun!

BWA-NH at LAB National Bike Summit, March 9-11

Linda Gould, BWA-NH Executive Director, and Josh Sattely, our Legal Council, attended the 10th annual Bike Summit in Washington DC along with Bill Kennedy, the GSW President, and over 700 bicycling advocates from around the country. Linda arranged meetings with our NH Congressmen and staff personnel to help push favorable legislation. US Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood was a keynote speaker and declared bicycling to be an important factor for all state departments of transportation to recognize and accommodate. For more details about the summit, visit the LAB web site.

While the Bike Summit schedule was hectic, there was a little time for photos. Linda and Bill are shown in the pedicab while Josh joined them for a group shot.

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Schools prepare for more bicycling education in 2010

Bicycling education in many NH public schools continued in 2009. In just the Rundlett Middle School, Concord NH, nearly 1,000 students in grades 6-8 participated in the training provided by BWA-NH under a Concord Safe Routes to School program. The goal is to have sustainable bike-ed in the schools via the staff incorporating this training into every school year. The benefits of children learning to handle bicycles as vehicles will help them become better motorists, and as motorists they will be interact better with younger trained cyclists on our shared roadways. To help make this happen, BWA-NH started a "Train the Trainers" program which follows the guidelines of the League of American Bicyclists. A pilot program was held in Hopkinton during April and May 2009 and a second is now underway in Concord.

To help incorporate this program on a statewide basis and with full LAB support, BWA-NH applied for and received a Safe Routes to School grant for $42,000.00. Currently certified LAB cycling instructors (LCIs) must take additional training to become Master LCIs to "Train the Trainers". In addition, the national bike-ed program as created by the LAB and the National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA) must be implemented with the support of a local bicycle dealer who is a NBDA member. BWA-NH is very pleased to work with S&W Sports in Concord to fulfill this requirement and roll out the program. Shop owner Tim Farmer has been extremely helpful with many community-based bicycling programs. This new "TTT" program will allow not only his staff to become LAB certified Youth or Skills Cycling Instructors but the shop and BWA-NH will be able to reach schools, other organizations, and the public. Plans are underway for current NH LCIs to attain the additional training for the Master level. Once all factors are in place, the "TTT" program for the schools will be offered at no cost to train the staff in standardized and sustainable bicycling education principles for them to implement annually for their students. Many schools have already asked for this training so BWA-NH is not forcing this program upon them. Awareness, training, compliance, and enforcement together will make our shared roadways safer and more enjoyable when motorists and bicyclists interact properly by following the rules of the road. To learn more about the LAB bike-ed programs, please visit their web site.

The "3 Foot Rule" is one of the laws stressed during all training sessions conducted by BWA-NH, schools, bike shops, Department of Motor Vehicles, Police Academy (PSTC), and driver training instructors. To help make more people aware of this law, BWA-NH has a new jersey and bumper stickers to go with the "3 Feet Please" T-shirts that were made available in 2009. For the jerseys and T-shirts, please see the merchandise page on this web site to order any item.

Rail trail development and planning continues

Federal grant applications, local fundraisers, hearings with town and state officials, and increased public support for rail trails as transportation corridors have kept many BWA-NH members and the NH Rail Trail Coalition very busy. The Salem-Concord Bikeway plan as approved by NH-DOT in 2003 has seen a lot of activity along the Salem-Manchester section. The Southern NH Rail Trail Alliance, presently comprised of Salem, Windham, and Derry with Londonderry and Manchester expected to join soon, has a Federal Transportation Enhancement grant in play for nearly $1.3M to complete sections of the M&L corridor in the three towns. A critical presentation to the statewide TE Advisory Committee is scheduled for March 15. This project follows NH-DOT's guidelines of the 2003 "Rizzo Study" for the Salem to Concord Bikeway as part of the I-93 expansion. As a true transportation corridor serving three of the four largest communities in the state, SNHRTA feels the time is right to make the rail trail become a reality beyond the privately-built sections now in use. For details please visit the SNHRTA web site.

Public support for the SNHRTA project is well represented in a blog created by Carol Robidoux, the Derry reporter for the Manchester Union Leader, who did the story on the rail trail in October 2009. Check out her blog at www.derryinklink.com where she posted her story and photos on November 2, 2009.

NH "Commute Green NH" program, May 15 to June 25.

Many new ideas and plans are underway for the 2010 "Commute Green NH" six-week program. See the Commute Green page for details.


Distracted drivers: a bicyclist's biggest risk?

Multiple nationwide studies have proven that using a cell phone while driving effectively impairs the driver to a level greater than the legal limit for a DWI conviction. That applies to simple voice calls while, for most users, texting while driving provokes a higher level of distraction thus an even greater risk to other road users, bicyclists and pedestrians in particular. Currently the new NH law banning texting while driving is viewed as a joke by many NH residents, drivers in many states, and it even made Associated Press headlines on January 2, 2010. One resident of Warner, NH stated she has no intention to stop texting while driving, despite the $100 fine she could receive. Her comment: "I'd better start saving my money." More details are provided on the Distracted Driver page.

Bottom line, "distracted drivers" seem to be the biggest hazard bicyclists encounter on the roads these days. What can we do to address this issue? How about if some of those people who believe they can multi-task so efficiently that the texting-while-driving ban does not apply to them, be given public tests in a driving simulator alternately using and not using a cell phone, voice and/or texting. If given some publicity via the media, maybe the reasons behind the nearly unenforceable law would make sense to the present non-believers. A demonstration booth in a large mall would be sure to attract a lot of attention. None of us want to be "taken out" by a distracted driver. There are certainly many ways to be distracted other than by cell phone calls and texting but that appears to be a leading factor these days. Remember, you could be the next victim.

Motorist cited in violation of the "3-Foot Rule"

Following an investigation of over two months by the Concord Police Department, the motorist who hit commuter cyclist Susanne Kibler-Hacker on October 15, 2009 was ticketed for failure to exercise due care and violation of the "3-Foot Rule" as enacted on January 1, 2009. The case was closed before Christmas and was not publicized. Additional details are not presently known but a summary appeared in the Concord Monitor on January 8, 2010. While recognition of the "3-Foot Rule" is appreciated, given the life-threatening injuries sustained by Susanne who, by all accounts, was cycling properly on her way to work, two tickets and maybe a couple hundred dollars in fines does not seem like much of a penalty. We need to publicize that such crashes must be avoided and motorists must obey the "3-Foot Rule." More publicity about the results of this investigation and stricter enforcement of the "3 Foot Rule" without involving crashes and injuries is needed to make New Hampshire safer for bicyclists using our shared roadways. BWA-NH will continue pursuing these goals.

Many questions remain about this crash and the high threat from distracted drivers, cell phone use in particular. Please see the Distracted Driver page for details.

Rail trails still in the news

From the Berlin Reporter:
As of January 11, a controversial proposal by the NH Bureau of Trails to open about a mile on the east end of the 20-mile-long state-owned Presidential Rail Trail to summertime use by ATVs and trail bikes has been withdrawn, for at least a year, said Trails Bureau Chief Chris Gamache in a Monday afternoon telephone interview. Businesses in Gorham requested the state's help in finding a route that would bring ATV enthusiasts to their doors, he explained, noting that the Gorham have been notified. Area residents, particularly those in Randolph, were opposed to the idea of opening up any part of the former Boston and Maine Railroad roadbed up to any summertime motorized use until the entire route, from Gorham to Whitefield, could be scoped out and a master plan adopted.

"We don't have the time or the resources to pursue the idea at this time," Mr. Gamache. "We've been working with other landowners to try to get a satisfactory route in place." Those against allowing ATVs on the rail trail in non-snowmobile seasons have used local newspapers to express their opposition whereas those in favor — mostly business owners — have shipped their comments directly to Bureau headquarters in Concord. "We feel some obligation to help provide routes for ATV riders who come to Jericho Mountain State Park in Berlin to get to local services," said Bureau Chief Gamache.

A "Friends of the Presidential Rail Trail" organization is being formed, and its leaders have pledged to work in positive ways with the state agency, he added. (Note: The "Friends" organization is a member of the NH Rail Trails Coalition, which in turn is affiliated with BWA-NH.)

Progress along the M&L corridor:
After an informative tour of the Manchester & Lawrence corridor between Salem, Windham, and Derry on July 22, BWA-NH organized a tour from Derry through Londonderry to Manchester on October 28. Representatives from all related rail trail groups, the communities, newspapers, and NH DOT Bike-Ped Office explored the completed, undeveloped, and problematic sections by bike, foot, and caravan on a very rainy day - but that was the only day key players were to be available. An important mid-tour meeting was conducted at the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport with the focus being on how the off-road trail could be routed past the airport. Several ideas were proposed and are subject to further review.

An excellent summary was printed in the NH Union Leader the next day. One highlight of the tour was meeting with the Assistant Director of the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, Richard Fixler. A follow-up meeting hosted by the Londonderry Trailways on December 3 led to more detailed ideas which will be reviewed with both the airport management and NH-DOT, the owner of much of the old M&L rail corridor.

A group of rail trail advocates from each community will work together under the name of the Southern NH Rail Trail Alliance. Focus will be on the M&L corridor and then on to Concord with NH-DOT 2003 Rizzo Salem-Concord Bikeway study being a key reference. Some findings of the October 28 "M&L-North Tour" will be found on the Rail Trails page. BWA-NH is pleased to help facilitate discussion and action on this project which is far more than a recreational trail. Transportation along New Hampshire's major north-south highways (Routes 93 and 28) with connections to Park and Ride locations and densely populated communities make this a very important rail trail.

An informational tour of the Derry and Windham Rail Trails by their respective groups was conducted on October 31 for a NH Union Leader reporter, Carol Robidoux. Her article which appeared on November 2 and some photos are available here.

In the Lakes Region, the issue of proposed "Rail with Trail" along the WOW Trail remains hung-up in the legislative Study Committee thanks to liability and insurance concerns. Four meetings of the Study Committee in November, attended by BWA-NH members, included much testimony but only seemed to prompt more questions. At last report, the study of SB-203 had been extended for a full year. With luck a resolution will be found so that more people can enjoy the beauty of the Lakes Region in a safe and enjoyable manner.

Considerable progress is being made on rail trail design, coordination, and development around the state. A new effort to help publicize these efforts and seek funding is being organized by the Southern NH Planning Commission located in Manchester. The first meeting with all interested parties and rail trail groups will be on January 25 at 6:30 PM, 438 Dubuque Street.

The NH Rail Trails section on this web site has been expanded to capture more of the activities underway around the state. To learn more about these efforts, about 40 advocates attended the annual meeting of the NH Rail Trail Alliance on November 14 at the BWA-NH Concord office. A press release from the meeting is available here.


Other Rail Trail News:
The NH Rail Trail Alliance is now the NH Rail Trail Coalition as of January 1, 2010. The group of some 21 NH rail trail groups remains the same with the same steering committee and continued affiliation with BWA-NH which provides the business address and meeting space when needed. The name change was prompted to avoid confusion with the acronym "NH-RTA" which was already used for the NH Railroad Transit Authority. The NH-RTC has filed a trade name application with the state to lock-in the new name.

More awareness and enforcement of the "3 Foot Rule"

On September 28, a letter written jointly by Director Donald Vittum of the PSTC (NH Police Academy) and BWA-NH was mailed to all 226 NH police chiefs and sheriffs to make them more aware of the "3 Foot Rule". A brochure called "Don't be a Road Hog/Road Warrior" created by NH DOT was enclosed with the mailing. Initial feedback has been positive as many police departments did not know about the law which took effect on January first.

From April through October, BWA-NH had a series of radio Public Service Announcements aired over 22 stations in southern NH to help inform the public about the law and how motorists and bicyclists must share the roadways. The NH Driver's Training Manual was updated and drivers education instructors have been informed via the NH DMV. Additional avenues of awareness have been undertaken during bike-ed classes in schools and workplaces.

Meanwhile, several incidents this cycling season will be testing the enforcement of the "3 Foot Rule." In some cases a matter of purposeful harassment of a cyclist by a motorist took place while other times a bike/motor vehicle crash sent the cyclist to a hospital. The worst known crash occurred on October 15 when Susanne Kibler-Hacker, a highly-experienced commuter cyclist, was hit from behind when cycling to work along Route 13/Clinton Street west of Concord. She was severely injured and for a while we wondered if she would survive. All details are still not known but the NH cycling community could not understand how the initially unnamed motorist was only given a warning "to exercise due care." The police investigation was still open at last report.

Bottom line, more enforcement of the "3 Foot Rule" is required and action taken when incidents or crashes are reported. Note that "crashes" are almost always avoided when everyone follows the rules of the road. Distracted drivers, whether using cell phones, texting, feeding a baby, reading, applying make-up, or playing with a radio, seem to be one of the leading causes of a motorist hitting a bicyclist these days. Yes, there are scofflaw cyclists and motorists as well, and that only makes a bad situation worse. If everyone followed the rules of the road and used common sense and courtesy, almost all crashes would be avoided. "Accidents" are caused by unavoidable circumstances; "crashes" occur when someone did not do what is right as either prescribed by law or common sense.

Our unique BWA-NH "3 Feet Please" T-shirts are available in four sizes for $15.00 each -- see the Merchandise page. BWA-NH is working with Souhegan Cycleworks in Milford NH to obtain even more impressive cycling jerseys. To view the bill click here.

Bicycling education in public schools continues

BWA-NH completed a 12-hour bike-ed program at the Rundlett Middle School in Concord as part of their Safe Routes to School program. About 1,000 students in grades 6-8 were taught the basics of proper helmet fit, bike maintenance, "bright and tight" clothing, and rules of the road including hand signals and lane usage. Additional tips to make cycling more fun and efficient were also covered. The next group of students will be taught a similar course by the school staff once they complete a "Train the Trainers" program in the spring. One goal of BWA-NH is to have sustainable bicycling education in all NH schools. A separate program for training the trainers is underway via the League of American Bicyclists (LAB) and the National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA). This program is planned to be implemented here in NH by League certified "Master Cycling Instructors" starting next year. Once children and adults all know how bicycling fits into our society and shared roadways, the safer, better, and "greener" it will be for everyone.

Rail Trail Notes

The NH Rail Trail Alliance (now the NH Rail Trail Coalition as of January 1, 2010 and an affiliate of BWA-NH) with Alex Bernhard as the spokesperson had a very productive meeting at NH DOT on April 1. What started as a simple meeting with Director Jack Ferns actually involved key personnel from at least five bureaus or departments. All questions were answered and several action items were agreed upon. A follow-up meeting is planned in about four months. Have a look at some of the happy participants!

BWA is becoming better known throughout NH as the voice for bicyclists and pedestrians concerning advocacy, access, and education. By working with the NH-RTA Steering Committee and staff members at the Department of Resources and Economic Development (DRED), BWA now has a vote on the Statewide Trails Advisory Committee (STAC). While interest in rail trail development and management prompted BWA to seek membership on DRED's STAC, all off-road facilities of interest to bicyclists and walkers are of prime concern to BWA. By sharing information and ideas between all users of the NH trail systems, BWA sees our involvement in STAC to be a win-win story for everyone.

Statewide bicycling awareness ride planned for 2010

Picking up an idea from NH First Lady Dr. Susan Lynch, BWA-NH plans to be a key partner in organizing and supporting a statewide bicycling awareness ride next year. Some of the other organizations expected to be involved are the Regional Planning Commissions, NH DOT, the Foundation for Healthy Communities, the Healthy Eating-Active Living (HEAL) committee, Granite State Wheelmen, and other supportive groups around the state. The benefits of cycling are well known, and this event will highlight safety, health, obesity, economy, pollution, rail trails, on-road facilities, new laws including the "3-foot rule", and the sheer enjoyment of cycling. Multiple routes converging on Concord have been proposed so as to attract cyclists from around the state for this multi-day event. A steering committee is being formed with more plans expected to be released later this year.

Our Concord office has been relocated!

After being at 163 Manchester Street for three years, on July 1, 2009 our BWA-NH Concord office was relocated to a newer facility at 57 Regional Drive, Suite 6, right near the Concord Airport. We wish to thank Executive Director David Henderson of the Safety and Health Council of Northern New England for allowing BWA-NH to rent space and services of his office.


Safe Routes to School

This federally-funded SRTS program for children in grades K-8 living within two miles of their schools provides for both infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects, up to $100,000 each for the third round projects. Round 3 applications were reviewed by the SRTS Statewide Advisory Committee (SAC) and were forwarded to NH DOT Commissioner George Campbell for approval. Nearly $740,000 was awarded in grants to eight communities and 14 schools in Round 3. Round 4 applications will be accepted late this year. See the June/July SRTS newsletter for details.

BWA-NH is pleased to be one of ten voting members on the SRTS Statewide Advisory Committee. For more details about this reimbursement program, please visit the NH SRTS web site http://www.nh.gov/dot/org/projectdevelopment/planning/srts/index.htm

Bike-Ed in the schools

Bicycling education programs during 2009 were conducted in Brookline, Concord, and Hopkinton for both students and teachers. Seven presentations based on the LAB "Kids-I" programs were given to students in grades 3 to 8. A "Train the Trainers" program covering six hours was conducted for five staff members of the Hopkinton Middle School. Plans are underway to implement a more comprehensive "Train the Trainers" program statewide so that standardized bicycling education will become a routine and sustainable component of the school curriculums. Bicycling education is supported by the SRTS program. There are five LAB-certified bicycling education instructors in NH who will provide the expertise for these programs. BWA-NH is pleased to coordinate the efforts and to help meet the SRTS goals.

Note:The NH BikeSmart program featuring 45-minute presentations aimed at students in grades 3-5 now completed its third season. The program is owned and managed by Roger Lohr of Hanover NH, 603.643.0920, email Lohr21@myfairpoint.net. Details will be found on this web site as a courtesy to promote all levels of bicycling education in our schools, but BikeSmart is not a BWA or LAB supported program nor does BWA have any control or management of NH BikeSmart.

New Hampshire ranked 8th most "Bicycle Friendly State" in the country!

In May the League of American Bicyclists posted their 2009 Bicycle Friendly State rankings for all 50 states. We are very pleased to note that NH moved up two slots from 10th in 2008 to 8th this year, due in part to the implementation of the laws updated by "our" HB-1203 effective on January 1, 2009. For more details please visit the LAB web site; a summary of the ranking for all 50 states follows.

List shows 2009 ranking, state name, 2008 ranking, and change in rank from 2008. Thanks to Dr. Brent Hugh, LCI #1335 and Executive Director of the Missouri Bicycle & Pedestrian Federation for compiling this list.

1 Washington 1 –
2 Wisconsin 2 –
3 Maine 6 3
4 Oregon 4 –
5 Minnesota 5 –
6 Iowa 21 15
7 Arizona 3 4
8 New Hampshire 10 2
9 Delaware 31 22
10 New Jersey 9 1
11 Wyoming 18 7
12 Illinois 8 4
13 Colorado 22 9
14 California 7 7
15 Michigan 12 3
16 Maryland 35 19
17 Missouri 28 11
18 Utah 11 7
19 Massachusetts 16 3
20 North Carolina 13 7
21 Vermont 17 4
22 Hawaii 14 8
23 Virginia 23 –
24 Mississippi 47 23
25 Nevada 19 6
26 South Carolina 15 11
27 Kentucky 29 2
28 South Dakota 41 13
29 Indiana 24 5
30 Louisiana 26 4
31 Georgia 49 18
32 Florida 20 12
33 Kansas 25 8
34 Idaho 37 3
35 Rhode Island 27 8
36 Texas 30 6
37 Nebraska 33 4
38 Arkansas 39 1
39 Ohio 32 7
40 Pennsylvania 38 2
41 New York 34 7
42 West Virginia 50 8
43 Tennessee 36 4
44 Connecticut 42 2
45 North Dakota 46 1
46 New Mexico 45 1
47 Alaska 40 7
48 Oklahoma 43 5
49 Montana 44 5
50 Alabama 48 2

US Secretary of Transportation supports bicycling

Secretary Ray LaHood has repeatedly spoken very favorably about bicycling and how some ARRA funds should be spent in support of bicycling facilities. Check out some details on the page devoted to this subject.

BWA-NH organizational structure enhanced

At the December 2008 BWA-NH Board meeting, the foundation for an Executive Committee consisting of ten divisions or committees was created. With all the bicyclist and pedestrian advocacy and education programs now underway or planned, BWA-NH simply needed more talented people devoting more time to make things happen. The organization chart and listing of people filling the positions will appear soon. BWA-NH is very pleased with the progress to date. The expertise and commitment being devoted to the primary BWA-NH goals is very significant and will result in a "cross-over" of support between the divisions and committees. Established groups and organizations are encouraged to join BWA-NH as affiliates with everyone retaining their own identity and internal structure. Groups just forming are welcome to join BWA-NH as members or sponsors in order to derive the benefits which can be provided by a state-wide "umbrella" organization - and that is us!

BWA-NH attains IRS non-profit status

In conjunction with the enhanced structure, BWA-NH is now a fully-certified IRS 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. This allows tax deductable donations and grants going back to our name change on April 10, 2006. All donations, memberships, and sponsorship are deductable less $15.00 a year which pays for the GSW newsletter and membership benefits. Our new Fundraising Committee will be seeking grants to fund expenses such as PSAs for implementation of HB-1203 and "train the trainer" programs to have bike-ed taught in public schools on a sustainable basis. And this is just a beginning!

National Bicycle Commuter Act

While the year ahead promises plenty of challenges, there are also incredible opportunities. One is that people need to get on their bikes now more than ever - and thanks to the Bicycle Commuter Act, this will be first year you can actually get some credit from Uncle Sam for riding your bike!.

Many details are now available. If you are interested, read on!


Video awareness tests posted

See the "How Smart are You?" page for new videos from Peter Warner of Transport for London (TFL). Motorist often don't see bicyclists just because they are not looking for them. Distractions like cell phones and texting are major problems, but if a person is concentrating on one item the changes in surroundings (which might include a bicyclist) are often not seen. How about you? Take the video awareness tests to see if you notice details!

State of NH Bike Maps available

A set of seven free regional NH bike maps were made available from NH DOT on May 16, 2008. After nearly two years of meetings, presentations, state-wide hearings, inputs for various cycling groups, revisions, budget cuts, and other time-consuming projects, the new maps were available in time for the Bike/Walk to Work Day events. To ensure the maps reach bicyclists and not just tourists looking for a free souvenir that is soon trashed, they must be requested. Distribution will be made via the rest areas on the NH Interstate Highways, by contacting the DOT, and from other key NH locations around the state. BWA-NH is a member of the bike map steering committee and can testify that a lot of time and effort has gone into these maps. To be sure, they are not perfect and the state infrastructure is a moving target that cannot be reflected on a map which may be outdated before it is printed. To compensate for such, the NH DOT Bike-Ped web site http://www.nh.gov/dot/nhbikeped will carry updated versions of the maps available for free downloading plus notation of corrections. Any problems or suggestions concerning the maps should be sent to the attention of Jerry Moore in the NH DOT Bike-Ped Office at JMoore2@dot.state.nh.us. (Please use email to contact the Bike-Ped Office, not the phone.)

The maps are smaller but more comprehensive than prior versions. When folded they are just 4.5" x 6" so they fit nicely into bike bags or jersey pockets. The printing is very sharp and easy to read on the 18" x 24" layout. Included is an elevation profile, ratings for the suggested on-road routes, improved and unimproved rail trails, features including airports, covered bridges, commuter rail stations, rest areas, state parks, park & ride locations, sample recreational ride loops, and even the water taxi on Lake Winnipesaukee. Rules of the road concerning bicyclists are stated, complete with the RSA numbers. Governor John Lynch provided the welcome message. The seven maps are based on the seven tourist regions of NH: Merrimack Valley, Seacoast, Monadnock, Lakes, Dartmouth / Lake Sunapee, White Mountains, and the Great North Woods. Distinctive cover photos help identify the maps. The life-cycle of these maps is estimated to be five years. The NH DOT Bike-Ped Office hopes the bicycling community finds the maps to be helpful, especially since state-wide inputs from many bicyclists were incorporated into the final design.

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