Stop toying with AMTRAK funding, dammit!

Source: n8qnp.com

I am so sick and tired of the conservative element in Congress annually trying to defund all or part of AMTRAK. Who are these fools? AMTRAK is regularly setting records for ridership and they want to reduce funding – approximately 30% for fiscal year 2014. Is that a bass ackwards approach or what? Here are some important facts about AMTRAK:

Basic Amtrak Facts

• During FY 2012 (October 2011 – September 2012), Amtrak welcomed aboard more than 31.2 million passengers, the largest annual total in its history, and the ninth annual ridership record in the last ten years. Every day, an average of more than 85,000 passengers ride more than 300 Amtrak trains.
• Amtrak operates a nationwide rail network, serving more than 500 destinations in 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian provinces on more than 21,300 miles of routes, with approximately 20,000 employees. It is the nation’s only high-speed intercity passenger rail provider, operating at a top speed of 150 mph (241 kph). More than half of its trains operate at top speeds of 100 mph (160 kph) or greater.
• Amtrak is building the equipment, infrastructure and organization it needs to sustain growing ridership.
• Amtrak is investing in critical projects that will enhance the passenger experience, sustain the national passenger network, provide much-needed capacity and improve reliability and safety.
• Amtrak is taking steps to improve financial performance and accountability with new cost controls, efficiency improvements, and debt reduction measures that will combine with better service, record ridership and resulting revenue increases to improve our bottom line.

Amtrak plays an important role in the national transportation network by providing travelers with a safe, efficient and reliable alternative that mitigates the effect of high gas prices and pervasive highway and airline congestion.

• In FY 2012, Amtrak earned approximately $2.877 billion in revenue and incurred approximately $4.036 billion in expense. No country in the world operates a passenger rail system without some form of public support for capital costs and/or operating expenses.
• In FY 2012, Amtrak covered 88 percent of operating costs with ticket sales and other revenue.
• In 2011, an average of more than 831,000 people every weekday depended on commuter rail services that used Amtrak-owned infrastructure, dispatching, shared operations, or rode commuter trains operated or maintained by Amtrak under contracts with local or regional agencies.
• The Amtrak Northeast Corridor (NEC) is the busiest railroad in North America, with more than 2,200 trains operating over some portion of the Washington-Boston route each day. Approximately 260 million intercity and commuter rail passengers rely on the NEC each year.
• When included among U.S. airlines, Amtrak ranks No. 6 in domestic passengers carried. In the Northeast Corridor, Amtrak now has a very strong position in many markets that were previously dominated by air carriers.
  • Amtrak carried more than three times as many riders between Washington and New York City as the airline industry.
  • Amtrak carried more riders between New York and Boston than all of the airlines combined.

I guess I shouldn’t be totally surprised as some members of Congress are beholding to Big Oil (namely a pair of brothers from Wichita), but common sense is common sense. A modern and comprehensive transportation system must consist of many forms of transportation – from cars to bicycles, to buses, to trains, to planes, to walking, to transit, to so on and so on.  Leave any aspect out and it disrupts the entire system – just ask those in the Northeast when the train system is down due to a hurricane or accident.

What these yahoos don’t seem to get is if more people are riding AMTRAK, then our supply of oil will be extended offering the oil companies profits over an extended period of time. Duh – politicians should be able to figure that one out…even ones from oil states.

It’s high time Congress as a whole worried about more important things than taking swipes at AMTRAK funding. How about ending the tax breaks and subsidies for oil companies instead? They seem to be making a sufficient profit. That’s a change that most of America (except oil-rich states) will gladly cheer.

Do you…Smart Commute?

Source” midmeac.org

Here in Greater Lansing we are in the midst of day number three of Smart Commute 2013 – a two-week long competition between teams who toss aside the passe’ OPOC (one person one car) mindset and utilize smart/clean/active transportation options for daily trips to work, school, church, shopping, etc. Smart Commute mode options include cycling, walking, carpooling, telecommuting, vanpooling, public transit, kayaking, and other similar modes.

Source: thirdwave-websites.com

Teams can consist of co-workers, classmates, church goers, neighborhoods, friends, and other combinations and tally each smart commute trip (one direction) as one point. The team with the most points by the end of the two weeks wins. But, the longer term goal is to get people out of their cars for more than just two weeks. This benefits their health, their pocketbook, the environment, and reduces congestion on local streets. Sounds like a win-win-win-win situation. That’s better than chances of winning the lottery.

Source: ecovelo.info

Smart Commute was established and is organized by the Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Coalition (Mid-MEAC). For more details on Smart Commute, here is a weblink.

Ecomodal transportation hubs

San Francisco’s Transbay Terminal (2015) – Source: urbika.com

This post summarizes several ideas that could be employed to facilitate the establishment of sustainable transportation hubs where intermodal cross-movement between multiple green (or active) transportation options takes place with ease. In a nutshell, these facilities are described by using the term “Ecomodal Hub.”  Strategically placed on a brownfield, adaptable, or vacant site within the urban area, it is believed such hubs would establish the necessary infrastructure and coordination to accelerate the conversion of more commuters from single-occupant automobiles to clean and green commuting alternatives.

At the heart of the Ecomodal Hub would be a solar-powered and/or green-roofed hub station for commuters/travelers who are transferring between transportation options to wait and relax in a safe, environmentally efficient, and sheltered environment. Most Ecomodal Hubs would not need to be as enormous or complex as San Francisco’s  Transbay Terminal which is shown in the photo above. Much smaller and less expensive and less complex versions could be developed in cities of varying size. In some instances a vacant parcel or parking lot could easily be transformed into an Ecomodal Hub given the right parameters.

The building’s interior would have appropriate conveniences such as seating, free wi-fi and computer/laptop recharging sites, restrooms, changing/shower facilities, ATM, coffee shop/snack bar/newsstand, storage lockers, security, ticket terminals, intermodal arrival/departure display monitors, and similar resources. Outside of the hub station would be a solar-lighted/heated transit/intercity bus shelter for each direction of the adjacent route(s); a minimum of six sheltered solar-powered EV charging/plug-in stations; sheltered bicycle parking racks; a quick-fix bicycle service station; a taxicab stand; and a minimum of 50 carpool/vanpool parking spaces.

Alternative energy vehicles shall be given priority parking locations along with those for the disabled nearest the hub station. Throughout the site, appropriate and native landscaping would be utilized for cooling/shade in the summer months and to deflect winter winds whenever practical. Recycling and waste containers will be located throughout the interior and exterior of the site and all exterior lighting would be solar-powered, as well. Gray water from the hub station will be used for the trees and plantings.

For those cities fortunate enough to have commuter rail or light rail, every attempt should be made to link the Ecomodal Hub to a railroad passenger station. Otherwise, it should be situated in close proximity. Ecomodal Hubs should also be located adjacent to or very close to important transit routes and major bicycle commuting corridors/trails.

Any other thoughts and ideas on this topic are most welcome. Thanks!

Powerful, peaceful, poignant, pedal parade

Riders arriving at the State Capitol

Yesterday evening, I had the great honor to take part in my first Greater Lansing Ride of Silence. One of more than 350 such events being held in all 50 states and 21 countries on May 15th, the Ride of Silence was initiated in 2003 by cycling advocates in Dallas, Texas after a local bicyclist was struck and killed by the side mirror of a passing bus. Since then the event has grown steadily in geographic reach and poignancy.

Here in Greater Lansing, the 2013 Ride of Silence took on even greater significance as a local cyclist was struck and killed by a hit and run driver Monday night, right in front of Sparrow Hospital. This tragic event clearly highlighted the dangers that both commuting and recreational bicyclists face each and every day. While it cast a pall over the celebratory events of Bike to Work Week, it did have the positive side effect of drawing much greater media coverage of the local Ride of Silence, as two television stations and two area newspapers covered the event, some participating in the ride and others providing live news feeds.

I would like to say that the efforts of the four of us who served on the organizing committee led to the impressive 70% increase in participation over 2012 (170 versus 103), but the notoriety from Monday’s tragedy probably had more to do with the terrific numbers than anything. Spectacular spring weather also helped draw more riders.

This year’s ride began at Wells Hall on the Michigan State University Campus and proceeded silently westward for 4.5 miles through parts of campus and then along Michigan Avenue from East Lansing to Lansing and the Michigan State Capitol. Aside from the powerful visual image of 170 brightly dressed bicyclists pedaling two abreast in formation, the ride took on a greater meaning as many riders displayed the peace sign while passing the scene of Monday’s tragedy and as a bouquet of flowers was laid at the street corner where the cyclist passed away. Rarely does one have the opportunity to participate in such a moving experience.

The Ride of Silence means exactly what it implies – all cyclists ride in silence to solemnly honor those killed or injured in accidents with motor vehicles. Throughout the entire ride, all that could be heard was the shifting of gears and the hum of tires rolling over the pavement. Otherwise, we were all left to reflect and remember…and that is exactly the way it should be.

Now is NOT the time to relent – fossil fuels are still fossil fuels

Source: evrdr.com

Given the ongoing North American oil production boom, there will no doubt be a tendency by those without any foresight (and in Big Oil) to push for scaling back incentives for clean, renewable energy resources like wind and solar; funding for transit and active transportations options; and incentives for producing and buying hybrid/electric vehicles. That is exactly the WRONG thing to do!

Since the nation has been given a temporary window of opportunity to get our collective acts together, we better not relent on our push for clean/green energy sources now. If we want a smoother transition to clean/green energy and not another energy shock, the our leaders must remain steadfast in pursuing a growing and diversified renewable energy portfolio.

One would think the United States would learn from past history, but given the tendency of some in this country to re-write or outright disregard history altogether, I am not confident the nation won’t fall off the wagon and become re-addicted to oil. Aside from that, fossil fuel is fossil fuel. It doesn’t matter whether it comes from the Middle East or the Midwest, it’s still the same nasty pollutant that increases our carbon footprint, fouls our waters, and increases global warming. Now is definitely NOT the time to relent. NOW is the time to accelerate our transition to cleaner/greener energy options. Our children and grandchildren will thank us for doing so. To do otherwise would be a shameful legacy.

Let the good word on bicycles be heard!

This graphic shown below was produced by the League of Michigan Bicyclists and pretty much says it all about the benefits of bicycling to the State of Michigan.  Similar examples can be found nationwide and across the globe.

Source: League of Michigan Bicyclists

Wednesday, May 22nd is Lucinda Means Bicycle Advocacy Day. Here are the key issues for 2013, include:

“Protecting vulnerable roadway users by establishing enhanced penalties for injuring or killing cyclists.”

“Establishing a standard for safe passing of bicyclists on Michigan roads.”

“Revising the right turn hand signal to make an extended right arm legal in Michigan.”

“Allowing bicyclists to bypass malfunctioning traffic lights.”

“Supporting a new Michigan trails and greenways license plate to fund local trail projects.”

“Preventing the Raid on Natural Resources Trust Fund Dollars Available for Trails Projects.”

“Adequately funding safe transportation infrastructure that supports multi-modal use.”

Please consider contacting your local, state, and national representatives and express to them that you want more money spent on bicycle infrastructure and not roads (twice as many jobs are produced as highway projects is one excellent reason, let alone the health and environmental benefits). Let the good word on bicycles be heard!

Automate them already!

Source: backspace.com

Why is it we so often automatically defer all common sense to the automobile? Case in point, the crosswalk signal. Why is it that we as pedestrians, wheelchair riders, joggers, cyclists, and many others must seek, find, and then push a button to activate a crosswalk signal? Why is it that if we do not time our arrival perfectly, we have to stand and wait for the whole intersection to cycle through before we can cross the street? Why can’t these things just be automated?

utahaccidentbooks.com

It seems to me that it would cost less to have a preset automated crosswalk system rather than having to install separate buttons on poles or on freestanding units. Plus, it would have the added benefit of subtly teaching drivers to expect a crosswalk signal at all intersections with traffic signals and therefore be on the lookout for those of us who prefer not to live in a tin can. Another benefit is the automated crossing does not rely on mechanical buttons that sometimes do not work – leaving one to play a modern version of street crossing dodgem.

I have no problem with mid-block crosswalks having a push button to activate them – that only makes practical sense. But, the traditional signalized intersection should always have an automatic crosswalk signal that is preset to activate when the traffic signals change, no matter whether it’s in downtown, midtown, the burbs, the exurbs or a small town. Am I wrong or unreasonable here? Just curious what everyone else thinks.

Ranking states on bicycle friendliness

Below are a new map and chart prepared by the League of American Bicyclists and the Alliance for Biking and Walking which ranks the 50 states on their bicycle friendliness in 2013.

As is evident from the map, the Western states, the Upper Great Lakes, the Middle Atlantic states, and New England rank best, while the Lower Great Lakes, South Central, and Great Plains states rank the poorest in bicycle friendliness.

Source: bikeleague.org/programs/bicyclefriendlyamerica/bicyclefriendlystate/

Source: bikeleague.org/programs/bicyclefriendlyamerica/bicyclefriendlystate/

A bicyclist’s dream come true – a trailside brewpub

One very cool logo – Source: yelp.com

This past Saturday, Alison and I made a trip to the northern burbs of Grand Rapids to wander the quaint shops of Rockford, Michigan and try out the Rockford Brewing Company. Given its location aside the White Pine State Trail and ample bicycle parking, the brewpub is a bicyclist’s dream come true – a frothy watering hole along a well-maintained multi-purpose trail. Who could ask for more? Some spring weather would be helpful.

Themed on the verdant fly-fishing found along the rollicking Rogue River, the Rockford Brewing Company is perfectly situated for cyclists, walkers, joggers, shopper, and fly-fishers taking advantage of the Rockford area’s amazing and scenic topography – definitely one of Michigan’s hidden gems. The first floor view of the trail and the second floor view of the nearby Rogue River are hard to top, especially when the river was running well-above its normal level with an intensity not often seen in these parts.

The brewpub also offers a regular cavalcade of free live musical performances every Thursday and acoustic jam sessions on Sundays. Given the line-up listed on their website, Rockford will be blessed with an excellent array of performers.

I enjoyed my malty pint of O’Brien’s Red Ale. The Cuban sandwich was tasty, albeit lacking a certain panache’ one finds with many brewpub offerings. All in all, Rockford Brewing Company is a nice addition (2011) to the Greater Grand Rapids brewing scene and its location and music offerings are hard to beat. My only suggestion would be for them to spice up their existing dining options a bit.

Overtly car-oriented LEED buildings should be disqualified

Source: triplepundit.com

Let me preface this post by saying that the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED certification program is an excellent way to improve energy efficiency in building design and reduce a facility’s carbon footprint. It is an excellent marketing tool for promoting energy efficiency and good building design.

That being said, no matter how environmentally sustainable a building is, if it is built in a location (particularly in urban areas) where most everyone working there must drive a car to reach work, it is illogical for LEED to certify the building. Any building located on an urban/suburban site that does not have public transit access or is not within close walking/cycling proximity to affordable housing should be automatically disqualified from receiving any level of LEED certification, unless it has a STRONG emphasis on hybrids, plug-in electric vehicles including charging stations, and carpools/vanpools. The perceived benefits derived from constructing a sustainable building are too likely to be offset by its poorly chosen location. So, how is such a scenario any better than constructing a non-LEED certifiable building in an urban locale that is easily accessible to transit, bike routes, and sidewalks? Both miss half the equation for good sustainability. So, why honor one and rue the other?

Some may think my posting may be a bit harsh, but if we are going to achieve “real, measurable, perceptible” improvements in terms of our collective environmental impact on the planet, it is rather bogus to hand out awards and certifications to those facilities that are only superficially beneficial to the environment. As has been said, “you cannot judge a book by its cover” – well, that also goes for awards. Just because the bricks and mortar are dazzling and energy-efficient, does not mean the nuts and bolts (including the chosen location) are too.