›› UPFRONT
Bike support careens ahead Yet Congress still spinning wheels over nonmotorized transport by Pe te r Se i d m an
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s Congress began conference work last week in an attempt to reach a consensus transportation bill, a new nationwide survey revealed overwhelming bipartisan support for maintaining or increasing federal funding for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. That show of support comes as Republicans have repeatedly threatened to reduce or eliminate federal funding of bicycle and pedestrian projects as frivolous and an unwise use of taxpayer dollars. But the survey shows that taxpayers across the country want their tax dollars to support these projects. Princeton Survey Research Associates International, commissioned by America Bikes—a coalition of bicycle and walking advocacy organizations—surveyed 1,003 adults across the country. Respondents were asked to answer questions to determine whether they support federal spending for bike lanes, bike paths and sidewalks. The questions were included in a larger demographic survey conducted by the company. Nonmotorized transportation advocates know most people look kindly on these projects, but the survey results surprised them. “We were hoping to find data that we could use in support of biking and walking,” says Mary Lauran Hall, communications coordinator for America Bikes. “We
didn’t think the numbers would be this strong.” A Republican strategy to hold nonmotorized transportation funding hostage to other issues, such as the gutting of environmental regulations and support for the Keystone Pipeline, have little resonance beyond Washington, she says. “The biggest message the survey results are sending is that Americans [strongly] support the federal funding that goes toward sidewalks and bike lanes, and the controversy about this issue is really an inside the Beltway fight. Americans want this type of infrastructure built.” The survey shows that most Americans are unaware of the small amount of federal transportation money that actually goes to bicycle and pedestrian projects, a level so small it makes little sense to reduce it substantively—or eliminate it, as some Republicans have proposed. Less than 2 percent of federal transportation spending goes toward sidewalks and bikeways. Bicycling and walking currently account for about 12 percent of all trips and represent 14 percent of all traffic fatalities, according to the survey. “Eliminating the tiny percentage of funding...may worsen the existing discrepancy between funding, safety and the number of trips made by foot and bike,” states the survey report. 10 > After learning that 17 percent of
›› NEWSGRAMS
by Jason Walsh
Grand jury tickled pink over red light cameras It’s a red-letter day for red-light cameras, according to a Marin grand jury. In the wake of ongoing controversy surrounding the costs-benefits of San Rafael’s redlight cameras, a Marin County Civil Grand Jury has issued a report which says that the cameras “constitute a viable safety option for the reduction of red-light intersection accidents.” The debate over red-light cameras has been clicking since San Rafael first installed several in 2009, inspiring the grand jury to examine some “urban myths” about the cameras. “The introduction of a red-light camera in San Rafael has generated volumes of heated discourse but little in the way of clarification,” the report says.“Opponents question whether red-light cameras actually reduce intersection accidents. Even more fundamental is the prevailing doubt that intersection accident rates are serious enough to warrant this high-tech solution. The answer to both issues is ‘yes.’” The report cites San Rafael Police Department statistics that accident rates at red-light cameras went down by 12 percent in the first year of operation. Other advantages of the cameras are that they are “vigilant” 24 hours a day, every day; they “are totally impartial and color blind”; and they’ve shown to “modify driver behavior even at non-monitored intersections.” The grand jury also reports that “a national economic analysis showed that red-light cameras saved society $39,000 to $50,000 annually at each intersection where they were installed.” As to complaints that the cameras are an intrusion by Big Brother, the grand jury noted that “the Supreme Court has consistently upheld the principle that driving in open view on a public highway negates Fourth Amendment protection of an individual’s right to privacy.” Added the jury:“From the investigation, it was apparent that the two most vocal groups opposing red-light cameras are offenders themselves or lawyers who specialize in fighting red-light camera citations.” 680 Trail gets its number called Cyclists and hikers will have their heads in the clouds—or 680 feet above sea level, anyway—when the 680 Trail officially opens to the public this Saturday. The 2.9-mile trail lies within an easement deeded to the county from the San Domenico School in 2004. Once open, the trail will be a shared-use trail for hiking, mountain biking and equestrian use; it will also serve as a link between the Terra Linda/Sleepy Hollow Divide Open Space preserve and the Loma Alta Open Space Preserve. “Marin County Parks is thrilled to re-establish a public link between these preserves that has been lost for years,” says Parks Director Linda Dahl. According to the Marin County Bicycle Coalition, the trail area is home to Western bluebirds (who winter in the area), red-tailed hawks, bobcats, coyotes and badgers. Hikers and bikers will also be treated to sweeping views of Mt. Tam, San Francisco, Mt. Diablo, San Pablo Bay and Big Rock Ridge. Parks officials and volunteers will celebrate the official trail opening Saturday, May 19, at 9:30am. The MCBC, Access4Bikes and the Bicycle Works will lead a ride to the event starting from the Java Hut parking lot in Fairfax at 8:30am. MCBC’s Off-Road Director Erik Schmidt will lead the ride. A mountain bike is recommended, and be prepared to climb. Access4Bikes will be installing free engraved bike bells at the grand opening. For details, check out www. marinbike.org. Gray whale rescued off Dillon Beach Call it “Free Dilly.” It has a whale of a happy ending, but it’s not a movie—it’s the story of a gray whale youth that got
8 PACIFIC SUN MAY 18 - MAY 24, 2012
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