SRTC Transportation Blog

Locals Team Up For 'Cash For (Bike) Clunkers' Program

2010-01-07T10:08:00.000-08:00

Here's something cool. I just got a press releas that says a couple local non-profits and an area bike shop are teaming up to put unused bikes back on the road with a 'Bike Cash for Clunkers' program.

People are asked to turn their unwanted bikes into The Two Wheel Transit at 1405 W. First Ave. Shop staff will assess bikes for safety and serviceability and give the donator credit (in the amount of $25-$100)toward a new bike. The bike shop will then turn the used bikes over to either Union Gospel Mission or Pedals2People.

Some differences in this program than the real 'Cash for Clunkers' program: it only pertains to bicycles, it is not funded by the government and bikes that are mechanically sound will not be destroyed, but reused by the two non-profit organizations. The program ends on February 15.

Victim Blogs About Being Hit By Car

2010-01-07T09:21:00.000-08:00

So I learned a couple new things today. One is that the Spokane business 'Rings & Things' has a blog, and another is that one of their employees was hit by a car recently. And he blogged about it. Here's the story from the victim's perspective.

Anyone else out there ever been hit by a car? My dad was when he was a kid but he said he was reading a book at the time and not paying attention so I don't have a lot of sympathy :)

You Asked About Bike Lanes On Crestline- Here's The City's Answer

2010-01-07T09:20:00.000-08:00

An update on bike lanes on Crestline. Below is what the City's new Bike Plan says should or will eventually be on Crestline:

Crestline runs the length of the City and has several different bike facilities;

- Crestline from Magnesium to Francis is designated as bike lanes
- Francis to Empire is designated as Marked/Shared Roadway
- Empire to Illinois is designated Bike Lane
- Crestline between 37th and 57th is designated Shared Roadway.

Currently, the only bike lane actually in place on Crestline is between Magnesium and Francis. The rest are waiting for funding. And the City is actively seeking funding- both for on Crestline and many other streets within the City. It's usually based on a project-by-project basis though, so even if money does become available, it doesn't mean Crestline will be first up to receive its' bike lane.

For any follow up questions regarding bike lanes in the City of Spokane, contact Bike and Pedestrian Coordinator Grant Wencel through email by clicking here.

Passenger Causes Airliner To Turn Around

2010-01-07T08:43:00.001-08:00

I'm going to preface this next article by saying that had I been on this flight, this man would have been beaten to death. A disruptive passenger yesterday caused a commercial jetliner bound for Hawaii to return to the Portland airport- 90 minutes into the flight.

The man refused to store his carry-on bags and made some suspicious remarks. Okay, it's understandable that the pilot was concerned about possible terrorism issues, but if I was a passenger on that plane and was THAT close to Hawaii when the plane turned around, they would have had bigger problems. Here's the story.

Just To Give You A Mid-Week Laugh

2010-01-06T15:36:00.000-08:00

Two Random Things

2010-01-06T10:47:00.001-08:00

- I had a near death experience this morning, caused by one of the people who is supposed to protect us. A police officer in an unmarked car swerved into my lane, almost hitting me, then continued to cross two other lanes of traffic narrowly missing a couple cars. I was pretty angry until I realized his tire had blown and he was out of control! He managed to get onto the shoulder on the right hand side and finally stop but it was scary for a minute there.

- I was at the Spokane Teachers Credit Union in Liberty Lake recently when I noticed that, not only do they have a disabled parking spot right in front of the building, but also one marked something like 'Reserved for alternative fuel burning vehicles.' Hey cool- the people driving electric cars get a head start on their banking!

Red Light Cameras- How Are They Doing?

2010-01-06T08:41:00.000-08:00

Intersections around Spokane where red light cameras were installed do not appear to have had an effect on drivers' behavior. In fact, the number of accidents at those intersections are up. Here's the story from the Spokesman-Review.

I know this is opening a can of worms, but what is your opinion on the cameras? They are admittedly catching a lot of red light runners, so they're doing their job there. But do you think they will eventually help to make intersections safer?

Would You Prefer A Tax Based On How Much You Drive?

2010-01-05T10:41:00.000-08:00

Don't like paying a gas tax? Would you prefer a tax based on the number of miles you drive per year?

That's what the Texas Transportation Commission is considering, and the idea has come up around here in recent years too. The tax would be a way to fund transportation projects in a time when a lot of funding options are going away.

Here's more on the proposed Texas tax. What's your opinion on a tax based on how much you drive each year? Good idea or bad and why?

Bike To Work Week Prep Underway

2010-01-05T10:17:00.000-08:00

Bike to Work Week isn't until May, but preparations for it are already starting. The Bike To Work Spokane Committee will meet weekly to organize this year's events, from 7:30-8:30 a.m. every Tuesday morning (I know- I'm late getting this out there so yes, you missed today's meeting).

Everyone is welcome to attend. The meetings will be at Coffee Social, at 113 W. Indiana Ave. The committee is looking to fill a couple key roles still, so if you have the skills required for these jobs, they need you: PR/Publicity Chair, Fundraising Chair, Commute Challenge Picnic Chair.

Liaisons (serve as lead contact in your town and recruit local helpers to distribute posters, find an Energizer Station spot or two, and get Bicycle Benefits info packets out to businesses that may participate)are also needed for the following cities: Airway Heights, Cheney, Spokane Valley, Mead, any of the smaller towns outside metro Spokane; Liberty Lake has a liaison

City of Spokane neighborhood liaisons are needed to do the same thing. One liaison is desirable in each Neighborhood Council area.

Complete Streets Public Meeting

2010-01-04T09:27:00.001-08:00

A group of several area agencies and individuals has formed to push for the creation of 'Complete Streets' policies in Spokane. If you're not familiar with complete streets, they are roadways designed and operated to enable safe, attractive, and comfortable access and travel for all users. Pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and public transportation users of all ages and abilities are able to safely and comfortably use a complete street. Amenities that may make up a complete street include sidewalks, bike lanes, bus lanes, accessible transit stops, frequent crossing opportunities, median islands, pedestrian signals, curb extensions, and more.

The group behind this movement is working with local politicians and policy makers to reach their goal, but also need the support of the public behind them as well. In an effort to gather that support, Kitty Klitzke of Future is hosting a Complete Streets Spokane organizing meeting this month.

It will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 13 at the Central YMCA, located at 930 N. Monroe. Everyone is welcome to attend. And by the way, Kitty has started up a Complete Streets Spokane Facebook page. Check it out here.

WSDOT Improves Website

2010-01-04T08:37:00.000-08:00

It's Monday, which means the Spokesman-Review is running its 'Getting There' column today.. So what are today's subjects? The Washington State Department of Transportation is working to speed up its web site, due to its high demand and the Sheriff's Department is warning people to be careful getting off buses, as there have been a couple departure injuries recently. Check it out.

Parking Lot Work To Obstruct Traffic

2009-12-31T10:54:00.000-08:00

There will be some lane reductions on Spokane Falls Blvd., Washington, Main, and Bernard in downtown Spokane next week. Work to finish the parking lot project at Washington & Spokane Falls Blvd. starts Tuesday, January 5th, and goes to Friday, January 8th.

Traffic lanes and parking lanes will be closed as work progresses around the block.

I Knew I'd Seen The Grim Reaper At City Hall

2009-12-30T13:45:00.001-08:00

I don't know who Gontram Architects are but they're some funny guys who want to wish you happy holidays with this fun video. I'm not going to say anything else, as to keep myself out of trouble here.

Montana Has Killer Highways- And Not In The Good Sense

2009-12-30T12:15:00.001-08:00

Turns out that our neighbor state, Montana, has some of the deadliest highways per mile nationwide. There were almost 22,000 crashes in the state of Montana last year, killinhg 229 people. Why though? Is it the aging infrastructure? The steep corners and grades? Or the people who drive at ridiculous speeds, even at night?

Here's the answer from KECI News out of Missoula.

Holiday Closures- Again

2009-12-29T09:51:00.000-08:00

A reminder that it's another short week so get your government business done early. All government offices will be closed on Friday, Jan. 1 and most will close early (around noon or 1 p.m.) on Thursday. Spokane County's Building and Planning Department will be closed on Thursday for their regular staff furlough day as well as on Friday, January 1, 2010.

The Questions You Never Thought To Ask About Your Car and Driving

2009-12-29T09:17:00.001-08:00

Ever wonder how the gas pump nozzle shuts itself off when the gas tank in your car is full? Yeah, I never have either. Until I saw this article on MSN. I guess I just never thought about it. It's relatively simple though, and pretty impressive considering the 'technology' behind it has been around for 50 years. Impressive because there really wasn't technology back then.

This article also answers some of the other questions you've come up with while driving but never thought to actually ask. Anyone have anything that wasn't covered in the article?

North Foothills Drive Obstruction

2009-12-28T15:53:00.001-08:00

There will be a street obstruction on North Foothills Drive just west of Perry tomorrow, December 29th.

Garco Construction will be setting a crane on North Foothills Drive to remove two train cars located on the Gonzaga Prep property. Westbound lanes of North Foothills will be closed west of Perry. Westbound traffic will be detoured north on Perry, west on Bridgeport, then south on Nevada. The Eastbound left turn lane (turning north on to Perry) will be closed to accommodate the crane outriggers.

This is a one day job-closure to be set by 9 am, with work complete by 3 pm.

Millwood Employees Recognized For Hard Work

2009-12-28T15:16:00.000-08:00

How often do you hear news out of tiny Millwood, WA? And if you do, how often is it positive, instead of negative stories about traffic or other problems there? Well
here's an article recognizing two City of Millwood employees for the hard work they've done over the years on area roads, and other public works projects.

Thanks Cleve McCoul and Paul Allen!

Eagle Watchers Causing Traffic Havoc

2009-12-28T13:16:00.001-08:00

If you're headed over to Coeur d'Alene to watch the eagles that visit the lake at this time every year, the Idaho Transportation Department just sent out a news release saying that the Idaho State Police will issue citations to drivers who interfere with traffic along Idaho 97. The birds gather every year near Coeur d'Alene Lake, drawing hundreds of people to watch them, and create havoc with road conditions.

Parking areas and pullouts are available on a limited basis along Idaho 97 on the eastern shore of the lake where bird watchers can safely pull off the highway. Motorists have been stopping and blocking traffic, which has prompted the state police to step up traffic patrols and issue citations. Inattentive drivers and cars suddenly stopping create a serious safety issue on the highway.

Anyone wishing to view the bald eagles should use designated parking areas, such as Higgins Point, or identified pullout areas. And slow down and pay attention when travelling around the lake.

Spokane Man Sues Idaho Over Accident

2009-12-28T12:03:00.001-08:00

A Spokane man has filed a $500,000 lawsuit against the state of Idaho for injuries he says resulted from a crash caused by potholes on Interstate 90 in North Idaho.

Here's the story.

I don't remember this when it happened, or the conditions on I90 at the time so it's hard for me to judge whether this suit is right or wrong. ITD officials say there's nothing they could do to fix the situation because of the weather though. From reading this article, do you think the accident victim should win this case or did ITD do everything they could to prevent something like this from happening?

US 395 To Close For Blasting

2009-12-28T11:50:00.000-08:00

US 395 will be closed for short periods of time over the next several weeks to accomodate blasting required to build an interchange for the North Spokane Corridor.

Here's the story from the Spokesman-Review's 'Getting There' column.

Transportation Bill Extended Again

2009-12-28T11:17:00.000-08:00

Those of you who are observant have probably already noticed that Dec. 18 has passed. What’s the significance of the date? For the non-transportation groupies out there, that was the expiration date for the extension of SAFETEA-LU (Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy For Users), the funding and authorization bill that governs United States federal surface transportation spending.

So what does that mean? Are we without a bill that provides funding for transportation projects now and all construction projects will grind to a halt? No, that won’t happen. On the 18th, the ‘Omnibus Bill’ was passed, which extended SAFETEA-LU AGAIN until September of 2010.

Why should you care? Because we at SRTC partnered with the Rails to Trails Conservancy on the ‘SmartRoutes’ project to try to get Congress to double the non-motorized transportation budget from $4.5 billion to $9 billion in the next federal transportation budget. If that happens, when they finally get around to reauthorizing the bill, there will be more money available to build bicycling-friendly facilities like bike lanes, trails, paths, etc.

In the meantime, a couple other bills are expected to be voted on in January that relate to transportation. Jeff Selle is SRTC’s Manager of Government Affairs. After Congress reconvenes in January, he says he’ll write up an entire analysis of everything going on right now that involves transportation.

So, if you’re one of those people who gets that holiday letdown feeling after the holidays, just know that you have that to look forward to.

How Do I Get My Own Channel?

2009-12-24T09:12:00.000-08:00

Did you know that the Washington State Department of Transportation has it's own youtube channel? I'm embarrassed to admit that I didn't, although I should have.

So, it's Christmas Eve and you're at work. But it's a short day and the boss isn't there so what are you going to do? It's not enough time to actually get any work done, but it is enough time to watch WSDOT videos on how they prepare for winter weather, how to put chains on your tires, avalanche control, comparison of freight and passenger trains, and building smarter highways. So get started folks, you're going to be brimming with new transportation knowledge by noon.

Spokane Beats Goal Of Reducing Single Occupancy Vehicles

2009-12-23T12:01:00.000-08:00

The city of Spokane got some recognition this week for curbing wasteful driving practices in the region. Spokane is one of seven cities in the state designated as growth and transportation efficiency centers, or GTECs, and it topped the other six in terms of reducing vehicle miles traveled and the drive-alone rate. Here's more from a Spokesman-Review editorial.

Congratulations To WSDOT On Their Awards

2009-12-23T11:56:00.001-08:00

Congratulations to Chad Simonson's project engineering team at the Washington State Department of Transportation.

Roads and Bridges magazine and the Asphalt Recycling and Reclaiming Association gave them a national award for their innovative use of asphalt recycling on the US 2/SR 211 to Newport project this past summer. The top layer of the existing highway was ground off, mixed with asphalt oil and placed back on the roadway surface as a base layer. This recycle process saved about $1.5 million and reduced the amount of new pavement needed for the project.

Simonson’s project office was also awarded the “Partnership for Excellence in Contract Administration” for the North Spokane Corridor/BNSF Tunnel project. This job required extensive coordination with the Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Railroad and the contractor, Scarsella Brothers, in building this structure over an operating rail line.