As you know, we’ve been fighting hard to make sure that the new Transportation preserves biking and walking.  There is a REAL chance that they will eliminate all bicycle and pedestrian funding.  This funding is important because it provides the infrastructure and programs allowing Mississippians and people around the nation to bike and walk.  With the epidemic of obesity facing Mississippi, we CANNOT allow this to happen!

The good news:  We have been working with Senator Cochran’s office encouraging him to support these programs and we are proud to say that he has agreed to CO-SPONSOR the amendment now in the Senate to preserve these funds.  We want to do two things to make sure this amendment passes.

The Safe Routes to School National Partnership is hiring a full-time state advocacy organizer in Mississippi.  This position would continue to work very closely with Bike Walk Mississippi and MDOT’s Safe Routes to Schools coordinator in our efforts to advance active transportation and more livable communities in Mississippi.  

 Summary:  The state advocacy organizer builds, strengthens and maintains a state network of diverse organizations, public agencies and partners to achieve the following three main policy objectives:

Thank you to all of our current members!  

Need to renew your membership with Bike Walk Mississippi?   

We offer several options for you to give to the cause; choose yours below! 

• Make a donation of your choosing today.  Giving through our partner “Network for Good” allows you to sign up for monthly, quarterly or annual renewing donation.  Click on the icon to Donate through Network For Good.  

or Choose a membership level and “add it to your cart” to pay through Paypal  

Household: $30 

All of the above perks but for TWO!

Best Value: $52 

_____________________________________________________________________

Wondering why you should join?  

 For what amounts to roughly the cost of a helmet or a pair of shoes you can support the bicycle and pedestrian advocacy effort in Mississippi today!  Your gift of $20, $30, $52, $120, $250, $500 or an amount of your choosing can make all the difference to cyclists, to runners, to children, to parents and to the entire state of Mississippi!

Where will your gift go? If you are able to make a donation to our work, your gift will allow us to continue distributing safety materials FREE of charge to citizens throughout the state.  In addition, it will help us continue to educate elected officials and law enforcement officers and will allow us to continue to be a resource for individuals, communities, businesses, schools, parents and children providing them tools to experience a better quality of life through biking, walking, running and other outdoor activities.  Your gift will allow us to continue to influence legislative change AND will support outreach to engage low-income communities empowering them with the needed resources for a greater sense of safety, access and support.

Your contributions have helped make Bike Walk Mississippi continue to serve as YOUR VOICE for legislative and policy change on behalf of all pedestrians and bicyclists across the state.  We get in front of lawmakers at both a local and federal level to advocate and educate on your behalf.  In addition to elected officials, we work with health officials, planning and design professionals, MDOT, runners, cyclists, driver’s education programs, motorists, the news media and more!  We work to insure better enforcement, infrastructure and safety for YOU…and, we can’t stop now!

 Take a step.  Support a revolution. 

Download the John Paul Frerer Bicycle Safety Act Pocket Guide!

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BWM is now leading a statewide effort to educate citizens about the law and how it affects motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.   Please join us in our efforts to educate Mississippians about the 3 feet law & remind everyone to Share the Road!  Here are 3 steps you can take today to support the Share the Road efforts in Mississippi!

1. Become a member or make a donation to Bike Walk Mississippi. 

Your financial gift will support the statewide efforts of education & promotion of the 3 feet law.  BWM works to promote a safe environment and works to grow mutual respect among bicyclists and motorists in Mississippi.  BWM provides educational and promotional materials to bike shops, clubs, races, businesses and individuals free of charge.  Your gift will help get these materials in the hands of people around the state.  We must be vigilant to remind everyone that they can Save a life by Sharing the Road.

**If you wish, you can make a donation in honor of a fallen or injured cyclist and an honor card will be sent to the family.** If you making a donation in honor of someone please remember to include the name of the person & the address of family member in the notes section of your gift.  You can make a donation online HERE or if you wish to give by check, you can mail your dues or donation to:  Bike Walk Mississippi, PO Box 515, Jackson, MS 39205

2.   Every time you get in your car, remind other motorist to SHARE THE ROAD!  Purchase (or renew) your Share the Road license plate at your local tag office. $24 out of the $31 cost goes directly to the efforts of Bike Walk Mississippi.  Simply request a tag from “Bicycle Advocacy Group of Mississippi” (Bike Walk MS).  Every tag does double duty: Support Advocacy & remind motorists to Share the Road!  (We also have bumper stickers available, if you’d like one, send an email to bikewalk@bikewalkmississippi.org)

3. Sign our petition to protect ALL users of the road.

If you’d like to join our Safety/Education Team, please send an email to: bikewalk@bikewalkmississippi.org with the subject line: “Join Safety Efforts”

In this uncertain economic time, Bike Walk Mississippi counts on the support of people like you – now more than ever.  Your partnership is extremely important to us because it’s YOUR support that helps provide the resources that make an immediate impact to a healthier, happier and safer state.  

But, in this economy, money is tight and Bike Walk Mississippi needs to raise $10,000 to keep our “wheels” turning and continue to be your voice for change.  We are celebrating that because of generous donations, we raised $6,000 in December and are more than half-way to our goal!

Will you consider helping us to continue our efforts in 2012?

 For what amounts to roughly the cost of a helmet or a pair of shoes you can support the bicycle and pedestrian advocacy effort in Mississippi today!  Your gift of $20, $30, $52, $120, $250, $500 or an amount of your choosing can make all the difference to cyclists, to runners, to children, to parents and to the entire state of Mississippi!

Where will your gift go? If you are able to make a donation to our work, your gift will allow us to continue distributing safety materials FREE of charge to citizens throughout the state.  In addition, it will help us continue to educate elected officials and law enforcement officers and will allow us to continue to be a resource for individuals, communities, businesses, schools, parents and children providing them tools to experience a better quality of life through biking, walking, running and other outdoor activities.  Your gift will allow us to continue to influence legislative change AND will support outreach to engage low-income communities empowering them with the needed resources for a greater sense of safety, access and support.

Your contributions have helped make Bike Walk Mississippi continue to serve as YOUR VOICE for legislative and policy change on behalf of all pedestrians and bicyclists across the state.  We get in front of lawmakers at both a local and federal level to advocate and educate on your behalf.  In addition to elected officials, we work with health officials, planning and design professionals, MDOT, runners, cyclists, driver’s education programs, motorists, the news media and more!  We work to insure better enforcement, infrastructure and safety for YOU…and, we can’t stop now!

Taking a step to support the movement?  We offer several options for you to give to the cause: 

1. Make a donation of your choosing today.  Giving through our partner “Network for Good” allows you to sign up for monthly, quarterly or annual renewing donation.  Click on the icon to Donate through Network For Good.  

2. Choose a membership level and “add it to your cart” to pay through Paypal  

Household: $30 

All of the above perks but for TWO!

Best Value: $52 

Thank you for your support of Bike Walk Mississippi!  We can’t do it without your generous support!  

Take a step.  Support a revolution. 

Bike Walk Mississippi partners with many agencies to provide ways for you to get involved! 

1. Does your school or city want to learn more about Safe Routes to Schools programs?  The Mississippi Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program is spearheaded by Cookie Leffler, MDOT Safe Routes to School Coordinator.  You can get in touch with Cookie by phone at: 601-359-1454 or by email at:  cleffler[at]mdot.state.ms.us

2. Do you care about the safety, health and access of school children to bike and walk to school?  Join the MS Safe Routes to Schools Network Project: In conjunction with the Safe Routes to School National Partnership & the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Mississippi was selected to form it’s own Network of individuals and groups interested in pushing forward the agenda for better and safer streets for children.  The State Network Project brings together state leaders to increase physical activity,ensure that federal SRTS funds are spent on quality projects, work to leverage additional state resources for SRTS initiatives, and advocate to remove barriers to walking and bicycling to schools through policy initiatives.  Want to become part of our team? Email bikewalk[at]bikewalkmississippi[dot]org, Subject: Safe Routes Network.

Learn more about the program, see success stories, best practices and ways to get involved:

• Check out the MS Network’s Accomplishments in 2010-2011. Check it out HERE. 
• ***Breaking News****You can now download the BRAND NEW report discussing Successes & Lessons learned from the Network Project around the US!  Check it out HERE !  Learn about efforts with: Complete Streets policies, engaging low income communities, School-Siting, Joint-Use agreements, issues on childhood obesity and so much more! 

• MDOT’s Project Development Manual for Local Public Agencies
• National Center For Safe Routes to School
• Certified Bicycle Safety Instructors –for a listing of the League of American Bicyclists’ certified instructors located throughout Mississippi who are available to teach and train students and other groups in bicycle safety.
• MS Dept. of Education-Office of Healthy Schools
• Lesson plans centered on the goals of the Mississippi Safe Routes to School program are on the Health in Action on-line database.  These lesson  plans provide teachers with new ways to fulfill the health instruction requirements for K – 8 students.
• Statewide Crossing Guard Training Program – developed to assist in promoting the safe crossing for children in schools zones. For more information, call the MDE’s Office of Healthy Schools at 601-359-1737.
• MS State Dept. of Health – Office of Preventive Health MSDH offers presentations and assistance with Safe Routes to School education and encouragement activities like walking school buses and bicycle rodeos.

• Paul’s Amazing Trip (bicycle):  http://www.nhtsa.gov/staticfiles/nti/pdf/paul.pdf

 Bike Walk Mississippi  have submitted a list of questions to all Transportation Commissioner candidates throughout the state and will publish their answers as soon as we receive them.  Both candidates from the Central District have responded with their answers to how they will incorporate the needs of bicyclists and pedestrians into the overall Transportation system in Mississippi.  Please find their answers below:

Responses from Dick Hall (R):  

Q: Over the past year, we have seen several bicycle fatalities as well as significant accidents and aggression toward cyclists on Mississippi’s roads. This in addition to vehicular deaths, pedestrian safety and the issue of distracted driving, do you support committed and increased funding to help lessen these accidents?

A: I do. I was a big supporter of Senate Bill No. 3014 or John Paul Frerer Safety Act making it mandatory for motorists to observe 3 feet when passing by cyclists. It’s un-nerving having a car pass you at high speed while you’re on your bicycle. They need to respect cyclists, and I’m committed to doing whatever is in my power to protect cyclists on the road. It’s just as much the cyclists’ road as it is the car or truck.

Q: When we talk about bicycle and pedestrian advocacy in Mississippi, we are not simply talking about alternate paths and bike lanes, but an overall concerted effort to integrate these types of travel into the bigger Transportation system in Mississippi. Do you believe that biking and pedestrian facilities, design and other issues should be part of the bigger picture of Mississippi’s Transportation system?

A: Without question. We are currently engaging in a statewide effort to integrate more options for cyclists, walkers, and runners to safely travel from point A to point B. Our ultimate goal is to have a network of paths that connect the various communities throughout Mississippi. In metro Jackson, we’re working on a continuous multiuse path that will connect to the existing paths in Ridgeland, Flowood, and Brandon. Metro Jackson has so much opportunity for multiuse paths, and I am helping lead the charge to get the City of Jackson the money they need to make this a reality. I’m excited to report that just this past Tuesday we awarded the city of Jackson $1,100,000 for a multiuse trail which will connect the Farmer’s Market to the Ag. Museum, and hopefully in the future connect with some of the paths we have helped fund for Flowood and Ridgeland. If the current Commission is elected for another term, we have already made it our priority to integrate multimodal transportation systems into our future plans for Mississippi. I look forward to the opportunity to make that happen for Mississippi.

Q: Many people walk or bike in Mississippi whether by choice and by need.  How will you increase access of our roads for people who don’t or can’t drive and do you support better funding for public transportation as well as better infrastructure to provide access for ALL users of the road?

A: I do believe funding public transportation is necessary. Not everyone can afford their own vehicle, so it’s important that public transportation options are available. That’s why we have a full division  called Public Transit devoted to aiding local municipalities in providing public transportation options to help their citizens get from point a to point b.

Q: TE Funding:  As you know, the Federal Transportation Bill received an extension until March 2012 at which point there is a chance that Transportation Enhancements funds (the primary funding source of bike paths, walking trails, sidewalks) will fall under the ultimate discretion of the each state’s Department of Transportation.   Will you continue to support using these funds to support bike & pedestrian projects through these programs in Mississippi?

A.    Absolutely. I’m proud to report that we just awarded a total of $6.9 Million dollars in the Central Transportation District alone for Transportation Enhancement projects. Of that $6.9 Million awarded to local municipalities, $4.1 Million  (60%) was for multiuse trails. There is no question that the Current Mississippi Transportation Commission is taking the wants and needs of cyclists, runners, and walkers very seriously; and I encourage every local municipality to apply for these Transportation Enhancement funds. We intend to expand upon this progress in the future.

Q: How would your transportation plans for Mississippi be inclusive of ALL the people who use roads?  The “Complete Streets” policy implementation has been a very effective concept used nationwide to take into account the needs of ALL users of the road when completing new or re-construction projects. Would you support a statewide complete streets policy in Mississippi?

A: I would support such a policy. In fact, this past year with the help of our friends at Bike Walk MS and other advocacy groups, we instituted a policy to make it mandatory for MDOT to study the feasibility of incorporating a multiuse path or bicycle lane in all new construction plans from here on out. It’s time for Mississippi to be at the top of list when it comes to being bicycle and pedestrian friendly.

Q: Job creation: According to the most recent report, bike projects create twice as many jobs per dollar as resurfacing projects.  These projects use fewer materials therefore more of the cost goes to labor.  Particularly in light of Mississippi’s need for increased health and economic development, do you support infrastructure that would support cyclist and motorist safety such as widening shoulders and increasing bike lanes, sharrows, signs and paths?

A: Mississippi has consistently been one of America’s fattest states. I’m tired of hearing that. While I have been in office as your Central Transportation Commissioner, I have made it a personal mission to increase the available options for runners and cyclists. Admittedly, we can’t know everything about everything, so we partner with advocacy groups like Bike Walk MS who have expertise in issues and help convey the needs of cyclists and pedestrians to us. With the help of advocacy groups, we are constantly adding more sharrows, signs, and paths are being added to Mississippi’s transportation infrastructure.

Q: In Wisconsin, bicycling has an economic impact of $1.5 million, Minnesota has seen a $1 billion bicycling boost to their economy, Central Florida’s bike paths pump 42 million into the local economy and North Carolina found a 9-1 return on investment in bicycle improvements.  In light of the significant return on investment, will you support allocating funds to invest in these opportunities?

A.    Yes, I’m a big believer in bicycling as a viable alternative to conventional means of transportation. And there are more benefits to bicycling than the obvious monetary returns. I would like to see a healthier future for Mississippi, and this is a great way to help that cause.

Q: Safe Routes to Schools: MDOT held its first Safe Routes to Schools Conference this year.  What will you do as commissioner to increase safe and healthy transportation options and opportunities daily exercise for school-kids in Mississippi?

A.    This is something near and dear to me. I used to ride my bike to school every day when I was a kid, and I really enjoyed it. I fully support projects that expand sidewalks, dedicated bike paths, sharrows, and any other safe means for a child to get to school either by foot or on their bike. We have some really capable and competent people in our staff at MDOT who help make programs like Safe Routes to Schools successful. I was fortunate enough to speak at the SRTS conference this year, and it was touching to see how many interested Mississippians there were in attendance. If this conference was such a success on the first go-round, I know it will only get bigger and stronger in the future, and as your Commissioner I am dedicated to providing all the necessary resources to make this and other programs and efforts that make it safer to walk, run, or ride your bike in Mississippi.

Responses from Marshand Crisler (D):  

Q: Over the past year, we have seen several bicycle fatalities as well as significant accidents and aggression toward cyclists on Mississippi’s roads. This in addition to vehicular deaths, pedestrian safety and the issue of distracted driving, do you support committed and increased funding to help lessen these accidents?

A: Yes.

Q: When we talk about bicycle and pedestrian advocacy in Mississippi, we are not simply talking about alternate paths and bike lanes, but an overall concerted effort to integrate these types of travel into the bigger Transportation system in Mississippi. Do you believe that biking and pedestrian facilities, design and other issues should be part of the bigger picture of Mississippi’s Transportation system?

A: Yes. People change, and needs change. We are transitioning into an era of exercise including walking and biking. We are also going green.  As we change as a society, so must our infrastructure change to handle the demands of the people. I am supportive of any alternate means of transportation that are (1) healthy, (2) environmentally friendly, and (3) cost effective. Biking and walking are more than just fun. They are a practical, economical means of transportation that should be supported and encouraged throughout the state, not just in certain areas.

Q: Many people walk or bike in Mississippi whether by choice and by need.  How will you increase access of our roads for people who don’t or can’t drive and do you support better funding for public transportation as well as better infrastructure to provide access for ALL users of the road?

A: The first part of the question is not something I would have the expertise or knowledge to answer. As a Commissioner, that is indeed the kind of questions I would ask to be studied so that the commissioners can review the information and follow with plans to proceed. Part 2: Yes I support public transportation and we need to find better means of funding, especially in areas that depend on a functional public transportation on a daily basis.

Q: TE Funding:  As you know, the Federal Transportation Bill received an extension until March 2012 at which point there is a chance that Transportation Enhancements funds (the primary funding source of bike paths, walking trails, sidewalks) will fall under the ultimate discretion of the each state’s Department of Transportation.   Will you continue to support using these funds to support bike & pedestrian projects through these programs in Mississippi?

A: The benefits from TE funding for bike and walking paths are evident in areas where funding has been obtained, such as Rankin and Madison Counties. The safety for the users is benefit enough, but the overall benefit to the communities for having such amenities makes this a win/win program for citizens and municipalities. As the momentum toward healthy lifestyle continues to increase, we need to continue using TE funds to enhance communities and lives throughout the state. What a great way to “vacation” in Mississippi by riding from one city to the next, or to take the family for a weekend to explore a new city or town by meandering through on foot or cycle.

Q: How would your transportation plans for Mississippi be inclusive of ALL the people who use roads?  The “Complete Streets” policy implementation has been a very effective concept used nationwide to take into account the needs of ALL users of the road when completing new or re-construction projects. Would you support a statewide complete streets policy in Mississippi?

A: “Complete streets” are successful. I like the concept, the reasoning, and believe they are indeed the way of the future. For new road projects, engineers should consider “complete streets” as a viable option on new road projects and on projects to widen and/or re-work existing roads and bridges. Serious consideration should be given on every job.

Q: Job creation: According to the most recent report, bike projects create twice as many jobs per dollar as resurfacing projects.  These projects use fewer materials therefore more of the cost goes to labor.  Particularly in light of Mississippi’s need for increased health and economic development, do you support infrastructure that would support cyclist and motorist safety such as widening shoulders and increasing bike lanes, sharrows, signs and paths?

A: Absolutely.

Q: Safe Routes to Schools: MDOT held its first Safe Routes to Schools Conference this year.  What will you do as commissioner to increase safe and healthy transportation options and opportunities daily exercise for school-kids in Mississippi?

A: It will be exciting to take the message of SRTS throughout the 22-county district. Only a few of our cities and towns in Mississippi have become involved, and sadly, none are in the Central District. I will take the message and be an advocate for Safe Routes to Schools. I have children who need this, and know the district is filled with thousands more. This is a program that will greatly benefit the Central district.

We hope you will take into account the bicycle and pedestrian issues as it relates to MDOT’s overall Transportation System.  We will release the Northern & Southern candidate questions as soon as we receive them.

Take a step. Support a revolution. 

Bike Walk Mississippi’s “I Share the Road” Campaign

The “I Share the Road” campaign is tailored to target motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. Through this campaign, Bike Walk Mississippi and it’s members seek to increase education among the general public and to assist law enforcement officials.

Bike Walk Mississippi believes that the “Share the Road” concept should be addressed from an inclusive and participatory perspective, encouraging a mutual respect from all users of the road.  We believe in focusing on the positive and encouraging a concept that many Mississippians pride themselves on: Southern Hospitality.  We know that Mississippians are proud of the fact that each resident can play an active role in being hospitable and welcoming to each other.  We want to encourage a sense of good-will and friendliness to our fellow citizen and want to be seen as a state that welcomes visitors.   The “I Share the Road” campaign will encourage our community to go beyond simply giving proper passing distance to bicyclists.  It encourages a welcoming and hospitable mentality shift on the part of everyone on the road.  We invite everyone to proclaim with pride, “I Share the Road!”

Campaign Objectives

Increased Safety

• To get more cyclists on the road.
  • Safety is a current concern for existing and potential cyclists.   We will also remind potential cyclists that there is safety in numbers.
• To decrease “buzzing” and harassment of cyclists

Education

• To educate all citizens about the existence of the 3 foot law and its enforcement.
  • This includes partnering with Driver’s Ed programs, Schools & other safety programs.
• To educate cyclists about proper safety and 3 feet responsibilities.
• To educate motorist about the law’s two-sided responsibility and enforcement components.

Enforcement

• To assist and educate law enforcement officials statewide
• We will partner with other statewide initiatives, communities and public officials.
  • We will assist with continuing efforts to promote the 3 feet law throughout the state.

Improved relationships and increased respect between motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians

• We will make a direct appeal to each group, encouraging mutual respect.
• We will personalize and humanize cyclists and will incorporate an emotional appeal.
• We want to make Bicycling (and walking) look like a mainstream, ordinary and legitimate mode of transportation.  We want to change the mentality of motorists to include and accept all forms of transportation.
• We will make a concerted effort to integrate ALL parts of the community.  This will include: Urban
  , Rural, Low-income, teenage drivers, children, pedestrians and the general public.

Delivery of an easy to understand message:

We will deliver a comprehensive message to a wide range and large number of people.

• To make promotional materials for our campaign easily accessible to all citizens.
• We will integrate the use of Print and social media providing a variety of avenues of education.

*These goals were developed in part from “Best Practices for Safety campaigns” by: Bikes Belong.

Target audiences

• Mississippi motorists.
  • Rural focus
  • Urban focus
• Mississippi cyclists (Active bicyclists already riding on Mississippi’s roads)
• Potential cyclists (Those afraid to ride based on safety concerns)
• Pedestrians (and Runners).
• New drivers (Driver’s Education Curriculum)
• Aggressive drivers (Driver’s Safety School Curriculum)

Other Targets:

Potential “Message Spreading” Partners:

• Healthy Task Force in Tupelo
• Bicycle Clubs and advocate groups throughout the state
• Bicycle Shops-distribute stickers and information
• Public officials in cities already promoting “3 feet”
• MS Department of Transportation
• MS Department of Public Safety
• MS Department of Public Health
• Driver’s Education & Department of Motor Vehicles
• Blue Cross/Blue Shield of MS & Hospitals
• Family & friends of cyclists in Memoriam (Frerer’s, Hageman’s, etc.)
• Individuals who played an active role in passing the 3 feet law in MS:
  • Senators: Chairman King, Sen. Hewes, Sen. Dearing
  • House Reps: Barker, Bell, Jones, McGee, Rogers, Johnson & Turner

Target Areas:

• MS “most traveled” roads (bicycles & motorists) to insure highest visibility for campaign
• Roads where high profile bicycle/car accidents have occurred in the past.
  • Roads with identified highest number of bicycle/car incidents
• Major subsections of the state (North/South/Central/East/West)
• Low hanging fruit:
  • Areas of the state already promoting 3 feet. (Tupelo, Hernando, Oxford, Ridgeland, Gulf Coast, etc.)  This also allows us to build partnerships.
  • Key Active Bicycle Advocates
• Areas of the state least likely to produce their own 3 feet awareness campaigns.

Campaign strategies:

Promotional Materials

Posters

Posters will be hung in the windows of participating: (throughout the entire state of MS)

• Gas stations  (Motorist appeal)
• Bicycle Shops (Cyclists appeal)
• Businesses (make a list of supportive businesses)
• Music Venues/Bars/Restaurants
• MS Truckers Association
• Win Job Centers (and other public service buildings)

Stickers

“Share the Road” and “3 Feet, It’s the Law”stickers will be printed and distributed to: (with explanation letter)

• All current Bike Walk MS members
• Presidents of all Bike Clubs in the state
• All Bike shops and targeted Businesses
• Organizers of cycling events statewide
• All individuals/interested parties/advocates who request stickers.

T-shirts

“I Bike MS” T-shirts will be printed with the 3 feet message on the back. These will be sold statewide and will be made available through local outlets and through BWM’s website.

Publicity

Print Media

Press releases will be distributed and story ideas will be pitched to journalists to promote the ‘Share the Road’ key messages throughout the campaign. Pitch points will be easily deliverable.

Digital Media: Website & Social Media

Social Media:

• The ‘I Share the Road’ campaign will also be integrated through the BWM facebook page allowing for a greater opportunity for updates and appeal. Twitter feed will also point users to more information about the “Share the Road” Campaign.

Youtube will be used to distribute viral videos (PSA and additional created video)*

Online Petition for Vulnerable Users to State Legislature and Governor

Events

Campaign promotional materials will be incorporated into:

• Current Cycling, Health & Safety, DOT, and other existing events statewide
• BWM will incorporate the “I Share the Road” message through local events.

Television advertising*

• BWM will partner with Starkville in Motion to integrate the Share the Road message through its Public Service Announcement.
• We will promote this PSA through this website, Youtube and we will provide this PSA to local stations for consideration.

Billboards and Signage

Per MDOT’s interest in promoting the message of bicycle safety, Bike Walk Mississippi has requested that MDOT’s Public Affairs office consider producing PSA’s, billboard and increased signage around the state of Mississippi.  *Update: At the request of Bike Walk Mississippi, MDOT has recently released radio ads throughout the State reminding motorists to Share the Road and promoting the John Paul Frerer Bicycle Safety Act/3 Feet Law.*

BWM will assist these efforts by contacting Mayor’s offices (direct mail) and will follow up with city engineers.  This direct mail effort will encourage all mayors to consider posting (and funding) 3 feet awareness signage in their own cities.

Education & Enforcement

• Share the Road Safety Tips
  • BWM will make and distribute a list of Share the Road safety tips.
• Driver trainer promotion (MS Safety Services)
  • An information sheet will be made that lists ways driver trainers can educate new drivers and those attending ‘safety school’ about sharing the road with cyclists.
  • We will work with the MS Truckers Association to target semi-truck drivers.
  • Both Public & Private Driver’s Education teachers will be targeted.

Police Chief’s Association

•  Police Chiefs statewide will be made aware of the new law and will be asked for a commitment/buy-in to promote the enforcement of 3 feet throughout the state.

MS Highway Patrol & Sheriff’s Department

•  BWM will work with local police, Hwy Patrol & Sheriff’s Departments to assist them in (the best way they desire) & to encourage ‘3 feet’ enforcement.
• BWM will do this by providing education providing the proper MS Code/Sections.
• If desired, BWM will provide educational hand-out materials to give when writing a bicycle/motorist citation.

• General Education/Enforcement
  • BWM will work to educate officials and citizens about the 3 step financial penalty that applies to harassment of cyclists.
  • BWM will provide educational opportunities for cyclist’s responsibilities including: proper signaling, riding on streets (as opposed to sidewalks), and riding as far to the right as possible, safety concerns, proper lane changes, light requirements, helmets and how to file a proper complaint.

Research, Evaluation and Outcomes:

During the first 6 months of the “I Share the Road” campaign, BWM will conduct a survey as a continued effort to gather research concerning: safety, perception, needs, concerns, and other details concerning motorist/cyclists interaction and relationships. This survey will evaluate:

• The increased knowledge and awareness of the 3 feet law
  • After seeing the promotional materials, did it make you more aware that you should leave more room for cyclists on the road while driving?
• The linkages in improvements to safety & its potential to encourage non-cyclists to ride.
• Driver interactions with (and perceptions of) cyclists
  • What causes them to move or not over for a cyclist in the road
  • Motorists perception concerning cyclist’s legitimate ‘right’ to the road and why
• Cyclists feedback on interactions with motorists
  • Suggestions on increased relationships
  • How often and on which roads are cyclists most likely to be harassed
  • Why do they feel that cyclists do not ‘Share the road’

BWM will use these survey results to allow us to identify the campaigns strengths and weaknesses and tailor its message or delivery to lead to future success.

Join our efforts.  Save a life. Share the Road.

First of all,  I want to mention that all want justice to be served; And, yes, we need to take action toward keeping our elected officials accountable.  I want to also suggest that we work together to build power and to presented a united front as advocates for bicyclists and pedestrians all over the state.   BWM encourages finding a way to funnel our anger toward positive action, education, policy change & doing everything we can to foster a MUTUAL respect on Mississippi’s roads. We realize that some of these changes seem slow, but they are calculated and allow for sustainable, long-term changes for our state.  We need to band together to become part of the solution, we need to spread the word about the 3 feet law, we need to hold our elected officials accountable and we need to instigate strategic change.

Here are some things Bike Walk MS is doing:

• We support Representative Margaret Ellis-Rogers’ efforts to introduce an amendment to the 3 feet law to include felony prosecution.  However, in addition to showing our support this amendment, we are focusing our efforts on casting a bigger net: To this end, we have created a Legislative Task force made up of leaders from communities around the state.  This task force will lead the charge by identifying “low-hanging fruit”, establishing relationships and contact with a variety of groups around the state to develop an action plan toward introducing stronger laws that will protect ALL users of the road.

• We will report your feedback to MDOT where the leadership is working toward identifying funding to place 3 feet signs in high risk areas in MS, but need all of us to define priorities. We want as much feedback we can get but it helps when we can prove the ridership levels!  (Such as the ___ bike club rides along this hwy every week, they are made up of ___# of riders. Also, roads that riders collectively feel that is unsafe.  Include as much hard evidence as you can, but even opinion helps).
• Please let us know by emailing bikewalk@bikewalkmississippi.org with the subject line: Most traveled bike routes.

• Bike Walk MS is also working with MDOT to improve Mississippi’s Bicycle Friendly status.  We are using this detailed report as a scorecard that we can use to assess both “low-hanging fruit” and long term changes.  Specifically, this means increasing all levels of bike/ped issues including: Education, Evaluation, Engineering, Enforcement, Public Policies and Infrastructure.  This also includes efforts to make stronger legislative laws, increased spending on Bike/Ped projects & showing the demand from bicyclists and pedestrians to be considered users of the road and taken into account in transportation projects. We have sample letters you can write to your Congressman HERE. You can search by district.

• Bike Walk MS has developed the “I Share the Road” Campaign which not only provides free safety materials to citizens, businesses, law enforcement and other organizations throughout the State but also strategically tackles the long term efforts to spread the message to share the road.  We are also asking for volunteers to serve on our Safety/Education team to tackle our goals listed HERE.   Please send an email to bikewalk@bikewalkmississippi.org with the subject line: Join Safety Efforts and we will contact you with details!

Here are things that YOU can do today to lend your support to these efforts!

• Join Bike Walk Mississippi or Make a donation to these efforts today! (there is a link of every page to donate)

• Volunteer for one of our Action Teams!
  • Safety/Education, Routes/Trails, Complete Streets, Safe Routes to Schools, Policy/Legislation, Partnerships or Outreach.  We have dozens of ways that you can get involved, just send an email to: bikewalk@bikewalkmississippi.org with the subject line of what team you would like to join.

• Show your support by purchasing a Share the Road License Plate today! Share the message & support Bike/Ped Advocacy.

• Write a letter!
  • Write your Congressman and your DOT Commissioner telling them to support funding for bike/ped projects
  • Write your local representatives asking them to support:
    • New legislation protecting all users of the road (and including stronger penalties)
    • Stronger and more extensive Distracted Driving Law language (to include adults and penalties)

• Sign up for our newsletter (on our home page), donate to our efforts, join the conversation!
  • Twitter: www.twittter.com/bikewalkms
  • Facebook: www.facebook.com/bikewalkms

There are so many things to do, we don’t even have room to list them all here! Believe me that we have ways to get for anyone and everyone involved!  Bike Walk Mississippi is a proactive organization made up of citizens like you who are working to assess current state policy strengths + weaknesses and are formulating a plan of action in conjunction with both MDOT and legislatures to improve the safety of cyclists and pedestrians in Mississippi.  Your contributions and volunteer efforts with Bike Walk Mississippi help serve as a way for all of us to take a stand together and to present a united voice!  We need your help to let people know that Bike Walk Mississippi serves as a collective voice for policy change, advocacy, infrastructure needs and safety!

Please keep in mind that we are continually working on updating our newly relaunched website.  We are adding content & links everyday.  Let us know if you need info that you cannot find on our current site and please, keep checking back with us!

Take a step. Support a revolution!

www.BikeWalkMississippi.org

Okay,  so maybe riding a bike won’t save the world but it will definitely make it a much better place!

Our country faces many challenges:

• Obesity: In the US, 72.5 million adults are obese, with associated medical costs of $147 billion a year. (CDC, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report)
• Dirty Air: 175 million people- roughly 6 in 10 Americans- suffer from dangerous pollution levels in their communities (American Lung Association)
• Congestion: Congestion cost Americans $115 billion in 2009; $808 for the average commuter.  (Texas Transportation Institute)
• Population growth:  The US Census bureau estimates that the population of the US will grow by 100 million people in the next 40 years, which will burden our infrastructure and require efficient solutions. (US Census)
• Energy independence: The transportation sector alone consumes more petroleum yearly than is produced by the entire each. (US Department of Energy)

Bicycling helps solve these problems!  (Steps to saving the world using the bicycle)

• The Healthy Solution: An adult who bicycles regularly typically has  a level of fitness equivalent to someone 10 years younger and a life expectancy 2 years longer than the national average.  (R. Paffenbarger)
• The Clean Solution: Increasing bicycling and walking to 40% of trips under 1 mile and 10% of trips between 1 and 3 miles would be the equivalent of replacing 19 million conventional cars with highly efficient hybrids.  (Rails to Trails Conservancy, 2008)
• The Congestion-easing Solution: A small reduction in driving causes a large drop in traffic.  In 2008, a 3% decrease in Vehicle Miles Traveled led to a 30% reduction in peak hour congestion.  Communities that invest in bicycling see on average a 70% increase in congestion-easing bike commuting. (INRIX National Traffic Scorecard; American Community Survey)
• The Efficient solution: Biking and walking investments support more efficient land use, cause less wear and tear on roads, and are far less costly building for motorized vehicles.  (Littman, 2011)
• The Energy Solution: Bicycling burns no fuel, only calories.  89% of Americans believe that transportation investments should help reduce energy use.  (National Association of Realtors)
• The Popular Solution: 53% of Americans favor increasing federal spending on bicycle lanes and paths.  (Belden Russonello & Stewart, 2003)
• 7 in 10 Americans say that they would like to bike more than they do now; but less than half of those surveyed were satisfied by how their communities were designed for bicycling. (NHTSA, 2008)

Economic Development in Mississippi:  Guess what? Bikes Mean Business!

Bicycling creates Jobs! Did you know that bike projects put more people to work than road projects?  In Baltimore, bike lane projects create twice as many jobs per dollar as road resurfacing projects.  Bike Projects use less materials, therefore more of the cost goes to labor.  (Source: Garrett-Peltier, Heidi, Political Economy Research Institute at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst).

On the National Level: The 6 billion US bike manufacturing and retail sector contributes to the much larger overall economic impact of bicycling.  The Outdoor Industry Foundation estimates this activity supports 1.1 million jobs and generates $17 billion in Federal, state and local taxes.  In Wisconsin alone, bicyling has an economic impact of $1.5 billion, neighboring Minnesota enjoys a $1billion bicycling boost to their economy.  The North Carolina DOT found a 9-1 return on their investment in bicycle improvements in the Outer Banks, and bicycle related businesses in the City of Portland is worth $90 million annually and supports 1,250 jobs.   (Sources: NBDA; Outdoor Industry Foundation, University of Wisconsin-Madison; University of Minnesota Tourism Center; NCDOT; Alta Planning+Design)

In Mississippi: Click HERE to see the story of Moore’s Bike Shop and how biking infrastructure in Hattiesburg improves business. This case study was used by Trek CEO, John Burke when he testified in Congress in 2011!  People are using Mississippi as an example that Bikes mean Business!

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Bicycle Friendly State Rankings: 2011

Every year, the League of American Bicyclists issues a report card ranking each state on it’s level of “Bicycle Friendliness.”

This year Mississippi received a ranking of 35.

Report Card:

• B in Legislation
• F in Policies & Programs
• F in Infrastructure
• B in Education & Encouragement
• F in Evaluation & Planning
• C in Enforcement

What will Mississippi do in order to raise our ranking?

Bike Walk Mississippi is and has been working hard to improve the funding, infrastructure, enforcement, legislation, policies/programs, education and planning. As with the previous years, the overall scoring was very close, with the separation of many states being the difference of just a few items. We are currently devising a detailed action plan that will focus specifically on the areas in which we received an F. Because of the League’s renewed focus on federal aid programs along with the last round of budgetary rescissions many states lost points in the Infrastructure category. This is tied to how Mississippi’s transportation funding and how tied it is to bike-friendly programs. We are also happy to report that we have a great resource at our disposal, the League’s State and Local Advocacy Coordinator (and Tupelo native) is Bike Walk Mississippi’s newest Board member! We see the ranking as an opportunity and an amazing tool for self-evaluation and will use this to move forward together as a State. We are working closely with the League, MDOT’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator and others to develop and implement our strategy for 2012.

Read more about the State Rankings HERE.

Join our efforts today!

*Statistics listed above were gathered by the League of American Bicyclists*