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Washington Bicycling Hub
Columns by Charles Pekow
Below are The Bicycle Exchange's Washington Bicycling Hub columns by Charles Pekow, cyclist and award-winning journalist based in Washinton, DC. Mr. Pekow's provides "Bikexchange" unbiased news on legislation and government decisions affecting the bicycling world.
Current Column:
Washington Bicycling Hub: Winter/Spring '08 Edition By Charles Pekow (Hub Archive)
Mr. Pekow, a seasoned DC journalist, provides Bikexchange.com with unbiased news on legislation and government decisions affecting the bicycling world. This season's column examines three positive developments for bicycling in 2007.
Trio of '07 Developments Signal Better Cycling Ahead
Past Columns:
Washington Bicycling Hub: Summer '07 Edition
This season's column discusses state legislatures' performance--or lack thereof--in improving safety a bicyclists. Also, more on Safe Routes to School and sidepath issues.
State Legislatures Improving Safety for Cyclists?
Washington Bicycling Hub: Spring '07 Edition
Better Cycling Infrastructure: The Solution?
Mr. Pekow examines the progress of 'Non-Motorized Pilot Project,' which will evaluate major improvements in bicycling infrastructure in four targeted communities across the U.S. Will the folks spend more on two feet and two wheels, or will they continue to put the pedal to the metal?
Washington Bicycling Hub: Winter '07 Edition
Bikeway Design Guide Undergoing Important Update: Last Updated in 1999, New Guide Slated for '09
Mr. Pekow reports on the much-needed research and revisions underway regarding the national standards for the design of bikeways (bike lanes, paths, markings, etc.) in our cities and towns.
Washington Bicycling Hub: Fall '06 Edition
Cyclists Usually To Blame in Australian Fatalities
The surprise is that more often than not, an error in judgment by a cyclist Downunder is the cause of a cycling fatality. What is not surprising, however, is the case for better cyclist visibility..
Washington Bicycling Hub: Summer '06 Edition
Florida Shines Light on Bike Lanes, Safe School Routes
The Sunshine State brings the two latest major lessons for encouraging safe bicycling: 1) Retrofitting a major roadway to accommodate bikes and 2) what we need to do to set up environments to encourage children to bike to school.
Washington Bicycling Hub: Spring '06 Edition
Pedalers Finding Transit Agencies Peddling More Services
A Transportation Research Board study says services for bicyclists through transit agencies vary from place to place, and can include much more than well-known amenities like bike racks and space on commuter trains. How about bikestations, lockers, paratransit vans, and ski lifts?
Washington Bicycling Hub: Winter '06 Edition
On-Street Bike Lanes On Mark With Cyclists
A recent study by University of Minnesota says that, even in a climate known for frosty weather--if you paint it, they will ride. And if you build other improvements for cyclists, they will use them.
Washington Bicycling Hub: Fall '05 Edition
Bike Racks on Buses Racking Up Success
Rack 'em up! The payoff on bicycle carriers mounted on public buses far outweighs the initial public investment, according to a recent study commissioned by the US Department of Transportation.
Washington Bicycling Hub: Spring '05 Edition
Bike Trails Good for the Economy: Evidence Strong Though Studies Have Been Few
For the first time, studies have been conducted testing the economic benefits of rail trails. In the few areas where the research has been done, the verdict is that they are worth the investment.
Washington Bicycling Hub: Winter '05 Edition
Europe Serious About Cycling as Urban Transportation
Europe's record on cycling as transportation is not perfect, but European transport ministers have recently made serious commitments to bolster the bicycle's status as an important, integral means of urban transportation. How does US compare?
Washington Bicycling Hub: Fall '04 Edition
Use of Transportation $ For Biking Up Slightly -- Implementation Varies
Transportation Enhancements (TE) funds targeted for bicycle-related transportation projects are being utilized slightly more often and more effectively by the states, cities and towns across American, but implementation varies widely, and the future is uncertain.
Washington Bicycling Hub: Summer '04 Edition
Are Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) Giving Bicycling Its Due?
MPOs are regional advisory bodies with a lot of power over transportation planning and funding. Has there been seat at the table for transportation via bike?
Washington Bicycling Hub: Spring '04 Edition
Where Are the Bicycling PACs?
There's a dearth of political action committees, a.k.a PACs, in the bicycling world, when there are massive lobbies serving the interests of autos, trucking and aviation. What gives?
Washington Bicycling Hub: Winter '04 Edition
New, Uniform Signage for Bike Lanes, Paths Mandated
Look for new traffic signs and street markings relating to bicycling in coming years. The Federal Highway Administration has revised its rules on the subject and uniformity across the fruited plain is now mandated.
Helmet Law Works, Research Finds
Study finds that California's youth helmet law has significantly reduced traumatic brain injuries in children in bicycle accidents
Washington Bicycling Hub: Fall '03 Edition
Future Course of Bicycling Funding Uncertain
Funding for the "Transportation Enhancements" and "Recreational Trails Program" of TEA-21 are extended at the conclusion of Fiscal Year '03, but the future remains murky.
Brunswick Slammed With $1 Million Fine
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) levies hefty fine on Brunswick/Roadmaster for delays in reporting injuries due to to faulty Ballistic 105 forks.
Park Floor Pump Recall Alert
Unlike Brunswick, Park Tool reports promptly to the CPSC that its PFP-2 floor pump has caused numerous injuries and is being recalled.
Washington Bicycling Hub: Summer '03 Edition
Legislative News: Bike Lobby Not Satisfied With SAFETEA '03
We are proud to introduce Mr. Pekow, a seasoned journalist covering Congressional affairs in Washington. He will regularly provide The Bicycle Exchange with a seasonal, unbiased news feature on current legislation affecting bicycling.