Regional Issues
CCBA Public Safety Commission Introduction Nov 30
This is the one page CCBA introduction that was presented at the Public Safety Committee meeting on September 13th, 2005. This will be provided by CRCOG for the attendees to read. The plan is to get invited to actually present at the December meeting and begin working directly with communities to address cyclist safety on the roads.
Simsbury Rail Trail Status Nov 29
- Simsbury citizens unanimously passed the bonding measure at the special town meeting Tuesday night. This authorizes the town to fund the last 9,400 feet of rail trail to be built on the New Haven to Northampton canal/railroad route. First Selectman Tom Vincent stated that "If everything goes smooth, the trail could be finished by fall 2005."
- Contact David Westcott if you have questions about how CCBA is getting involved.
Planned Hartford to New Britain Busway Nov 29
Currently a bike path parallel to the busway is planned for the segment from New Britian to Newington Junction and CCBA doesn't want that to get cut! There is also plans to have bike racks on the buses - another feature that the CCBA will stay on top of. More information available on the CRCOG website
No Child Left Inside - CTDEP Initiative endorsed by the CCBA Nov 29
This CT Department of Environmental Protection initiative to engage families in exciting outdoor opportunities in Connecticut's State Parks and Forests.
Why: Bicycling is environmentally friendly and healthy - CCBA has a lot in common with this initiative! We endorse this initiative and the CCBA will let you know when opportunities arise to help show that bicycle friendly communities go hand-in-hand with "No Child Left Inside".
Press Release: LINK
CCBA Educational Communication for CT Transit Bus Drivers Nov 29
This one sheet educational flyer on driver responsibilities with regards to bicyclists was presented to CT Transit and forwarded to bus drivers in a monthly safety communication. If you have a bad experience with a CT Transit bus, don't hesitate to report it (CT Transit Website).
Glastonbury Bike Plan Nov 29
Ever Thought "I really wish my town was more bicycle friendly" - Well, Glastonbury cyclists are doing something about it. A group of concerned cyclists and bike commuters have been working with the town government to put together a plan that will guide Glastonbury in years to come. You can do this in your city or town! Ask the CCBA how. - Link to Glastonbury Plan
Bikes on Buses Update Nov 29
Bikes permitted on CT Transit Buses: New policy at CT Transit in Hartford, bikes may be carried onto CT Transit buses, if a wheelchair tie down is available and if the bus is not full. If the bus fills or someone needs the tie down after the bike boards, the bike and rider will be asked to get off. Some progress, and thanks to the bike advocate who pushed for this policy (we do not know who, if you can claim credit, let us know.) Racks on buses coming soon, we hope.
Aside from this small step, it will be a while before bike racks are on buses in the Hartford Area. Last word from the DOT was that it would be another year and a half to two years before bike racks were installed here. The reasoning was that they were waiting for the next order of "new" buses to include bike racks. Not sure what the logic was, but that's what the DOT said. If you don't agree and want to help push - Contact the DOT.
Recent Notes Nov 29
- The CCBA recently presented its endorsement of the Act Concerning An Appropriation For The East Coast Greenway at the February 2nd Legislative Public Hearing in Hartford. CCBA Endorsement - LINK.
- Bus Drivers & Bicyclists - This communication was provided to CT Transit to help educate bus drivers on their rights and responsibilities with regards to bicycle commuters - CT Transit Educational Communication.