The article was updated at 11:33 today.

--- In bicycling_in_gso@yahoogroups.com, Michael Plakus <michael.plakus@...>
wrote:
>
>
http://www.news-record.com/content/2010/01/05/article/fatal_hit_and_run_case_con\
tinued
>
> It appears the N&R is too busy to check facts at this time.  They are
> calling the Sherman case a rear-end collision when it was a head-on crash.
> They also suggest the Grand Jury would convene on Jan 18.  MLK day.  How am
> I do believe anything in the article with two glaring errors like those?
> While they are not taking comments on the article they are accepting e-mail
> through this link http://www.news-record.com/whois/staff_reports  Let's get
> a letter writing campaign going to make sure they stay properly in the loop
> and report news with facts rather than page filler.
>
>
> Michael Plakus
> aka Grendel at http://gsocycle.blogspot.com
> and Michael at http://gsocycle.wordpress.com (beta)
>

336.373.1130 ext. 343    336.373.1466 Fax

336.373.1130 ext. 343    336.373.1466 Fax

Only 2 days left to provide your input!

This project doesn't seem to be getting the publicity and public input it
deserves. Just over 100 people have provided input through the survey since the
Dec. 8 public meeting. There are serious issues with Phase 2 that concern
cyclists (on and off the Greenway), pedestrians, and anyone that uses the Summit
Ave. and Murrow Blvd. interchange. Proposals for  Phase 2 and additional
information can be found here:
http://www.downtowngreenway.org/home/Phase2Input.html .

The three proposals under review have all traffic lanes on Murrow Blvd. at 12'
wide lane width. It is much better for cyclists and motorists to have a wide
curb lane. The American Assoc. of State Highway and Transportation Officials
(ASHTO) agrees with this and prefers greater than 12' and recommends 14' of
usable lane width for the curb lane. This could be easily accommodated on the
Murrow blvd. plan by reducing an inside lane to 10' and enlarging the outside
lane to 14'. Greensboro, I believe, plans and constructs roadways for all forms
of vehicular traffic –including bicycles.

In every proposal there is a safety issue with the connecting ramps at Murrow
Blvd. and Summit Ave.. The Greenway crosses the on and off ramps on the east
side of Murrow Blvd. creating a severe hazard due to the speed, grade,
visibility and angle of intersecting traffic. Some of the people involved in
finalizing plans for this project need to review -or read for the first time-
the ASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities, and in particular the
Shared Use Paths section of the Guide. A bi-directional shared use path (the
Downtown Greenway) presents numerous safety problems to be overcome when running
adjacent to a roadway.

Another issue with Phase 2 proposals is the fact that the public hasn't been
alerted to the closing of roadway access points at the Murrow Blvd./Summit Ave.
interchange. The on and off ramps on the west side of Murrow Blvd. are
eliminated in all three of the Greenway concepts. This is required to have
sufficient width for the Greenway to travel under the Summit Ave. bridge. In the
concept drawings the removal is written as "Possible future removal", but
conversations with those involved indicate this as a requirement. I suspect it
would only be a matter of time (after an incident due to the safety issues)
before the ramps on the east side of Murrow Blvd. would be closed eliminating
all access between Murrow Blvd. and Summit Ave. This change in access should be
presented to the public in the proper form and context.

If you look at the eliminated concepts,
http://www.downtowngreenway.org/home/documents/EliminatedConcepts.pdf , there
was a plan to convert the Murrow Blvd./Summit Ave. interchange into an at-grade
intersection. This is a much safer alternative to the existing concepts. It also
provides better access for all traffic at the intersection and aligns with the
plan to improve the intersection at Murrow Blvd. and Lee St.. This would add
less than 10 percent to the cost of the project and eliminate future expense of
maintaining and/or replacing the bridge at Murrow Blvd. and Summit Ave.. Another
safe alternative would be to close all ramps at Summit Ave. and Murrow Blvd. and
replace the south-west ramp with a two way road and signalized T intersection at
Murrow Blvd.. There are other issues with safety at the current interchange that
would be eliminated with this change also.

Please review the information and provide your input.

Thank you,
Dave Holland

All,

During our January Member meeting, BIG will be holding annual elections for
Board and Officer positions.  Several positions will be coming open, including
President.

To prepare for elections, during the December 17th Board of Directors meeting,
we'll be entertaining nominations.  Any member (who's current on their annual
dues) may submit nominations, including him- or her- self.  Nominations will be
accepted between now and January 20 (the day before the Member meeting).

So if you would like to have greater involvement in the direction of our
organization, or know someone who'd be interested, please submit your
nominations!  For any nominations outside of the December 17 Board meeting,
please post a message here on the listserve!

Thanks,

Jeff Sovich, President
Bicycling In Greensboro, Inc.
http://www.bikegso.org
336-215-1890
ottergoof@...

Dear BIG Members and Bicycling Advocates,

If you're available, please attend the next BIG Board of Directors meeting. 
We'll be nominating candidates for several Board and Officer positions that will
be open, including President.

We meet on Thursday, December 17, at 7:15pm in the vacant shop space next to
Cycles de Oro, 1410 Mill Street, Greensboro.

http://tinyurl.com/1410millstreet

Here's a tentative agenda:

Board and Officer Nominations
Update on Changing Gears
2010 Bicycle Safety and Enforcement Campaign
Downtown Greenway Update
2010 BIG Meeting Calendar

All are welcom to attend - bring a friend!  Light refreshments provided.

See you there!

Jeff Sovich, President
Bicycling In Greensboro, Inc.
http://www.bikegso.org
336-215-1890
ottergoof [at] yahoo.com

Dear BIG Members and Greensboro Area Bicycling Advocates,

You've done a great job so far in responding to the challenge grant -- we've
received over $600 in donations and pledges to donate.  But there's only 3 weeks
left for us to raise the remaining $300+ in donations in order to receive the
full $1,000 match from our generous anonymous donors.

So, don't delay, because every dollar of your tax deductible donation to the
Changing Gears program between now and December 31, is worth $2!

By the way, you can bring your donation to the next BIG Board of Directors
meeting, Thursday evening, December 17, at 7:15pm, in the empty shop space next
to Cycles de Oro, 1410 Mill Street in Greensboro.  All are welcome to attend --
bring a friend.  Light refreshments provided.

See you there,


Jeff Sovich, President
Bicycling In Greensboro, Inc.
http://www.bikegso.org
336-215-1890
ottergoof [at] yahoo.com


> As many of you know, BIG has operated a program called Changing Gears for
several years now.  Changing Gears provides a bicycle plus safety equipment and
basic training in bicycle safety skills to socio-economically disadvantaged
adults in our community.  Changing Gears has been very successful in helping
recipients improve their lives by providing them with reliable transportation
and opportunties for regular exercise.
>
> Until now, Changing Gears has been funded by grants from REI and the Moses
Cone Wesley Long Community Health Foundation.  But the last of the grant funding
is about to end, and Changing Gears needs your help to continue!  To give you
even more incentive to contribute to this worthy cause, two generous BIG members
have issued a Challenge Grant -- they'll match all monetary donations for the
Changing Gears program, up to a cumulative total of $1,000.  But this challenge
only lasts until December 31, 2009!
>
> Please take a few minutes to find out more about Changing Gears and how you
can support this important effort, by clicking on either link below!
>
> http://tinyurl.com/ChangingGears
>
> http://www.bikegso.org/img_pdf_doc_etc/ChangingGearsChallengeGrant.pdf
>
>
> Thank you, and have a great Thanksgiving!
>
> Jeff Sovich, President
> Bicycling In Greensboro, Inc.
> http://ww.bikegso.org
> 336-215-1890
> ottergoof@...
>

Go to:
http://www.news-record.com/content/2009/12/06/article/here_s_your_chance_to_help\
_shape_the_greenway
There are details about a meeting tomorrow that will have an impact on
cyclists.
The meetings are open to the public.

--
John Hepburn

All,

Please attend and particpate in one of these two workshops if you're able!

Jeff

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: "Spiliotis, Drew" <Drew.Spiliotis@...>
To: "Spiliotis, Drew" <Drew.Spiliotis@...>
Sent: Thu, December 3, 2009 4:20:06 PM
Subject: Greensboro Downtown Greenway Public Workshop

Greensboro Department of Transportation (GDOT) in cooperation with Greensboro
Parks & Recreation and Action Greensboro will be conducting Drop-in Public
Workshops for Phase 2 of the Downtown Greenway on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 from
Noon – 2 pm and  from 5 – 7 pm at the Greensboro Central Library, located at 219
north Church Street, Greensboro.

Phase 2 is the Eastern and Northern section of the Downtown Greenway along
Murrow Boulevard and Fisher Avenue from East Lee Street to North Eugene Street.
The public is invited to learn more about the project and to share comments. 
Representatives from GDOT, Parks & Recreation and Action Greensboro will be
present to explain, answer questions and receive comments.  There will be no
formal presentation.

Maps and information from the workshop will be posted on the web at
www.greensboro-nc.gov/GDOT.

Drew Spiliotis
Transportation Planner
Greensboro DOT/MPO
P.O. Box 3136
Greensboro, NC  27402
336 373 2903

All,

This is just a quick reminder about the initial court date in the case regarding
the death of David Sherman.  For those of you who plan to attend, here is some
additional information.

Wednesday, December 2
9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Guilford County Courthouse morning session Courtroom GB1B

The District Attorney's office has expressed its committment to prosecuting this
case as thorougly as possible and ensuring that justice is served.  They
encourage the support of the cycling community in this prosecution.  The cycling
community, and others wanting to show their support, are welcome to attend any
and all court sessions.

Having said that, the December 2 initial court date is for administrative
purposes only.  The defendant Grayson Dawson will not be there and the purpose
of the date is to simply put the case officially on the court calendar.  Once we
know the important court dates (e.g., when Dawson will appear), those dates will
be shared far and wide in order to mobilize the cycling community to be there.

If you want to bring your helmet, and/or wear a black arm band in support of the
bicycling community and Mr. Sherman's family, please do so!  However, out of
respect for the decorum of the courtroom environment, BIG recommends that you do
not wear bicycling jerseys, tights, etc.  Also, please do not bring signs or
banners of any kind.

Thanks,

Jeff Sovich, President
Bicycling In Greensboro, Inc.
http://www.bikegso.org
336-215-1890
ottergoof@...

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Bicycling In Greensboro (BIG)

Messages In This Digest (1 Message)

1.

Information about the David Sherman Case From: John Hepburn

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Message

1.

Information about the David Sherman Case

Posted by: "John Hepburn" jhep5410@...   jhep5410

Thu Nov 26, 2009 7:12 am (PST)

I have had conversations with Michele Cybulski regarding the David
Sherman case. She is representing the Sherman's interest in this case.
I thought I should forward a note she sent me to the cycling community.
Thanks and see below pasted comments,
John

John,

Thank you so much for your active participation and concern in this case! It's wonderful to see such support for David and for cycling safety from the community.

I believe more complete information will be coming out soon, but I can tell you that we met with the assistant DA, Chris Parrish, on Friday to discuss the case. I will share with you that I was satisfied with his commitment to fully prosecuting this case and his interest in seeing justice served. The meeting was primarily for Ann's benefit to give her an opportunity to share questions/concerns, for the DA to explain the charges, possible sentences and to give her an idea of how the process is expected to move forward.

Based on the law, the current information and the evidence thus far collected, the charges against Dawson are the highest he can charge against her. However if evidence of her driving while impaired (intoxication, meds, etc.) can be found, then the charges can be increased and would be increased. New or additional charges can be brought against her up until jury selection, so the investigation will continue full-force until that time. This is where any witnesses, any cyclists who saw anything or remember anything can be the most helpful. That information needs to get to the DA as soon as possible.

Mr. Parrish asked that anyone with information concerning the case to contact him directly, and he and the investigators will follow up immediately on the information. He can be reached at 336.412.7600. Of course, anyone who wants to contact me for anything is more than welcome to do so as well. My contact info is listed below.

Most importantly Mr. Parrish encourages the support of the cycling community in this prosecution. The cycling community, and others wanting to show their support, are welcome to attend any and all court sessions. Without knowing which courtroom would be used, I'm not sure how many people the courtroom will hold (there are many courtrooms of different sizes). However the ones I've seen would hold anywhere from 100-300 people.

But if you could please let BIG and others know that the December 2 court date is for administrative purposes only. Dawson will not be there and the purpose of the date is to simply put the case officially on the court calendar. Mr. Parrish will advise Ann of every important court appearance. Once we know the important court dates (e.g., when Dawson will appear), those dates will be shared with you and other folks we've been in contact with in order to mobilize the cycling community to be there. As for bringing your helmets, I would say absolutely bring them in.

Please feel free to share this information with BIG and others. I will continue to keep you updated as we make progress. I sincerely appreciate all of your help,
Michele Cybulski

--
John Hepburn
5410 Amberhill Dr.
Greensboro NC 27455

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John,
Thank you so much for your active participation and concern in this case! It's wonderful to see such support for David and for cycling safety from the community.
I believe more complete information will be coming out soon, but I can tell you that we met with the assistant DA, Chris Parrish, on Friday to discuss the case. I will share with you that I was satisfied with his commitment to fully prosecuting this case and his interest in seeing justice served. The meeting was primarily for Ann's benefit to give her an opportunity to share questions/concerns, for the DA to explain the charges, possible sentences and to give her an idea of how the process is expected to move forward.
Based on the law, the current information and the evidence thus far collected, the charges against Dawson are the highest he can charge against her. However if evidence of her driving while impaired (intoxication, meds, etc.) can be found, then the charges can be increased and would be increased. New or additional charges can be brought against her up until jury selection, so the investigation will continue full-force until that time. This is where any witnesses, any cyclists who saw anything or remember anything can be the most helpful. That information needs to get to the DA as soon as possible.
Mr. Parrish asked that anyone with information concerning the case to contact him directly, and he and the investigators will follow up immediately on the information. He can be reached at 336.412.7600. Of course, anyone who wants to contact me for anything is more than welcome to do so as well. My contact info is listed below.
Most importantly Mr. Parrish encourages the support of the cycling community in this prosecution. The cycling community, and others wanting to show their support, are welcome to attend any and all court sessions. Without knowing which courtroom would be used, I'm not sure how many people the courtroom will hold (there are many courtrooms of different sizes). However the ones I've seen would hold anywhere from 100-300 people.
But if you could please let BIG and others know that the December 2 court date is for administrative purposes only. Dawson will not be there and the purpose of the date is to simply put the case officially on the court calendar. Mr. Parrish will advise Ann of every important court appearance. Once we know the important court dates (e.g., when Dawson will appear), those dates will be shared with you and other folks we've been in contact with in order to mobilize the cycling community to be there. As for bringing your helmets, I would say absolutely bring them in.
Please feel free to share this information with BIG and others. I will continue to keep you updated as we make progress. I sincerely appreciate all of your help,
Michele Cybulski

-- John Hepburn 5410 Amberhill Dr.
Greensboro NC 27455

All,

First off, our thanks go out to the 40 of you who took the time to complete the
survey that we put together!  BIG will be focusing its advocacy efforts for
2010, based in part on the items that were rated most important.  Here's a brief
summary of the survey results:

From the items rated most important, to those rated least important:

1) Urging Greensboro Department of Transportation (GDOT)& North Carolina
Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to Fix Roadways and Infrastructure that are
unsafe for bicycling.
NOTE: Watch for updates to the BIG website that will make it simple to report
these problems to the appropriate entities!

2) Establishing a Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Enforcement/Education Campaign.
NOTE: Representatives of BIG will be working closely with GDOT and the
Greensboro Police Dept. in the very near future to improve safety enforcement
and education, for both motorists and bicyclists.

3) Urging the Greensboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) to establish a
standing Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC).
NOTE:  BIG has already made great progress in getting the MPO to consider
establishing a BPAC -- stay tuned for updates!

4) Urging Greensboro Department of Transportation (GDOT) & businesses to install
more/better Bicycle Parking.
NOTE:  BIG will continue working with GDOT on implementation of the BiPed Plan,
including the portions related to bicycle parking.  BIG has created a draft
downtown supplement to the BiPed Plan, which has been submitted to GDOT for
review and discussion.  One recommendation of the supplement involves an
inventory of downtown bike racks and determining where additional racks are
needed.

5) Establishing a Bicycle Safety Video Outreach Campaign.
NOTE:  This item is very closely related to #2, and will be an important tool
for accomplishing #2.  BIG recently received an offer from a video production
house to help us develop some PSAs.

6) Continuing the "BIG Salute to Bike Lanes" group rides.
NOTE:  We'll be organizaing another "BIG Salute" in the Spring, to celebrate the
completion of the Atlantic & Yadkin Trail (formerly known as the Battleground
Rail Trail) between Pisgah Church Road and Markland Drive.

7) Hosting bicycle tours for City and County political candidates or elected
officials.
NOTE:  We just hosted such an event on Oct 24 -- it was a huge success, 10 of
the 18 City Council Candidates attended, and 5 of them joined us for the Bike
Tour.  It was a great informal opportunity to meet the candidates and for the
candidates to learn about bicyclists' concerns.  The candidates who rode got to
see a great variety of different types of bicycle facilities and conditions
thereon.

8) Establishing a "Bicycle Commuter Mentoring" program.

9) Finding a new funding source, to continue the Changing Gears program.
NOTE:  You've probably already noticed that we've received an offer of up to
$1,000 in matching funds from 2 anonymous donors, on the condition that we raise
an additional $1,000 from other sources, for the Changing Gears Program.  Please
help us meet this challenge!!

10) General Fundraising/Grant Writing, in order to support a Paid Staff
position.

As you can see, BIG is already doing a lot of what you've identified as
important.  Many of you also indicated you'd be willing to contribute your time
and effort in making these items happen -- we'll be contacting you soon!  There
is also a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes -- research, contact with
public officials, creating the newsletter, organizing meetings and events, etc. 
Much of this work is carried out by the BIG Board of Directors.  The Board
Members are all volunteers, who do what they do, because they're dedicated to
BIG's mission of helping transform the Greater Greensboro area into a more
bicycle-friendly community.

We're looking forward to a great 2010, continuing to build on our successes and
directly involving as many of you as possible!

Thanks & have a great Thanksgiving,

Jeff Sovich, President
Bicycling In Greensboro, Inc.
http://www.bikegso.org
336-215-1890
ottergoof [at] yahoo.com