27 June 2011
Board Members:
I listened to the Architect's Update of 20 June 2011 (courtesy of Elaine Gillen's “Lebo Citizens” web site) and was taken aback by the discussion concerning the role of bike racks at the proposed new high school edifice. For the record, my wife and I are avid cyclists. Cycling is great exercise and an excellent way to get around – under the proper circumstances. I understand that bike racks are a component of LEED Certification. However, the requirements of LEED Certification aside, encouraging high school students, who are by definition (with a few exceptions) minors, to ride bicycles to the high school - during rush hour – on major traffic routes with no bike lanes – on hills with steep grades – mixing in with arriving and departing school traffic - is ill advised at best.
Dr. Steinhauer may cycle to school as he pleases because he is an adult, knows the risks, and accepts them. That he does so is classic individualism and I applaud it. But in tacitly agreeing with Mr. Lebowitz that other people's children should be encouraged to take the same kind of risk he is asking for a gigantic lawsuit should, God forbid, a kid be killed whilst cycling to school.
Mr. Remely's observations on the subject are correct; and if I may be permitted to add, as a youngster moves through adolescence the thrill of a bicycle gives way very quickly to the anticipation of a driver's license, making the point of bike racks somewhat moot.
Sincerely,
Richard Gideon
12 comments:
I'm betting the women that addressed the board to lobby for bike racks - didn't ride a bike there herself!
- Giffen Good
See policy KFAA:
"At no time will any bicycle, pedalcycle, roller blades, skates, or similar devices be used or
operated in such a manner as to endanger the safety or property of the District or any person."
This disclaimer waives the District from all bicycle injury liability.
David Huston
"Section 817.5.2 Bicycle Parking" of the Zoning Ordinance, applicable to the HS project, specifies that "Bicycle parking shall be provided at ten (10) percent of the Vehicle parking requirements.."
That would dictate that a minimum of 53 bicycle parking spaces be provided on site, would it not ?
Bill Lewis
So what you are saying, Bill, is that this is a requirement irregardless of LEED?
Elaine
In promoting a walking school district, we already place our children at considerably more risk than those who takes buses, yet I don't hear anyone arguing aainst walking.
Given the fact that so few kids even walk to school, I'm not too concerned about a traffic jam of bikes at the interesection of Cochran and 19. Personally, I think it would be refreshing to see, but I'm not optimistic.
Further, I hope that my children (when 16, 17 and 18) will act more like adults than children. If they can drive a car, I certainly expect them to apply the same intelligence and skill to riding a bike.
Dave Franklin
David:
Good luck getting your 16, 17 and 18 year olds to ride their bikes to school.
Your point about being a walking district and putting kids at risk is a good one. The only diffence though is that kids walking generally and I emphasize generally do so on the sidewalks (at least when there are some). Bike riders on the other hand will be sharing the road with vehicles.
Sit on Cochran in front of the high school some morning before the bell. It's hazardous enough with kids J-walking between cars and against the lights. Throwing bike riders into the mix is an accident waiting to happen in my opinion.
- Giffen Good
Ms. Posti promptly responded to my E-mail, and wrote the following, in part: “I would anticipate a small number of students biking to the high school due to backpacks, instruments and athletic equipment that many of them bring to school. The bike racks' intended users would most likely be faculty and staff, some of whom walk to school or live within a distance where biking would be an attractive alternative to driving.” Fair enough. But the tape of the Architect's Update of 20 June 2011 is quite clear; the bike racks were seen by Mr. Lebowitz as a means to an end, that being “..so the kids can ride their bikes to school.”
I am sensible to the arguments adduced by others on this blog and I will not belabor the issue; however, I do have some sad experience with bikes and cars mixing it up on a busy road. Back in the late 1970's my wife and I came upon a young cyclist who had moments earlier been hit by a car. He was lying in the middle of Bower Hill Road, and we stopped to render assistance. One does not forget these things.
Richard Gideon
So JoJo is justifying $$$$ for bike racks for faculty and staff.
Didn't Dr. Steinhauer say in that meeting that student council or some private group could possibly raise money for the racks?
Since the teachers don't have to pay huge monthly parking fees or the increased PAT transit fees like residents that work downtown, they'd be willing to start the donation ball rolling for the racks.
- Giffen Good
Hey Giffen,
The zoning required bicycle spaces are located primarily on the back side of the new & glorious athletic building, and bicycling can be considered an athletic endeavor. Recalling the Kubit & Goldman campaign pledge "We will spearhead the effort to obtain corporate and other private sponsorship of the newly renovated athletic and arts facilities", perhaps the dynamic duo will raise funds to pay for the bike racks ? Perhaps even Dr. Tim & biker faculty will chip in ?
After all, more is better and it will attract more.
Veblen Good
Meant to say - wonder if - they'd [ the faculty/staff] be willing to start the donation ball rolling for the racks.
Its funny that the administration's first answer to any money shortfall is... perhaps the students or parents can come up with some fund raising venture. Didn't they just want the students donate for the flag pole too?
Yep, I'll just go out into the backyard and pluck another C note from my money tree to fork over to our poor school district that is so desperately trying to make ends meet. After all its all for the kids right?
Maybe just once- someone should ask the kids- do you want or do you even care if there are bike racks at the high school?!
- Giffen Good
Giffen Good-
I have a solution for the School Board regarding bike racks. Since Zoning requires bike racks in their plan, the School Board can go for a variance. When the Zoning Hearing Board denies it, the SB can spend $19,189.90 and the Municipality can spend $7699.93 out of our pockets appealing their decision for $20,000 bike racks. Oh wait. That sounds awfully familiar. Did I dream that?
Elaine
Elaine, they could also appeal to Harrisburg or Washington DC for a special grant. compensation or some such scheme.
But, wait where do Harrisburg and Washington get their money from to hand out?
I hear both have huge money tree orchards ripe for the picking for anything we might want or think we need!
- Giffen Good
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