Ginny from the Blog

My bike broke several months ago, while I was still living on Hilton Head Island, SC. I was riding through the Sea Pines Forest Preserve when the rear wheel came loose and started to wobble. So I walked my bike home (about a 1.5 miles), and I’m sad to say it has sat unused ever since.

That’s changing this week. I dropped my purple Trek off at All-Star Bike Shop in Raleigh to be repaired. If all goes well, it should be back in working order by Wednesday.

I’m not sure how well my beach cruiser will handle Raleigh’s hills (Hilton Head Island is completely flat and located in a part of the state referred to as the Lowcountry). I hope to ditch my car more often (especially as gas prices continue to rise … I spotted $3.29 on my drive to work today) and get to know my city by bike.

So hopefully my cute bike will be in working order soon. Then I can take advantage of Raleigh’s bike routes.

PUBLIC INVITED TO BICYCLE PLAN OPEN HOUSE ON APRIL 2

The City of Raleigh and the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Division of Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation are developing a citywide comprehensive bicycle plan for the Capital City.

The City’s original bicycle plan was adopted in 1991 and subsequently incorporated in the City’s Comprehensive Plan. The comprehensive bicycle plan will include a thorough update of the original plan and provide an integrated, seamless transportation framework to facilitate cycling as a viable transportation alternative throughout Raleigh.

An open house will be held on Wednesday, April 2 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Glen Eden Pilot Neighborhood Center to ask for the public’s input and ideas on bicycle routes, infrastructure and facilities in Raleigh. The Glen Eden Pilot Neighborhood Center is located at 1500 Glen Eden Drive.

There’s proof in Charlotte that light rail can work in North Carolina.

Don’t be fooled by the empty seats around Ginny from the Blog on Charlotte’s Lynx tonight (I’m in the Queen City for more training) , because ridership on this new light rail system is booming:

Ridership on the Lynx Blue Line has so far been better than CATS projected. Average weekday ridership in December was more than 12,000 boardings per day. It estimated first-year average weekday ridership would be 9,100 boardings.

So Triangle residents, I’m curious, would you pay increased sales taxes or increased fees on your vehicle registration if it would help bring the light rail here?

I saw this man riding down Peace Street in Raleigh on Saturday morning. Wish I knew his story. Since I don’t, anyone up for writing a caption for this photo? Better yet, if you know why he cruises around town towing these flags, please fill me in.

Things are intense on the assignment desk right now. The scanners are abuzz with word of multiple wrecks around the triangle. Supposedly a several car pile up just occurred somewhere near 540 and I-40, and even more crashes are being reported. It seems most of the crashes are occurring on overpasses, particularly in the Durham area.

I hope if you’re reading this post it finds you safe. And if you must head out this morning, please be extra careful.

Did you see any of these crashes today or experience any close calls?

With temperatures dipping, the Raleigh Police Department sent out a news release today offering this this common-sense advice:

“With very cold weather coming to the area tonight, the Raleigh Police Department is requesting the media’s assistance in reminding people not to leave unattended vehicles running to warm up. Every year, cars and trucks are stolen when owners start them and then retreat indoors while engines warm.“

Don’t be left out in the cold.

A majority of Triangle residents say they’re willing to pay more taxes or fees if it will help improve traffic congestion. That’s according to poll results released this afternoon by Raleigh-based Public Policy Polling.

Sixty-three percent of surveyed residents say they would support some type of increase (such as sales tax or vehicle registration fees) to either widen roads, improve mass transit or fund other potential solutions. The phone survey of 505 likely voters living in Wake, Durham and Chatham counties also found that 29 percent would not support any fee increases.

This is the same poll that included questions on ACC sports fans and their political affiliations. I had the pleasure of riding on Charlotte’s new light rail, called LYNX, when I was down there last week for computer training. The $4 day pass was well worth leaving my car at a park and ride lot near my hotel and riding downtown. According to the LYNX Web site: “Running at 80% capacity, the line will move twice as many people as one accident-free lane on I-77.”

Just imagine what effect a system like that could have on I-40 and 440! I know the folks at the Triangle Transit Authority have been working with partners to bring a light rail to the area. Maybe someday we’ll all be able to climb aboard.

The Town of Chapel Hill is giving motorists a small Christmas present: Free Parking — well, sort of. There are, of course, conditions attached to it, such as having to get “parking coupons” from shopkeepers. But it’s worth looking into to save a few bucks. Here’s an idea, instead of spending the cash you save on a latte, why not put it in one of the Salvation Army kettles you’ll no doubt see stationed around local shopping centers this holiday season or to your favorite charity.