tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66318174651499547112024-03-08T03:34:22.971-08:00SRTC Transportation BlogWant to know what transportation projects are proposed for Spokane County, what your alternatives are to driving alone, and how to find out about local road closures or backups caused by accidents and other incidents? This blog is designed to educate the public on all transportation-related issues in Spokane County.SRTC Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712647581551158820noreply@blogger.comBlogger5570125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6631817465149954711.post-58211501637458226012017-02-16T09:58:00.001-08:002017-02-16T09:58:14.767-08:00New SRTC Blog Site<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7y8Ws5VHdX3-zbP1ZXFc-pRH1unGxlGyQYFeadESzERSwxWchYAu-3yVeY5NnjhEfOsmwY1EZAnehoIToF6jRJrP20d5bOZzVLkOhA1708D-7CwRnBtXterqmJ4LglqeetJC4xOHQ55X9/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7y8Ws5VHdX3-zbP1ZXFc-pRH1unGxlGyQYFeadESzERSwxWchYAu-3yVeY5NnjhEfOsmwY1EZAnehoIToF6jRJrP20d5bOZzVLkOhA1708D-7CwRnBtXterqmJ4LglqeetJC4xOHQ55X9/s320/blog.jpg" width="320" /></a>We are updating our website and decided to build our blog right into the new site, so that people <a href="http://www.srtc.org/">www.srtc.org</a> or you can view all blog posts at <a href="https://www.srtc.org/about-srtc/blog/">https://www.srtc.org/about-srtc/blog/</a>. Thanks for reading our blog!<br />
interested in transportation only have to go to one place for all their transportation news. We still have lots of interesting, timely and even fun stuff on the blog, it's just in a different place. You can find the latest post on the home page of the SRTC website at </div>
SRTC Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712647581551158820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6631817465149954711.post-28086496119897786732017-02-15T10:31:00.003-08:002017-02-15T10:32:11.160-08:00September 2017 STA Service Revisions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">During the November 2016
General Election, Spokane area voters approved STA’s Proposition 1 to fund STA
Moving Forward, a 10 year plan to maintain, improve and expand public transit
throughout the region. The first round of improvements will take effect
this May with:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">·
Later Saturday night service system-wide <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">·
New service on East Indiana and East Broadway in Spokane Valley <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">·
Improved weekend service on Wellesley Avenue<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">·
Improved weekend service to Airway Heights<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Now STA is asking for your feedback
about the next wave of system improvements scheduled for September 2017.
The September Preliminary Service Change Proposal includes:<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -24px;">· </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Adding midday weekday trips on I-90 between Liberty Lake and downtowna</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Spokane</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">· </span><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">· </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Adding weekday morning and evening non-stop express service between Liberty<br /> Lake and
downtown Spokane</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">· </span><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">· </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Add
Sunday service to north Nevada Street</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">· </span><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">· </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Improve schedule reliability on Division Street and Sprague Avenue</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">· </span><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">· </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Improve passenger amenities on Division Street</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">STA developed three short
surveys to help you weigh in on services impacting these areas. <a href="https://www.spokanetransit.com/projects-plans/september-2017-service-change-concepts">You can find them here.</a></span></div>
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SRTC Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712647581551158820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6631817465149954711.post-17053596605667494292017-02-15T08:46:00.003-08:002017-02-15T08:46:57.658-08:00Proposed Amendment to Transportation Improvement Program<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Here's some fun to kick Wednesday off right. SRTC is
looking for your feedback on a proposed amendment to the 2017-2020
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The TIP is a document of projects to be undertaken or constructed during the upcoming four years. It is updated throughout the year as SRTC’s member jurisdictions have projects to add, change or remove from the program, often as funding becomes available.<br />
<br />
The suggested update would add four
new projects to the program, delete one and change three others already
included in the TIP. The projects in question are in the images below. Click to view them full size. You can also find the information, and the current TIP if you would like to check it out, online at <a href="http://www.srtc.org/tip.html">http://www.srtc.org/tip.html</a>.<br />
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After reviewing them, if you have any thoughts, please share them by emailing to <a href="mailto:contact.srtc@srtc.org">contact.srtc@srtc.org</a>, mailing to SRTC at 421 W. Riverside Ave., Suite 500, Spokane, WA, or by calling (509) 343-6370.. <b>All comments must be received by 4 p.m. on Friday,
February 24, 2017. </b><br />
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SRTC Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712647581551158820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6631817465149954711.post-13322029357000680662017-02-14T08:36:00.000-08:002017-02-14T08:36:11.790-08:00Did you Know You Can Get Married Aboard A WSDOT Ferry?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Happy Valentines Day folks. It's too late for this year, but if you really want to make your V-Day special, and official with your significant other, maybe you should consider getting married on a Washington State Department of Transportation ferry.</span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1.25em; margin-top: 1.5em;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNNUj4x7ww1JeOwmn64p3nJGV0OhEFY-5-HcWHZpvmX3BbpF3nS9K8UeYewO5nwCc4EiqCkV4tjlo8gAm_9NOVGKtcfjVy00DmE-alFHVopshekw6OlL1udFkZcR5Z2peOxs5qiFns_A/s1600/delayne-wedding-kingston.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNNUj4x7ww1JeOwmn64p3nJGV0OhEFY-5-HcWHZpvmX3BbpF3nS9K8UeYewO5nwCc4EiqCkV4tjlo8gAm_9NOVGKtcfjVy00DmE-alFHVopshekw6OlL1udFkZcR5Z2peOxs5qiFns_A/s320/delayne-wedding-kingston.jpg" width="277" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delayna, a local ferry commuter, met her<br />husband at the Kingston ferry terminal. Photo<br />courtesy of WSDOT.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://wsdotblog.blogspot.com/2017/02/love-is-in-air-and-at-sea.html">WSDOT officials say that</a>, with more than 66,000 people riding ferries everyday, finding love on the boats happens fairly often. And many people want to get married where they first met so weddings actually take place on ferries now and then. In fact, over 955 "special celebrations," including weddings, have taken place aboard Washington State Ferries since 2011.</span></h3>
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If you think this might be a good idea for your special day, there are a few things to consider before getting hitched on the water:</div>
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Plan to bring your own officiant. While the captain says what goes on the ship, they aren't legally allowed to perform a wedding so you will need someone who can.</div>
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<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-6649393377189363794" itemprop="description articleBody">
Plan to eat the food available at the sSDnack bar. No outside food or alcoholic beverages is allowed on board but there is a good variety of snacks and drinks available in the galley.</div>
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Don't expect your ceremony to be private. All ferry rides are open to the public so you could encounter random strangers celebrating with you or photo bombing your ceremony.</div>
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<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-6649393377189363794" itemprop="description articleBody">
And one more thing, prepare to possibly be upstaged. Pods of whales have been known to swim near ferry boats, which could have wedding-goers watching them instead of you.</div>
</div>
SRTC Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712647581551158820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6631817465149954711.post-52347180990784591802017-02-13T09:39:00.003-08:002017-02-13T09:39:51.598-08:00Storm Water Tank Installation to Close Sprague Avenue Downtown<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Construction of a new stormwater collection tank will close Sprague Avenue at Jefferson Street starting today for at least the next five weeks.<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2017/feb/13/stormwater-tank-work-at-sprague-and-adams-will-cau/">The Spokesman-Review reports</a> that workers are redoing utility lines to get ready for the excavation of city-owned property at Sprague and Adams Street just west of KHQ-TV. Westbound traffic on Sprague will be detoured at Madison or Jefferson Street to Riverside Avenue to the north. The intersection of Cedar, Riverside Avenue and Sprague will be kept open as much as possible.<br />
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Spokane transit buses will use Riverside Avenue at Jefferson.<br />
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The plan will build a 2.3 million gallon tank where there used to be a city fire station. The tank will collect stormwater from the southwest section of the South Hill and the west end of the downtown area.<br />
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For years, runoff from storms and snow melt has caused sewage and stormwater to be released directly into the Spokane River, to protect the wastewater treatment plant next to Riverside State Park from being inundated by storms. The tank will store stormwater during heavy runoff, then send it slowly to the treatment plant to be processed into cleaned water.<br />
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Numerous such tanks are going into the ground around the city, including a $20 million tank holding 2.2 million gallons just west of City Hall, which will begin construction this year.<br />
The projects are part of a multiyear effort to reduce pollution of the Spokane River under the federal Clean Water Act.<br />
<br /></div>
SRTC Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712647581551158820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6631817465149954711.post-77203448012632789532017-02-13T09:10:00.000-08:002017-02-13T09:11:00.447-08:00Distracted Driving Bill Under Consideration in Olympia<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd4YymfOPgByoDu3K2h5FXWqTWsWLq9VkMAYxpBZR6k652BeDMV8lQQYJuECl9tq_y0S-vr7sF_Cm6zpa-QfK3p9pGzbmlusBuydS3AprD7VejWWRqSGIUz6SN1a463M0JwNG3SaPvc5j9/s1600/distracted-driving1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd4YymfOPgByoDu3K2h5FXWqTWsWLq9VkMAYxpBZR6k652BeDMV8lQQYJuECl9tq_y0S-vr7sF_Cm6zpa-QfK3p9pGzbmlusBuydS3AprD7VejWWRqSGIUz6SN1a463M0JwNG3SaPvc5j9/s320/distracted-driving1.jpg" width="320" /></a>A State Representative from Seattle is asking for tougher distracted driving laws in Washington. <br />
<a href="http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/how-many-more-deaths-will-it-take-distracted-driving-bill-rolling-ahead-in-olympia/">According to the Seattle Times</a>, Rep. Jessyn Farrell, D- Seattle, has proposed House Bill 1371 which would ban use of any handheld device including phones, tablets and games, as well as watching videos while driving.<br />
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Under the bill, the current fine of $124 would double for a second offense, and violations would be reported to insurance companies.<br />
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It is currently illegal to use a cellphone held at the ear, or to text while driving. That doesn’t forbid holding a phone below the mouth, using Facebook, watching a video, or taking selfies though.<br />
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Representatives of AAA, Harborview Medical Center, the Washington State Patrol, paving company Lakeside Industries, Washington DECA high-school students, and the insurance industry testified in support of the bill last week. <br />
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Scientific studies suggest that texting — which requires eyes, fingers and brain attention — impairs reaction time similar to a 0.19 blood alcohol content, said Shelly Baldwin of the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. The state’s legal limit is 0.08.<br />
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SRTC Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712647581551158820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6631817465149954711.post-31603993550373266142017-02-10T09:12:00.000-08:002017-02-10T09:12:20.736-08:00Seattle Adds Thousands of New Jobs but Few Car Commuters<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbgOxnqiMtlfdn-uhRbju_SPmYFz7EtOpJ8sAzK2Mr5RrZL6IVSj6KLLNYghfW4JJ0TcSYjIs2-VpuLIjUxOs3pilGU-fwsMzM0v5L5gfl8vqCREjZJTdsSe_Et3ID-0qhr2KCtRpvv8O/s1600/commuters_get_downtown_seattle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbgOxnqiMtlfdn-uhRbju_SPmYFz7EtOpJ8sAzK2Mr5RrZL6IVSj6KLLNYghfW4JJ0TcSYjIs2-VpuLIjUxOs3pilGU-fwsMzM0v5L5gfl8vqCREjZJTdsSe_Et3ID-0qhr2KCtRpvv8O/s320/commuters_get_downtown_seattle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Nice job Seattle! <a href="http://usa.streetsblog.org/2017/02/10/downtown-seattle-added-45000-jobs-and-hardly-any-car-commuters/">According to Streetsblog</a>, a <a href="http://commuteseattle.com/modesplit/">new report</a> compiled by the nonprofit Commute Seattle says that the share of commuters who drive alone to downtown Seattle dropped from 35 percent in 2010 to 30 percent last year.<br />
<br />
What's even more impressive about that though is that Downtown Seattle has added 45,000 jobs in that time, but only 2,255 new drive-alone trips have been added, according to <a href="http://commuteseattle.com/modesplit/">a new Commute Seattle survey</a>. The other 95 percent of commute trips were taken by transit, walking, biking, telecommuting and shared car trips.<br />
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The survey shows that public transit is providing very close to 50 percent of downtown commute trips and absorbed about 31,000 of those 45,000 new commute trips.<br />
<br />
Many people are giving credit for this to transit agencies for improving and adding service, companies for buying transit passes for employees, and the city for installing bike amenities and implementing transit-friendly policies.</div>
SRTC Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712647581551158820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6631817465149954711.post-83988674624248527882017-02-10T08:36:00.002-08:002017-02-10T08:36:31.224-08:00The Plastic Road Concept<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Everywhere I go, people are complaining about potholes. And it's no wonder. After all the freeze/thaw/rain/ice/death/destruction, it's not surprising our roads are looking a little worse for wear this winter. But what if, instead of having to rebuild an entire stretch of roadway that has lots of potholes, you could just remove the section and drop in a new piece, like those toy car tracks you used to play with as a kid? Could the modular system shown in this video, called The Plastic Road Concept, speed up road construction and make our roads last a lot longer?<br />
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If nothing else, this video has a happenin' soundtrack.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ISQQXHCoRrA" width="560"></iframe></div>
SRTC Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712647581551158820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6631817465149954711.post-56325817710986351682017-02-09T08:37:00.000-08:002017-02-09T08:37:07.295-08:00Americans Are Driving Less. So What Are They Doing Instead?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUb4XLz6AEOZyaPMdU4s9WTFH7Y-LHcAMYlkAW7POvD75gmvUWnZdmdJjW7LRf59QRnGeuzid7Z27JAgcXTUhJb5GsrpRg667_6BfqCPIkt-9AnFOHKUJmsgA-BgZlIRXfnyk0HUZQw1fk/s1600/family-night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUb4XLz6AEOZyaPMdU4s9WTFH7Y-LHcAMYlkAW7POvD75gmvUWnZdmdJjW7LRf59QRnGeuzid7Z27JAgcXTUhJb5GsrpRg667_6BfqCPIkt-9AnFOHKUJmsgA-BgZlIRXfnyk0HUZQw1fk/s200/family-night.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apparently more Americans are doing<br />this than going out. Although at my<br />house family game night is never<br />this happy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Due to an improved economy and low gas prices, the number of miles driven has gone up recently. For a while there though, driving rates had dropped, due to a variety of reasons including a poor economy that had many people out of work, high gas prices and other factors. Was one of those factors that people were finding other, more active, ways to commute. <a href="http://www.citylab.com/commute/2017/02/americans-are-driving-less-sitting-at-home-more/516099/">Part of it could be, but Citylab says the real reason there has been less driving is that people just aren't leaving the house.</a><br />
<br />
A new study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine says Americans (Millennials, in particular) drove an average of 600 miles less each year from 2004 to 2014. That same period saw a noticeable drop in road-related fatalities, which could be attributed to safer vehicles and better driving, or to less time spent behind the wheel. Data suggests the latter.<br /><br />A report on the study says that Americans are going fewer places because technology has made it easier to work, shop and see entertainment at home; increasing debt has people staying home to save money; and people getting married and having kids later in life cut down on certain kinds of trips, such as to schools and doctors.</div>
SRTC Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712647581551158820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6631817465149954711.post-68825560895980223812017-02-08T09:08:00.004-08:002017-02-08T09:08:52.756-08:00More Medics Turning to Bikes to Reach Patients More Quickly<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz_dBD64uJvipXARrj6DvJEbjaga5NE8NxCVQ-5dVtbXgjrf00Amfbks3PcAY7I95Nl2ZzQdGkTf0Xi8DNBg6Sdrl6J4wvNNJLEcL7LJhlw1amV42vI1fL8LAFICWKpRkBMMIdFkWZfSAY/s1600/AP_262538239023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz_dBD64uJvipXARrj6DvJEbjaga5NE8NxCVQ-5dVtbXgjrf00Amfbks3PcAY7I95Nl2ZzQdGkTf0Xi8DNBg6Sdrl6J4wvNNJLEcL7LJhlw1amV42vI1fL8LAFICWKpRkBMMIdFkWZfSAY/s320/AP_262538239023.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
The medics who were first on scene to try to help actress Carrie Fisher when she collapsed following a heart attack recently didn't show up in the usual ambulance. They arrived on two wheels- bikes.<br />
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More and more big cities- including Los Angeles, Philadelphia and even Cody, Wyoming- have fire departments that are going to medical teams on bikes. These medics on wheels can deliver quick emergency care by darting in and out of heavy traffic, maneuvering through large crowds or cutting across parks easier than a crew in an ambulance.<br />
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When the Los Angeles bike unit made its debut patrolling a triathlon in 2004, it had 20 cyclists. Now it is one of the largest in the country, with 120 cyclists and 60 bikes. It is active on weekends and at special events such as marathons, the Rose Parade, Los Angeles Rams tailgating parties and on the Venice Beach boardwalk on summer weekends.<br />
<br />
In other cities across the country, bike medics patrol airports, sporting events, entertainment areas and special events such as festivals, concerts and marathons. They are especially useful when roads are closed or congested as medics on bikes can navigate crowded streets and sidewalks swiftly.<br />
<br />
Today, at least 500 agencies have EMS bike teams. Fire departments, EMS agencies, hospitals and private ambulance services run teams. In New York, the all-volunteer Central Park Medical Unit’s 10-member bicycle team patrols the 843-acre Central Park many weekends during the warmer months, as well as concerts and other big events.<br />
<br />
Most use mountain bikes, which can carry a heavy load and maneuver through traffic and crowds and around obstacles. Bike medics carry first aid and trauma supplies, oxygen, IVs, cardiac monitors and defibrillators. The bike and equipment combined can weigh up to 50 pounds, so cyclists need to be in good shape.<br />
<br />
The bike medics can also save money. In Cody, for example, it cost less than $3,000 to set up West Park Hospital’s unit with three bikes, uniforms and saddlebags, versus buying and equipping an ambulance, which can run as much as $280,000.</div>
SRTC Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712647581551158820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6631817465149954711.post-34377804045698916652017-02-07T09:05:00.000-08:002017-02-07T09:05:08.491-08:00Proposed Law Would Require a Permit to Use Minnesota Bike Lanes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="Text_Body" style="font-size: 100%;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNI2nqoPTylcyCgmKfEzrGnlW6gvdPGnCdWrkuaHqV3ooI6SuKgCAQjzMhwJFPFkRYgqkhdUeb7evuyjwupM6m7tIDHF_PnXEN8-wo9V5fM2AOHIBGkrIZe3ch_C3Ph-WgenVuVl4rBel/s1600/Cyclist_in_Bike_Lane21555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNI2nqoPTylcyCgmKfEzrGnlW6gvdPGnCdWrkuaHqV3ooI6SuKgCAQjzMhwJFPFkRYgqkhdUeb7evuyjwupM6m7tIDHF_PnXEN8-wo9V5fM2AOHIBGkrIZe3ch_C3Ph-WgenVuVl4rBel/s200/Cyclist_in_Bike_Lane21555.jpg" width="165" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A new bill would require a <br />permit to use Minnesota bike lanes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Minnesota bicyclists aren't happy with a proposed bill to require bicyclists to have special permits to use bike lanes in urban areas.</div>
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<a href="http://www.startribune.com/minnesota-bike-lane-bill-hits-unlikely-obstacle-bicyclists/412793483/">According to the Star Tribune,</a> under a bill introduced last week by Rep. Duane Quam, R-Byron, riders would be required to attend an educational program and pass a test to receive a permit to use bike lanes. Bicyclists under 15 would not be allowed to use bike lanes.<br />
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Quam said he intended the proposal to prompt conversations about bike safety and said he’s concerned about a lack of consistent bike education across the state. Others think it will make biking less safe though, forcing kids and others without permits to ride with traffic, and could decrease the number of people riding in general. In particular, the bill could deter minority and low-income groups from bicycling.</div>
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SRTC Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712647581551158820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6631817465149954711.post-43160188808761290062017-02-06T12:27:00.000-08:002017-02-06T12:28:46.717-08:00Browne's Addition to be Plowed Wednesday and Thursday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJN7sMqRpNPErDBnLmM0rksXuG4a_8PNdYNGpTfJ0dZp7XngJmQCKjXg3wbWMnNmOB-QYjT6vtrm_GLM3B6_4fvmAomfVrOUK-wSPuzYCeQFDeyLj_XdMxd_F5X7hvcWHg0JUFO0pgGYd/s1600/SNOW_TOW_JPG_t1200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJN7sMqRpNPErDBnLmM0rksXuG4a_8PNdYNGpTfJ0dZp7XngJmQCKjXg3wbWMnNmOB-QYjT6vtrm_GLM3B6_4fvmAomfVrOUK-wSPuzYCeQFDeyLj_XdMxd_F5X7hvcWHg0JUFO0pgGYd/s320/SNOW_TOW_JPG_t1200.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A car is towed during a recent plowing of Browne's Addition.<br />Photo courtesy of the Spokesman-Review.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Browne’s Addition is scheduled to be plowed Wednesday,
February 8 and Thursday, February 9. <br />
North and south streets will be plowed Wednesday and east west streets Thursday.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;">·</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Signs
will be placed at the entrances of Browne’s Addition announcing the plowing
schedule. No parking is in place for Browne’s Addition during the plow
schedule to allow room for the plows. Cars not moved off the street will
be towed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16px;">Additionally, downtown berm removal begins tonight, Monday, February 6, at 7 p.m. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16px;">Additionally, downtown berm removal begins tonight, Monday, February 6, at 7 p.m.</span></div>
</div>
SRTC Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712647581551158820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6631817465149954711.post-15753571749289964082017-02-02T15:28:00.002-08:002017-02-02T15:28:55.352-08:00SRTC Board Meeting Thursday, Feb. 9<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The next meeting of SRTC's Board is next Thursday, February 9. <a href="http://www.srtc.org/Documents/Board_Committees/SRTC_Policy_Board/2017/Agenda/February%202017%20Agenda.pdf">The meeting agenda is here.</a> Everyone is welcome at all SRTC committee meetings so feel free to attend if anything catches your interest. <br /><br />The meeting starts at 1 p.m. at 421 W. Riverside, Suite 500 in the Paulsen Center. </div>
SRTC Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712647581551158820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6631817465149954711.post-19132474226746802962017-02-02T09:25:00.001-08:002017-02-02T09:25:21.752-08:00US 395 Could Get New Name<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4T1WknrLykpiyNl11SrmtZkNHTb91GslgXnVgh0E6K4VodUgeeNVkff-tMNMP-Crmo35NJ5wRO4noAUKjnMmNi_3WRjXlWiDNJl2JPX0CmFrO5FpV8IfEFe2BUjdMAH6YhWRkKIp1YNwI/s1600/img-honorable-foley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4T1WknrLykpiyNl11SrmtZkNHTb91GslgXnVgh0E6K4VodUgeeNVkff-tMNMP-Crmo35NJ5wRO4noAUKjnMmNi_3WRjXlWiDNJl2JPX0CmFrO5FpV8IfEFe2BUjdMAH6YhWRkKIp1YNwI/s320/img-honorable-foley.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
U.S. 395 could be renamed the Thomas S. “Tom” Foley Memorial Highway under a proposal being considered by the Washington State Senate.<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2017/feb/01/us-395-could-be-renamed-for-the-late-house-speaker/">According to the Spokesman-Review</a>, the House Transportation Committee yesterday was asked to support the change by State Transportation Commission. Rep. Marcus Riccelli, D-Spokane, said it would be a fitting honor for the 30-year congressman and former House speaker who “believed strongly in maintaining and improving infrastructure.”<br /><br />
During his tenure, Foley has a legacy of setting partisan differences aside and secured some $289 million for improvements on the highway, Riccelli said.<br /></div>
SRTC Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712647581551158820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6631817465149954711.post-54697110183494943142017-02-02T09:03:00.000-08:002017-02-02T09:03:05.251-08:00Bikes: The Self-Driving Car's Biggest Problem<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvULXw5dRCErYTf82mmv7IIWYKqWOGyUlDprkm5tbyDPrdauK-z2TnIf-CfGwWWLF6lzzFXkQhyphenhyphen_65mXTA3AiKDxr70DbPRLpQrGRIhqmD8pTbPMhNZzQ_bpmCe8QVaXwl6CM_oAMAq2M0/s1600/288916-100628927-primary_idge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvULXw5dRCErYTf82mmv7IIWYKqWOGyUlDprkm5tbyDPrdauK-z2TnIf-CfGwWWLF6lzzFXkQhyphenhyphen_65mXTA3AiKDxr70DbPRLpQrGRIhqmD8pTbPMhNZzQ_bpmCe8QVaXwl6CM_oAMAq2M0/s320/288916-100628927-primary_idge.jpg" width="320" /></a>A lot of people are really looking forward to when they can buy a self-driving car. And the echnology involved in them is amazing. They not only drive themselves, but no when to stop to avoid hitting other cars, pedestrians, birds and even squirrels. Bicycles though, are another issue.<br /><br /><a href="http://spectrum.ieee.org/cars-that-think/transportation/self-driving/the-selfdriving-cars-bicycle-problem">According to Spectrum</a>, autonomous vehicle researchers say bikes are the most difficult to detect because they are relatively small, fast and heterogenous, meaning they don't have a lot of mass and can vary in appearance as people attach strollers or hang things off of them. They are also much less predictable because they can make sudden turns or jump out of nowhere.<br />
<br />
Data shows that autonomous vehicle technology identifies approximately 89 percent of cars. Yet it could only spot 74 percent of bikes in testing. Technology is improving though and visual processing of roadways is being augmented with laser-scanning imagery and radar sensing, which helps cars to "see" that there is an object in the roadway, even they can't identify what it is.</div>
SRTC Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712647581551158820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6631817465149954711.post-74441221720896382422017-02-01T11:37:00.000-08:002017-02-01T11:37:43.514-08:00Home Much Value Does a Parking Space Add to a Home?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHk7aFmivppC3MvaXAsThV89pAJUQnXCmpdDq4fI6HBXa26zNAH2EZUnU-dspjwIkFvNLnZmDSlVmmwUiuEThrdo-bMa4KjRXe-ZtTeOyQbbazjqMm8MxvAyASWwm-3iVVsSsIaPdA6Bw3/s1600/note.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHk7aFmivppC3MvaXAsThV89pAJUQnXCmpdDq4fI6HBXa26zNAH2EZUnU-dspjwIkFvNLnZmDSlVmmwUiuEThrdo-bMa4KjRXe-ZtTeOyQbbazjqMm8MxvAyASWwm-3iVVsSsIaPdA6Bw3/s200/note.jpg" width="145" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is a lot of <br />
competition for parking <br />
spots in large cities.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
How much value does a parking space add to a home in a big city? For instance, in Boston? <a href="http://boston.curbed.com/2017/1/26/14373186/boston-real-estate-parking-space-value">That's what the website Curbed Boston wanted to know</a> and the answer is flabbergasting. At least to me.<br />
<br />
Constantine Valhouli, co-founder of real estate research site <a href="http://www.neighborhoodx.com/">NeighborhoodX</a>, says the average parking space is between 170 and 200 square feet and the value depends on what neighborhood it is in. There are also different kinds of parking spots- off-street in a driveway or alley, garages, etc.<br />
<br />
But going through data, one of the most expensive sales of a parking space Valhouli quoted was a space at the Brimmer Street Garage, known as a car condo, for $390,000. At 200 square feet, that's $1,950 a square foot. And a lot more than I've paid for any of the three homes I have purchased over the years.<br />
<br />
Another spot sold for $305,000 in the affluent neighborhood of Back Bay and in the South End, prices recently have ranged from $50,000 to $88,000. Ouch. Just ouch.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
SRTC Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712647581551158820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6631817465149954711.post-86571569185273917492017-01-31T13:04:00.004-08:002017-01-31T13:04:57.747-08:00WSDOT Upcoming Construction in 2017<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXMDfhyphenhyphengAdIjtAzNlfbjQXy8l5_vUtc8scjwqIVz6PnEu1yUlpBU7fgy5hy4ZR0XpEejE46zX-Pntz0v74esCyNgQmu009my3hdpxci_aIvNMX8zf7g4hcbIeUNKApEvzc_LGXyXQRmLlQ/s1600/DOTlogo_color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="61" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXMDfhyphenhyphengAdIjtAzNlfbjQXy8l5_vUtc8scjwqIVz6PnEu1yUlpBU7fgy5hy4ZR0XpEejE46zX-Pntz0v74esCyNgQmu009my3hdpxci_aIvNMX8zf7g4hcbIeUNKApEvzc_LGXyXQRmLlQ/s400/DOTlogo_color.jpg" width="400" /></a>The Washington State Department of Transportation- Eastern Region, has their list of construction <br />
projects for 2017 available now, although not all details have been worked out yet.<br />
<br />
High-profile jobs in the Spokane metro area include a couple projects on the North Spokane Corridor.<br />
The
biggest job is the construction of two bridges over Freya Street at the
roundabouts north of Francis. There will also be some sidewalk and street work in the
Hillyard Neighborhood.<br />
<br />On Interstate 90 in downtown Spokane, there is bridge joint and concrete
panel repair work planned. <br />
Smaller projects in the area include ADA ramp improvements at a few
locations on Division Street, Browne Street, and Ruby Street. There will be paving work on north Division between Francis and the “Y,” and on Trent from
Mission to Sullivan. Paving will also be underway on the Newport Highway
in Mead from Deer Road to Colbert Road.<br /><br />
There is ADA sidewalk work on tap for Cheney and Medical Lake. A <a href="http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbXNpZD0mYXVpZD0mbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTcwMTMxLjY5Mzg5NzkxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE3MDEzMS42OTM4OTc5MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MDAxNTU2JmVtYWlsaWQ9c2xlaG1hbkBzcnRjLm9yZyZ1c2VyaWQ9c2xlaG1hbkBzcnRjLm9yZyZ0YXJnZXRpZD0mZmw9Jm12aWQ9JmV4dHJhPSYmJg==&&&100&&&http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2017/01/26/ERegion2017ConstructionMap03.pdf">project
list with a locator map is available on the WSDOT website</a>.</div>
SRTC Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712647581551158820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6631817465149954711.post-63289377564772285442017-01-31T08:32:00.002-08:002017-01-31T08:32:49.318-08:00Bill Would Make Motorcycle Helmets Optional<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirgD4fvvBKcTd53pYMaKZN-Mlj-m6T7cNy9lRwBq4Re5bGQrWh8j0YHX6zS5yWJuPJv-DMPS7lkw7QYqvqCXsmbrIKELlX_dkkF29tcyUXqRh4sBLtYSXZwu-sBxbKR1rzwggkZYAuOtu9/s1600/149848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirgD4fvvBKcTd53pYMaKZN-Mlj-m6T7cNy9lRwBq4Re5bGQrWh8j0YHX6zS5yWJuPJv-DMPS7lkw7QYqvqCXsmbrIKELlX_dkkF29tcyUXqRh4sBLtYSXZwu-sBxbKR1rzwggkZYAuOtu9/s320/149848.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Some motorcyclists are asking Washington lawmakers to let them decide for themselves whether they should wear a helmet and be able to maneuver around cars in traffic jams.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/spincontrol/2017/jan/30/helmets-should-be-optional-motorcyclists-tell-washington-senators/">According to the Spokesman-Review,</a> a motorcycle riders’ rights group that goes by ABATE (A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments) argued yesterday that wearing a helmet should be up to them, not state law.<br /><br />
Sen. Sharon Brown, <span id="misspelledR-Kennewick" name="spellmarker424">R-Kennewick</span>, is sponsoring a bill to make helmets optional for anyone 18 or older. Under her proposal, motorcyclists riding without helmets would have to have liability insurance, a certificate of deposit or a liability bond.<br /><br />
ABATE member <span id="misspelledMicki" name="spellmarker425">Micki</span> Robinson testified that she has a neck injury from wearing a motorcycle helmet, which are usually designed for men.<br /><br />
A separate bill also discussed yesterday at the Senate Transportation Committee would start a pilot program to allow motorcyclists to pass a car in the same lane in traffic jams, moving no more than 10 mph than the car. After two years, the Legislature would decide whether to make the law permanent.<br />
The Senate Transportation Committee could vote on the bills in the coming weeks.<br />
<br />
Bills that would make helmets optional have been introduced every session since 2011 but have never gotten enough support to pass both chambers. </div>
SRTC Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712647581551158820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6631817465149954711.post-9633430609045971372017-01-30T09:35:00.000-08:002017-01-30T09:35:30.340-08:00Google Maps Now Includes Parking Info<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFDY5kENTsEnCOvd-kyB6c6xCzLGK-ZSSeMTiFgIXyst8KEzG8eac2aNg5oOkwbxPH2QTwMB_92GB82ptgh1-17evq1Xw0yvgGkZ2UvQ7YgRWd8kVGV5WFzO1BYKRlVGEZ0BjwLYL7n-0/s1600/untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFDY5kENTsEnCOvd-kyB6c6xCzLGK-ZSSeMTiFgIXyst8KEzG8eac2aNg5oOkwbxPH2QTwMB_92GB82ptgh1-17evq1Xw0yvgGkZ2UvQ7YgRWd8kVGV5WFzO1BYKRlVGEZ0BjwLYL7n-0/s320/untitled.png" width="320" /></a>A new feature in Google Maps will help you find parking in big cities– or be prepared for a difficult time finding a place to park at your destination. <br /><br /><a href="https://techcrunch.com/2017/01/26/google-maps-will-now-tell-you-how-bad-the-parking-is-at-your-destination/">According to TechCrunch.com</a>, Google is now using “historical parking data” to calculate a parking difficulty score. It will show in Google Maps’ directions card as “Limited,” “Medium,” or “Easy,” depending on the parking situation in that area.<br />
<br />
To view the parking info, you first have to get directions to your destination. Then, the new parking difficulty icon will appear on the directions card at the bottom of the screen.<br />
<br />
Google is launching the feature first in 25 U.S. metros, including: San Francisco, Seattle, Miami, Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York City, Orlando, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, San Diego, St. Louis, Tampa, Washington, DC, Cleveland, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Houston, Phoenix, Portland and Sacramento.<br />
<br />
The option is also only available on Google Maps for Android for the time being, but like other Maps additions, it should roll out to iOS at a later date.</div>
SRTC Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712647581551158820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6631817465149954711.post-66030084218459620252017-01-27T10:03:00.000-08:002017-01-27T10:03:19.911-08:00Not Sure If You're Drunk? Tostitos Will Tell You<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Who better to take on drunk driving than Tostitos? Yep, the Chip company is fighting impaired driving with a breathalyzer bag. Just eat the chips, blow into the bag and repeat.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="304" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.usatoday.com/videos/embed/97010626/?fullsite=true" title="USA TODAY - Embed Player" width="540"></iframe><br />
<br /></div>
SRTC Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712647581551158820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6631817465149954711.post-65160900377530539612017-01-27T09:40:00.004-08:002017-01-27T09:40:54.808-08:00Monroe Street Project Draw Business Opposition<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPi1Bxnmi1xE8j1fnpqXJVthnxCPqazHrWMC7u4wjk-v5jZb5q_FvuwTBaQW4PTfGs26w9dNV_vUUySXsxHs6W8pM_w_P4KO3ubgLe-DyeGXj1oEchzUaQ5av6AfeLkcWwJLnG690knAfi/s1600/Monroe-road-work_isSXl3X.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPi1Bxnmi1xE8j1fnpqXJVthnxCPqazHrWMC7u4wjk-v5jZb5q_FvuwTBaQW4PTfGs26w9dNV_vUUySXsxHs6W8pM_w_P4KO3ubgLe-DyeGXj1oEchzUaQ5av6AfeLkcWwJLnG690knAfi/s400/Monroe-road-work_isSXl3X.png" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map courtesy of the Spokesman-Review.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A City of Spokane project to reconstruct North Monroe Street with fewer travel lanes drew opposition at a public meeting last night, a<a href="http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2017/jan/26/north-monroe-road-diet-project-gets-public-scrutin/">ccording to the Spokesman-Review</a>.<br />
<br />
The $7 million project would reduce Monroe from four to two lanes north of Indiana Avenue to the base of the North Hill to allow more space for a wider center turn lane and curb parking.<br />
<br />
The business community in that area is worried that the configuration will discourage traffic and that the extended timeframe will drive away customers.<br />
<br />
One business owner last night handed out fliers from the North Monroe Business Association at the meeting explaining these concerns about the project.<br /><br />
City officials have concerns as well; about safety on Monroe. A five year old girl was killed while crossing the street in 2013. Planners say planned curb extensions at the intersections would shorten crossing distances for pedestrians and increase safety.<br />
<br />
One complaint City staff heard repeatedly was that buses would stop in the travel lanes to load and unload, blocking traffic.The plan has three bus stops affected, and creates bus pullouts at northbound stops at Montgomery and Dalton avenues. At Montgomery, buses would have a traffic light behind them to create gaps for merging back into traffic. At Dalton, an extra climbing lane up the Monroe hill would let buses to re-enter traffic.<br />
<br />
Construction would start in 2018. </div>
SRTC Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712647581551158820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6631817465149954711.post-33342679166694539292017-01-26T08:56:00.001-08:002017-01-26T08:56:35.609-08:00Virginia Bill Would Crack Down on Drunken Segway Drivers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8uo9VQdggfOSkROeC7kJyEKO2KkW21GF4_Ndb60T9lyLApRifrTSDEG9TteVYFxSB5aCc-tHOnpvN2Ymt8jBKgQaGhc2ut-5l7iE4901ooSS2033uh-GQKpsJHY294ArUc1bbmIi48XZH/s1600/seahorse-segway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8uo9VQdggfOSkROeC7kJyEKO2KkW21GF4_Ndb60T9lyLApRifrTSDEG9TteVYFxSB5aCc-tHOnpvN2Ymt8jBKgQaGhc2ut-5l7iE4901ooSS2033uh-GQKpsJHY294ArUc1bbmIi48XZH/s1600/seahorse-segway.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drunk? Maybe not. But making bad choices?<br />Chances are good.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Virginia could soon be spared the terrors of drunken Segway drivers. Yes, drunken Segway drivers. No, I didn't know that was an issue either.<br /><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/tripping/wp/2017/01/25/virginia-bill-addresses-the-scourge-of-drunken-segway-drivers-on-roads-yes-you-read-that-right/?tid=sm_tw_pl&utm_term=.d846421071c4&wprss=rss_story-local-traffic-stream"><br /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/tripping/wp/2017/01/25/virginia-bill-addresses-the-scourge-of-drunken-segway-drivers-on-roads-yes-you-read-that-right/?tid=sm_tw_pl&utm_term=.d846421071c4&wprss=rss_story-local-traffic-stream">According to the Washington Post</a>, a proposed bill would target people riding a bike, an “electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, or moped” on a highway while intoxicated.<br />
<br />
If passed, offenders would face a Class 2 misdemeanor. That could mean that at least six months in the pokey and a fine of up to $1,000, or both. Ouch. That's kind of harsh.<br />
<br />
The Virginia Biking Federation, said, while they're not opposed to the bill, they don't see a lot of wasted bicyclists.</div>
SRTC Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712647581551158820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6631817465149954711.post-80926712937686432132017-01-26T08:36:00.001-08:002017-01-26T08:36:38.322-08:00Driving Simulator Helps Patients Get Back Behind the Wheel<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh78qj_jCtOJyGCni5F39xgFBTPDwIk26YY4OZTf9aejmWDVH9xifORf3EY1t4pnGZKYljxEtgIAWSR9gCN460ujaGKEcQes2hldx-xAcKQxeEBjh7SO5vrqK8kyhvNNbdJ0m_2F5U4xKH/s1600/SRX_DRIVING_REHAB_3_JPG_t1170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh78qj_jCtOJyGCni5F39xgFBTPDwIk26YY4OZTf9aejmWDVH9xifORf3EY1t4pnGZKYljxEtgIAWSR9gCN460ujaGKEcQes2hldx-xAcKQxeEBjh7SO5vrqK8kyhvNNbdJ0m_2F5U4xKH/s320/SRX_DRIVING_REHAB_3_JPG_t1170.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
A new virtual reality driving simulator at St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute is helping patients regain driving skills following injuries and illnesses.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2017/jan/26/new-driving-simulator-helps-st-lukes-rehab-patient/">According to the Spokesman-Review</a>, the simulator, the first of its kind in the area, will help patients regain basic driving skills. It gives patients an interactive, realistic experience to prepare them to be behind the wheel again following spinal and other injuries and illnesses that reduce mobility.<br />
<br />
The simulator has a driver’s wheel and other hand controls and foot pedals. The road is three video screens that can show 80 different road scenarios, such as pedestrians crossing the street, a traffic light changing or a vehicle moving slowly. The scenarios test and train for vehicle control, reaction time, attention to the road, memory, planning and navigation and hazard perception. This allows patients to practice without the pressure of real traffic.<br /><br />
The simulator can also be used for research on how different injuries or illnesses can affect driving.<br />
<br />
Grants for the $80,000 machine came from the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation, Empire Health Foundation and Providence Health Care Foundation.</div>
SRTC Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712647581551158820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6631817465149954711.post-81900737596520173832017-01-25T08:31:00.000-08:002017-01-25T08:31:04.947-08:00Seattle Businesses Being Prepared for Demolition of Alaskan Way Viaduct<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiGL9wTe3o9BK59sSqxEGuePWUCUUm2StxIFmMlWdRCZhYBH5svFcBaJIVP3Bn0FC9diROVTOG6HJPLmDstCAPdFUMYm-vkHs3Lyq5lA314NPGJ6PYxyTowDrP52l_2SFHbt_LHb_GZWJ-/s1600/viaduct.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiGL9wTe3o9BK59sSqxEGuePWUCUUm2StxIFmMlWdRCZhYBH5svFcBaJIVP3Bn0FC9diROVTOG6HJPLmDstCAPdFUMYm-vkHs3Lyq5lA314NPGJ6PYxyTowDrP52l_2SFHbt_LHb_GZWJ-/s320/viaduct.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The area under the Alaskan Way Viaduct in downtown Seattle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Being in long-range planning, I can appreciate this. <a href="http://komonews.com/news/local/wsdot-preparing-seattle-businesses-now-for-viaduct-demolition-two-years-away">According to KOMO New</a>, the Washington State Department of Transportation has started meeting with business owners who will be impacted by the demolition of the Alaskan Way Viaduct in two years.<br />
<br />
It will take about nine months to demolish the viaduct, which will start after the replacement tunnel for the highway opens up. So far, the giant drilling machine, nicknamed "Bertha," has drilled out more than 75% of the tunnel.<br />
<br />
Some business owners are afraid that rent prices will jump with the improvements, driving out smaller businesses.<br />
<br /></div>
SRTC Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712647581551158820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6631817465149954711.post-31553407490379983582017-01-24T09:27:00.000-08:002017-01-24T09:27:33.629-08:00Lawmakers Push to Increase I-90 Speed Limit Again<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCnfQp__IuTRXU14HNOFOiALjkrfoDsK4qa1hibAjnDK-KF2cjAwiB9ZuWg0rkeh_H4vLjLvRgCEJxUbdyuJejd2hDVl__4hGtThE9ccDbbooQBuEABEZpnvZ_SGaw8nlC2RNk-KJMM9Er/s1600/th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCnfQp__IuTRXU14HNOFOiALjkrfoDsK4qa1hibAjnDK-KF2cjAwiB9ZuWg0rkeh_H4vLjLvRgCEJxUbdyuJejd2hDVl__4hGtThE9ccDbbooQBuEABEZpnvZ_SGaw8nlC2RNk-KJMM9Er/s200/th.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Here we go again- lawmakers are considering a 75 mph speed limit for parts of Interstate 90 in Eastern Washington, but state officials aren't really interested, according to the Spokesman-Review.<br /><br />
Two years ago, the Legislature asked the Washington State Department of Transportation to study the higher speed limit for parts of I-90 between Ellensburg and the Spokane County border. The department concluded it would cut travel time along the route by just five minutes and cost more in fuel and traffic accidents. So the WSDOT declined to raise the speed limit at the time.<br /><br />
Now, Sen. Brian Dansel, R-Republic, one of the co-sponsors of the 2015 law, has introduced a new bill to take the decision out of the department’s hands. Senate Bill 5053 would raise the speed to 75 mph between Ellensburg and milepost 120, and between George and the Spokane County line, and wouldn’t let the secretary of Transportation reduce it.<br /><br />
WSDOT officials, the Washington State Patrol and Traffic Safety Commission had the same response to this bill as the past one- telling the Senate Transportation Committee it is a bad idea, for all the same reasons as in the previous study. The committee will decide in the coming weeks whether to send the proposal to the full Senate.</div>
SRTC Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07712647581551158820noreply@blogger.com0