Big Decline In Driving Reported For June

Americans drove 12.2 billion fewer miles in June than the same month last year, according to the Federal Highway Administration. The 4.7% decline was the biggest monthly driving drop in a downward trend that began in November.

Here's the breakdown:

- Overall, Americans drove 53.2 billion fewer miles November through June than they did over the same eight-month period a year earlier.

- That's a larger decline than the 49.3 billion fewer miles driven by Americans over the entire decade of the 1970s, a period marked by oil embargoes and gas lines.

- Four out of ten people said they have used public transportation, walked or ridden a bicycle more frequently since gas prices have risen.

- Gas consumption was down, too. 400 million fewer gallons of gasoline and 318 million fewer gallons of diesel were consumed in the first quarter of 2008 than in the same period in 2007.

Board and TTC August Meetings Cancelled

If you had big plans to attend the SRTC Board and Transportation Technical Committee (TTC) meetings this month, think again. Both have been cancelled for a summer 'hiatus' (it's always hard to get a quorum in August).

Items on the August 14 (tomorrow) Board meeting agenda will be addressed at the next regularly scheduled meeting on September 11 and TTC business will be taken care of at the next meeting scheduled for September 17.

Lilac Blind Foundation Translating Bus Maps Into Braille

A Spokane business is trying to get the word out about the struggles of the visually impaired by translating Spokane Transit Authority maps and bus schedules.

Here's the KXLY print and video versions of the story.

Turn Left At The Guy Passed Out On His Lawn

Because we're all about maps around here, here's a warning: DON'T GET DRUNK AND PASS OUT IN YOUR FRONT YARD. You could become a local landmark.

A man who fell asleep in a drunken stupor outside his home was horrified to find his picture posted on the internet, after he was photographed by a car-mounted video camera taking pictures for Google's 'StreetView' website.

Here's a link so you can share in his shame.

Stay-At-Home Moms Staying Home Even More

The term 'stay-at-home mom' is becoming more and more literal, according to this Spokesman-Review article. Apparently, gas prices are keeping moms from a lot of the activities they used to take the kids to do, or used to do while the kids were in school.

So moms, would you say this is accurate, or are you doing just as much running around as ever?

Public Involvement Policy Reminder

Here's another plea for you to review and comment on SRTC's revised Public Involvement Policy. I know I'm getting repetitive folks, but I've got to jump through the hoops. I write the thing, then I'm required to put it out to a public comment period and try to solicit input. No one can say I didn't do my part :)

Here's a link for your reading pleasure.

Thursday Freeway Delays

On Thursday, August 14, from 9am to as late as 3pm, eastbound I-90 will be reduced to two through lanes in the vicinity of the Hamilton Interchange so crews can make repairs to the bridge deck. Drivers should expect slow traffic, congestion, and possible delays during the project.

Stay, Play & Bus to the Beach...

In case you missed it this morning, the Spokesman Review had a piece on the various Spokane Transit routes that can get you to a refreshing beach in the hot summer months. Check it out here.

There is also a link to other "staycation" spots in our region. I have to admit that I enjoyed this series of staycation articles over the past summer. I really enjoyed the piece on Liberty Lake County Park. I grew up in North Idaho, and never once went to that park until last weekend. We spent two nights and hiked all over the place. It is a fantastic hiking area.

Question: Did you take a staycation this summer? If so, where?

Early Warning For Next Week's Travel

Eastbound traffic on Interstate 90 between Fourth of July Pass and Idaho 3 (mileposts 31-35) will be reduced to one lane for pavement work starting Monday, Aug. 11.

Crews will grind and repave the four-mile section of I-90. Speed limit reductions will be in effect and drivers are urged to be cautious when driving through the work zone.

The work is scheduled to be complete Sept. 1.

Slow Down And Take The Detour If You're A Wide Load

A reminder about the Deep Creek Bridge repair project currently underway west of Airway Heights: the speed limit is reduced to 30 MPH in the vicinity of the project and loads over eleven feet wide must use the posted detour.

I get the idea there have been problems with these two issues, as the notice the WSDOT listed them in CAPITAL LETTERS.

Get Your 'Student Driver' Signs While They're Hot!

Okay, I found what you're all getting for Christmas this year. Ever have one of those days when you find it hard to concentrate on driving; you can't find anything good on the radio, the phone keeps ringing, and you didn't think the curb was that close when you were paralell parking? Well, no one will give you the finger when you have this 'Student Driver' magnetic sign stuck to your car. And the best part, it's only $19.95 for three of them! And the website where they're sold says they 'reduce stress.' Hmmm... I'm thinking of sticking one on my desk at work if that's true.

Here's where you can buy them.

Goodbye Wi-Fi

Bad news for those of you who had gotten used to using the free Wi-Fi service at Washington State rest stops.

Here's the official word from the WSDOT on why Wi-Fi is going away, at least for a while.

Skyfest Traffic Plan

Officials are worried that the annual 'Skyfest' at Fairchild Airforce Base could tie up traffic on Highway 2 this weekend. WSDOT is warning of heavy congestion, slow traffic, stopped traffic, and long delays on Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Here's the game plan to hopefully ease that situation, and a schedule of Skyfest events.

Gas Cards Are The New Bonus Check

What has your boss done for you lately? This New York Times article talks about all the ways companies and corporations are giving 'perks' to their employees to help take the sting out of the high gas prices. We're on flex schedules here, and working with the City to see if we can take part in the subsidized bus pass program they're trying to re-institute. So far, no free gas cards though. Hint hint Glenn. So has anything changed at your job as a result of fuel costs?

'Car Free' Days Idea Not Welcomed By Many

We've talked about 'car free' days on this blog before and whether they'd be feasible in our area. Well, Seattle's Mayor thought they would work there, but some west-siders disagree.

Read the story then let us know if you think the business owners' concerns are reasonable, or if you think the 'car free' days could actually be a boon for business? And if we were to do one around here, what areas would you like to see be part of the experiment?

Hatch Project Start Date Delayed

The project to rehabilitate Hatch Rd. from 54th to 43rd avenues has been delayed. The project was set to begin tomorrow, but will now start next Monday, August 11.

Hatch Rd. from 43rd to 54th avenues will be closed to traffic. Motorists traveling southbound will be detoured to 37th Ave. and then onto Perry St., and northbound traffic will be detoured to Perry St. Alternate routes include Crestline and Regal streets. The Manito Golf Course will remain open.

The $578,000 project is funded by the 10-Year Street Bond.

Check Out 'MapMyRide'

I've been hearing about the 'MapMyRide' website for a while now, but only just got around to checking it out. Say you're looking for someplace new to ride your bike to. You can log onto the site and check out rides other people have taken and mapped. They tell you about the scenery, the distance, the difficulty of the ride, etc. and provide a map.

Or maybe you want to be a little more original. MapMyRide also lets you plot your own bike rides over mountains (view elevation), through the woods (topo maps), and through the city (street level views). And once your cycling map is complete you can view it in 3D, satellite form, or share it with friends.

There are lots of other options on the site as well. Here's a link to MayMyRide. Now I just have to get the Huffy out of the garage and tuned up.

Downtown Spokane Plan Open House

We told you a couple weeks ago that the Downtown Spokane Plan Update is available for review and comment. Well if you want to comment, time is running out.

Comments will be accepted until this Thursday, Aug. 7, when an Open House is planned from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Spokane Visitors’ Center downtown at 201 W. Main.

The Plan includes a targeted list of projects that will mold downtown’s future.

You can view the Downtown Spokane Plan Update here and submit comments here.

Motorcycle Crashes Killing More Middle-Age Men

One of the subjects of the Spokesman's 'Huckleberries' blog today is the number of middle-aged men being injured or killed in motorcycle accidents. A decade ago, the victims of most motorcycle accidents were riders in their early 20s. Now, statistics show that more and more often they're middle-aged men.

Here's the link. What's your two cents?

Roundup For the Week of August 4

More scooters and motorcycles are hitting the roads, construction has started on the Deep Creek Bridge, and I90 ramps are closing.
Here's the roundup for this week's transportation activities in our area.