Wednesday is T4America's National Call in Day. The Surface Transportation Authorization Act of 2009 is in play, and will determine the transportation system we have to live with for the rest of our lives. If you support transit, walking, and bicycling there is much to like in the new bill, but the bill lacks a clear strategy for reforming our transportation system, something like this. Tell your Representative "No new transportation money without reform."

Let's light up the switchboards. Here are suggested comments for making the call. You probably want to know the name of your Represenatiative. Here's a handy map of KY and IN representatives - though if you're in Louisville it is probably John Yarmuth (3rd), and if you're in Southern Indiana it's probably Baron Hill (9th).

[from the CJ] "The public is invited to a discussion and update on plans for the Louisville Loop, a proposed 100-mile, paved shared-use path that will nearly encircle Jefferson County when completed.

Bikers, hikers and exercise enthusiasts are encouraged to join Louisville Metro Parks staff and Mayor Jerry Abramson at the event on Saturday, June 27, at Riverside, the Farnsley-Moreman Landing in southwest Jefferson County.

Officials will answer questions and receive feedback on the project from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and visitors will can see maps of different segments on the loop."

Event details, from the Metro Parks Newsroom: http://www.louisvilleky.gov/MetroParks/News/2009/looppublicevent.htm

(from Bike Louisville & Business First of Louisville) "Louisville-Jefferson County Metro Government is seeking public input on a plan to preserve River Road and improve accessibility for bicyclists, walkers and joggers.

The meeting, part of a yearlong study led by Gresham, Smith and Partners, is scheduled for June 16^th, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Gingerwoods Event Hall, [next to Henry's Ark] 7611 Rose Island Road. The study concerns a seven-mile stretch of River Road, from Zorn Avenue to U.S. 42.

[update] See the River Road Scenic Byway Corridor Improvement Study (3.1 MB PDF file)

UPDATE #2: Added some pictures from the meeting, click Read More to see them.

UPDATE: A bicycle convoy will leave from Louisville to get safely across the 2nd Street Bridge. Be ready to leave at 10:45am from in front of Bearno's by the Bridge (NE corner of Main and 2nd).

You are invited to the Big 4 Bridge public workshop on Saturday. According to the flyer "this will allow residents to share ideas with the City and design team as well as critique ideas and concepts that are developed through this project. Everyone is encouraged to attend and bring their neighbors and families to participate."

Saturday, June 6, 2009
130 W. Riverside Drive, Jeffersonville - Brad Sprigler Design Studio
11am - 1pm;
formal presentation will begin @ 11:30am
come and go as you like

Its obvious what a big deal the Big 4 bridge will be. But in case you live on the moon or something: Jeffersonville is a lovely town, no farther from my home than, say, St Matthews. However, to get to St Matthews is a simple bike ride. To get to Jefforsonville is a harrowing journey over the Clark Memorial "2nd street" Bridge. As a result, St Matthews gets hudreds of dollars a year in shopping revenue from me, and Jefforsnville gets none.

But if Jeffersonville could be connected by a bridge that weren't such an ordeal, say one leaving from the middle of a park, then it would suddenly become a viable destination for a lot of people.

Registration is required, but the talk is free and there's good food.

Imagine getting in shape on your way to work!

You can do it.

Just join us for Louisville's Bike to Work Day, Friday, May 15th, and really show your support for cycling in Louisville! Visit the registration page at the Bike Louisville website.

Derby Train on display outside Louisville Union Station. ~5/2/2009

"Rising from the Rails: How A. Philip Randolph and the Pullman Porters Helped Pave the Way for the Civil Rights Movement"

Saturday was National Train Day. This year, Philadelphia's 30th Street Station hosted an event honoring the Pullman porters, the African American men who worked long hours as attendants on the luxurious sleeper trains operated by the Pullman Company from 1868 to 1969. The Pullman porters played an important but unsung role in the history of this country. In 1925, they formed the first black labor union under the stewardship of A. Philip Randolph. They also helped pave the way for the civil rights movement and are also credited with building the black middle class in this country.

Listen/Watch/Read
http://www.democracynow.org/2009/5/11/rising_from_the_rails_how_a

On April 16, 11:30-12:30, the local chapter of the U.S. Association for Energy Economics is sponsoring a presentation by a representative of the Energy Information Administration of their "Energy Outlook 2009" report at the Convention Center. This is the report referenced in the article below that stated non-OPEC oil production peaked five years ago. In the attached announcement, the presentation is described as follows:

Key aspects of results from the Energy Information Administration’s "Annual Energy Outlook 2009" (released December 2008) will be presented. Particular focus will be on issues that indicate how America’s energy future is changing, with an emphasis on electricity generation. 

Note the RSVP request in the announcement (pdf).

Wednesday's trip to the capitol has been suspended for this week. Thanks to all who came out yesterday.