Monday, February 27, 2017

Lighting Improved at BT Stop at University City Kroger

UCB/Glade Sbnd #1314, 2/27/17
Lighting has been improved at the Blacksburg Transit Stop on University City Blvd. near Glade Road and the University City Kroger. Electricity now is running underground from the Kroger sign to the bus shelter.  Kroger is providing the electricity for the bus shelter at no charge. “The lighting has improved safety and attractiveness of the area,” said Tom Fox, director of Blacksburg Transit.  “Our customers should feel more comfortable at night, and our operators can see inside the shelter more clearly.” “We appreciate Kroger’s working with us and providing the electricity,” added Fox. In addition to the University City store, Kroger also has a store on S. Main Street in Blacksburg.

Saturday, February 25, 2017

Blacksburg seeking grant to start bike share program for new river valley

Twas very exciting to hear this article was coming and then to see it today in the Roanoke Times. I believe the initial interview with Director Tom Fox was held Wednesday, February 22, 2017 in the late afternoon. Apparently the RT reporter Yann Ranaivo also talked to Mayor Rordam and Christianburg Councilman Brad Stipes, which added more regional support. The online article link is http://www.roanoke.com/news/local/blacksburg/blacksburg-seeking-grant-to-start-bike-share-program/article_b6b89e2e-a673-5c6c-910f-b560db8b6fa1.html. Director Fox also presented an overview during a Feb 21 Town Council Worksession that reporter Ranaivo also attended (see agenda at http://blacksburg.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=22&clip_id=2008); the meeting minutes should be available soon. And in case you were wondering what bikeshare (or bike share) is: "Bike sharing is an innovative transportation program, ideal for short distance trips providing users the ability to pick up a bicycle at any self-serve bike sharing station in the network and return it to any bike sharing station located within the system’s service area." See "Bike Sharing in the United States: State of the Practice and Guide to Implementation," Sept. 2012, USDOT FHWA. Online: http://www.pedbikeinfo.org/pdf/Programs_Promote_bikeshareintheus.pdf, page 4.