Advocacy Project: Issue Overview

What is the issue?
Bike path connections are often interrupted by bridges without adequate accommodations. Lack of bikeways and pedestrian walkways, in addition to the inconvenience and lack of safety of existing ones, can discourage people from utilizing these alternative forms of transportation.

What current legislation has been proposed to address this?
H.F. 1705: Bicycle and pedestrian accommodation inclusion required as part of trunk highway bridge improvement program.

This bill requires the inclusion of accommodations on certain bridges that are repaired or replaced under the trunk highway bridge improvement program established in 2008. The bridge improvement program requires MnDOT to identify certain fracture-critical and structurally deficient bridges and prioritizes them for repair or replacement.

Who is affected by the issue?
Cyclists, walkers, motorists, and any other commuters who use the trunk highway bridges are affected by the issue. It also affects business owners and homeowners in close proximity to the bridges.

The people that may lose something from the inclusion of bicycle and pedestrian accommodation are business owners who may see a decrease in customers while bridges are under construction, homeowners who may experience an increase in traffic if detours during construction are necessary, and taxpayers who may see an increase in taxes.

Cyclists and pedestrians, however, can gain safer and more convenient transportation.

What are the consequences of the issue?
Improving bikeways and walkways will allow people to use these forms of transportation to get where they need (or want) to go in a safe and timely fashion. Families will be benefited if these accommodations enable a family member to get to work, and the option of alternate transportation may also free up a vehicle for a family member who needs it more. Society would experience a reduction in carbon emissions and other air pollutants because less cars would be on the road. Also, biking and walking are good means of exercise, and when a population increases its overall heath, a decrease in health care costs may be observed.

What is the economic impact of the issue?
The inclusion of bicycle and pedestrian accommodation is on bridges that will be repaired or replaced under the trunk highway bridge improvement program so no bridges will be redone solely for this purpose. Adding these accommodations, however, could cost between $500,000 and $6 million per bridge. Taxpayers and city and state budgets would most likely bear these costs.

On the other hand, people who can bike or walk will have decreased costs associated with vehicle maintenance and gas or other forms of transportation. Also, less emergency medical care will be needed to respond to accidents. Construction companies will have an increase in projects which can prevent layoffs.

What is the social impact of the issue?
Bridges under construction can be a pain because alternative routes become necessary. Businesses may suffer if it is inconvenient for consumers to get to them. Also, neighborhoods may see an increase in traffic (and the resulting noise and air pollution) if the traffic is routed through them.

Social benefits include less bicycle-automobile and pedestrian-automobile accidents. More individuals would be able to bike and walk for recreation, and the proposed bicycle and pedestrian accommodations would meet the accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

What are the barriers?
Major barriers include the bill being dropped from consideration and the large costs associated with redoing infrastructure. The first barrier can be overcome by encouraging congresspersons to vote yes on this bill. The second one is a little more involved, but adjusting state and city budgets and putting higher taxes on corporations could help provide funding.

What are the resources?
The resources needed to address this issue include an increased awareness among the general population and money for the construction and repairs. Citizens can be made aware of the issue through tactics such as billboards, newspaper letters to the editor, and radio PSAs. The concerned citizens can then be encouraged to persuade their representatives to vote yes on this issue. Additional funding may be tapped from grants from organizations such as the Bikes Belong Foundation. Also, the U.S. Department of Transportation - Federal Highway Administration may have funds set aside for such purposes.

What is the history of this issue?
MnDOT already incorporates bicycle and pedestrian facilities, but this bill would ensure it happens with all qualifying bridges.

Existing state statutes relating to this issue include:

Minnesota Statues, Chapter 174, Minnesota Transportation Goals:

• Promote and increase bicycling as an energy-efficient, non-polluting and healthful transportation alternative.
• Provide safe transportation to users throughout the state.
• Provide multimodal and inter-modal transportation that enhances mobility, economic development, and provides access to all persons...
• Increase transit use in the urban areas by giving highest priority to the transportation modes with the greatest people moving capacity.
• Ensure that the planning and implementation of all modes of transportation are consistent with the environment and energy goals of the state.

Minnesota Statues, Chapter 160.264: Replacing Bikeways and Pedestrian Ways

Whenever an existing bikeway, pedestrian way, or roadway used by bicycles or pedestrians, or the sole access to such is destroyed by any new, reconstructed, or relocated federal, state, or local highway, the road authority responsible shall replace the destroyed facility or access with a comparable facility or access. Replacement is not required where it would be contrary to public safety or when sparsity of population, other available ways, or other factors indicate an absence of need for such facility or access.

Minnesota Statues, Chapter 160.265

The commissioner shall establish a program for the development of bikeways primarily on existing road rights of way.

Allies and Opponents
Possible supporters of this issue include bikers, pedestrians, and hospitals. Formal groups that would be in favor of this bill include the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Bicycle and Pedestrian Program, the League of American Bicyclists, and the State Nonmotorized Transportation Committee (LINK).

Possible opponents of this issue include business owners and homeowners that would be affected by the bridge construction and any citizen concerned about tax increases.

My Recommendation
I want Rep. Thomas Huntley to vote YES on this issue!

(Sources:

http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessionweekly/art.asp?ls_year=86&issueid_=39&storyid=1186&year_=2009

http://www.dot.state.mn.us/bike/bikepolicy.html)

Share and Voice: Thanks!

Dave Vadnais, the manager of Kenwood SuperOne Foods here in Duluth, recently donated reuseable bags for everyone in our Environmental Health class!

Dr. V. encouraged us all to stop in and personally thank him for his generous gift. I had to pick up some groceries this evening so I went to that store and was actually able to thank Dave myself. He said that multiple people from our class have already spoken to him and he really enjoys knowing that his gift is being appreciated.

In class today we took a group picture and all signed a paper bag from SuperOne which will be given to Dave as well. Great idea, Heather! (And Shar? I apologize if I'm forgetting to give someone credit for the idea... I don't remember who was all in on it. Oops!)

Good job everyone!

Also, thank you Dr. V. for telling him about our class!

Reflection: Weeks 11 & 12

Week 11
On Tuesday and Thursday of last week we watched a portion of a documentary called Unnatural Causes. The segment we watched was called "In Sickness and in Wealth", and it talked about how socioeconomic inequalities affect health. Unfortunately, it seems that wealth equals health in our country. The film followed citizens in the varying districts of Louisville, Kentucky in order to expose the huge health disparities present in our nation. I was aware of this issue before watching the documentary, but it was really effective to see the information presented with graphs and concrete data.

A new fact I learned was that America has the steepest wealth-health gradient of all the developed nations. In Kentucky alone, a NINE YEAR difference in life expectancy exists between the wealthiest and poorest districts! This is definitely an issue health educators need to be aware of and take into consideration when planning health interventions. We had a good discussion in class about how we need to be aware of the social issues and constraints that effect health in order to be effective health educators. I really enjoyed watching this documentary and would like to see the other portions of it. It made me realize the resources I take for granted every day, such as having safe places to exercise outside!

We had no new blog posts due this week, only comments on group members' work. Although blogging has become much easier and is now just a regular part of life, it was nice to have a little break!


Week 12
The next portion of our Advocacy Project was due on Tuesday, and I thought it was an informative assignment because I don't know very much about bills and the legislative process. We did get to watch the Schoolhouse Rock video "I'm Just a Bill" in class so that pretty much made my day! (I LOVE Schoolhouse Rock.) I know I said earlier that blogging has become really easy, but I did run into some problems with the advocacy post refusing to actually post. It was quite frustrating, but everything worked out in the end.

In class we talked about the importance of understanding the issue when advocating for a cause. This is necessary in order to intelligently support the position. Also, Dr. V. said that the president of AAHPERD liked our photo essays - that was neat to hear!

For Thursday we read an article from our book titled "News on the Environment Isn't Always Bad." It discussed how the ozone layer is closing, but that good news often doesn't seem to make it into the news! That's unfortunate, because I think it is encouraging for people to see that our efforts to help the environment really are making a positive difference.

In class on Thursday, we discussed neat ways to reuse or "re-purpose" antiques or unwanted items. My mom is very creative and into that sort of thing so I immediately thought of her when I learned Sue Whitney, author and owner of JunkMarket is coming to speak to our class. :) We also talked about upcoming assignments and what we will be doing for the remainder of the semester. I can't believe we only have 3 (or 4, I guess) weeks of class left! Where has the time gone?

Have a great weekend everyone!


(Photo taken by me near Lake Manuella, MN.)

Advocacy Project: Healthy People/THOMAS

Healthy People 2010 Objective

22-15. Increase the proportion of trips made by bicycling.

22-15a. Adults aged 18 years and older
Trips of 5 miles or less
1995 Baseline: .6%
2010 Target: 2.0%

22-15b. Children and adolescents aged 5 to 15 years
Trips to school of 2 miles or less
1995 Baseline: 2.4%
2010 Target: 5.0%





Progress Toward Healthy People 2010 Targets
At the time of the Midcourse Review, trend data were not available for both 22-15a and 22-15b. However, according to the website, data sources were identified for these objectives, and data to assess progress are anticipated by the end of the decade.


Progress Toward Elimination of Health Disparities
There were no observed changes in disparity.

Race and Ethnicity table: Data not available.

Gender, Education, Location and Disability table: 22-15a. Best group rate included people in the categories of male, less than high school, at least some college, and urban or metropolitan. 22-15b. Best group rate included people in the categories of male and urban or metropolitan. In both subobjectives, disparity from the best group rate was less than 10% or not statistically significant, or else data was not available.

Opportunities and Challenges
The convenience of automobiles in combination with lack of bikeways has led to a decrease in bicycling as a main mode of transportation. With the increase in gas prices over the last few years, however, more people have turned to alternate transportation such as biking. Awareness of air pollution and the affect of vehicles on global warming may also be motivation for people to bike. In addition, some cities offer citizens the opportunity to put their bikes on the city bus in order to combine the two modes of transportation.

Unfortunately, access to safe bikeways is a major concern for cyclists, especially in metropolitan areas. Lack of money to update roads with adequate bike lanes is a challenge for many cities. Also, some businesses and stores do not provide a place (such as a bike rack) for cyclists to lock up their bikes.


Emerging Issues
According to the Healthy People website, opportunities for physical activity through environmental and policy interventions is an emerging priority for public health. This includes increasing access to walking and biking trails and recreational facilities. By raising awareness of this issue, hopefully more suitable facilities will be created and individuals will be able to utilize bicycling as a safe mode of transportation.



A Related Bill in the Minnesota State Legislature

HF1705

Title: Bicycle and pedestrian accommodation inclusion required as part of trunk highway bridge improvement program.

Sponsor: Rep. Frank Hornstein [District: 60B] (introduced 3/16/2009)
Cosponsors: Hausman, Lieder, Nelson, McFarlane, Loeffler, Kahn

Latest Major Actions: 4/2/2009 Division action, to pass as amended and return to Finance; 4/6/2009 Author added (Kahn)
Status: In House for Legislative Session 86

My Political Representative: Representative Thomas Huntley

Recommended Action: Vote YES for HF1705 to require bicycle and pedestrian accommodation as part of the trunk highway bridge improvement program.

Share and Voice: Compost

Hey guys! Since we're getting close to spring (well, hopefully), I thought it would be a good time to talk about composting. I started a compost in my backyard at the beginning of last summer when I moved back to Duluth and loved it! I made it out of wire mesh and just attached it to the fence in our backyard - nice and easy. Here's a picture of it (unfortunately it hasn't been getting much use these last couple of months):



What is composting?
Composting creates an environment for organic waste (food scraps, yard trimmings, etc.) to quickly decompose into a dark soil-like material. Organisms such as insects, worms, and bacteria all help to break down the matter. It is a natural form of recycling!


Why should I start a compost?

• less trash sent to landfills - cut down your garbage by hundreds of pounds each year
  
• reduced odors in household garbage cans
• putting food through an in-sink garbage disposal means it will have to be removed from the water at a treatment plant

What can I put in my compost?
A basic principle of composting is to remember to combine both "greens" and "browns". This ensures proper amounts of nitrogen and carbon, and provides protein and energy for the organisms that live in and decompose the compost. Greens include matter such as green leaves, fresh grass and plant trimmings, coffee grounds, tea bags, and raw fruit and veggie scraps. Some browns are dried grasses and leaves, straw, woodchips, twigs and branches, shredded newspaper, and sawdust.

(As a side note, make sure air can circulate through the compost pile. This can be done by occasionally turning and mixing it up with a shovel. Also, see to it that the pile stays moist, but not too wet.)


What can't I put in my compost?
If you plan to use your compost as a soil amendment, keep it free of seeded weeds, diseased plants, and pet doo-doo. Also, excluding foods containing meat, dairy, and oils will help prevent unwanted visitors such as raccoons and neighborhood dogs.


What can I use my compost for?

• add the nutrient-rich matter to a garden or flowerbed
• mix it with existing soil to improve erosion control, soil fertility, and proper pH balance

What if I can't start a compost in my yard or I live on-campus?
There are some residential food waste drop sites here in Duluth:

• The Western Lake Superior Sanitary District's (WLSSD) Yard Waste Compost Site at 27th Ave West & Courtland St. (During winter months, it moves to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility located at 27th Ave West & Courtland St.)
• WLSSD's Materials Recovery Center at Rice Lake and Ridgeview Roads
• Marshall Hardware at 4415 E. Superior St.
  
• Willard Munger Inn at 7408 Grand Ave
• Chester Creek Cafe at 1902 E 8th St.
  

Click here to view the hours for these drop-off sites.


This post is meant to be just a quick overview of composting, but there is much more that can be said about it! If you're interested in starting your own compost, visit these sites for more information and in-depth tips on how to get started:

• http://www.wlssd.duluth.mn.us/compost.php

• http://howtocompost.org/

• http://www.reduce.org/compost/index.html

Reflection: Weeks 9 & 10

Week 9
On Tuesday, we talked about advocacy in class and how it relates to the job of a health educator. To be honest, I hadn't realized what a big deal advocacy is. Or, for that matter, what exactly advocacy is! I guess I always assumed advocacy was only for really outspoken, politically involved individuals (which I definitely am not), so I shied away from the issue. I never really stopped to think much about it and how it related to lobbying and grassroots efforts, especially in connection with the health education profession. Now I realize that anyone can advocate for something they have an opinion about and an interest in. Advocacy doesn't have to be risky or scary, but it will take thought, planning, knowledge of the subject, and a time commitment. I have now changed my opinion and believe that willingness to advocate for a cause is just another positive characteristic of an involved citizen.

advocacy: the act of pleading or arguing in favor of something, such as a cause, idea, or policy; active support.

Along with this discussion, we were assigned the first part of our Advocacy Project. For this, we were supposed to find out who our political representatives are. This was good for me, because I'll admit I didn't know who all of my representatives were before looking them up for this assignment!

In class on Thursday of week 9, we discussed photography ethics and how to take quality photography in relation to our upcoming Photo Essay. We also talked about how photo essays are an effective way to advocate for under-served populations. I thought this was very interesting, because I hadn't thought of it that way before, but once it was mentioned I began to think of all the times I have seen this sort of advocacy in action.

Week 10
We did not have class this week since Dr. V. was out of town. I definitely enjoyed the extra time this gave me! Also, we all eased up a little on the blogging posts so they were less overwhelming than normal.

Our photo essays were due this week, and I'm looking forward to seeing the topics everyone chose! Earlier this week, I got quite frustrated with my photo essay, but I think it turned out alright. I ended up switching my topic, and also my LCD screen on my camera is broken so I can't use the settings (such as the flash!) or see exactly what is in the frame of each photo! But, like I said, things turned out fine. Looking back, I'm not sure why I didn't just borrow a camera from some one else... oh well.

Since I've been trying to make my life more environmentally friendly these past few weeks, I was excited to learn that some of my friends were interested in celebrating Earth Hour this past weekend. We kept all our electricity off for a couple hours on Saturday night and had a great time helping out our earth!

Well, I think that's about it for these past two weeks. I can't believe we're at the end of week 10 already -- the semester is just flying by!

Eye Opener: Photo Essay

Hello everyone!

Alright, so I know that all too often people think, "Well, what can I do? I'm just a college student," when it comes to being more environmentally friendly. We tend to think that "going green" is out of our control because we can't afford it, or because we live in rental housing -- the list of excuses can be quite long. Other times I hear my peers (and I'm not picking on anyone in this class, I'm talking about all college students in general) say they'll become more conscious of the environment "once I have my own house" or "once I'm out of college." Admittedly, I'm definitely guilty of this myself sometimes.

The question we need to be asking is, WHY WAIT? There are numerous ways that we can lessen our impact on the environment right now! I know we all know this, and we have all learned about new creative ways to do so over the past couple of weeks through class discussions and everyone's Share and Voice posts.

The purpose of my photo essay is to reinforce the idea that college students can -- and are -- making a difference right now, despite our temporary housing situations, limited budgets, hectic schedules, etc. All of these photos were taken at residences of UMD students and show simple ways to make your home, and life, a little bit greener.





Take turns among housemates making family-style meals. You'll use less electricity when cooking, less water on the dishes, and even less packaging because food will be purchased in bulk. As a bonus, you'll gain extra time on the nights it's someone else's turn to cook. Even if it's impossible to gather everyone for a meal, it is always nice to have leftovers waiting after a long day at school and work.




Find creative ways to reuse items, such as turning an empty jar of pasta sauce into a cool-looking drinking glass!
























For items that can't be reused, be sure to recycle them.





Start a compost in your yard for food scraps and yard waste. This one was made last summer and used diligently until winter.







Speaking of food, try to purchase organic and local foods whenever possible.



Keep reusable bags in your cupboard or by the door so it is easier to remember them when heading to the store.














Buy natural cleaning products, or better yet, make your own.





Forget about those old, uncool, energy-wasting light bulbs...










...and switch to more efficient bulbs instead.



































Save energy by hanging clothes up to dry instead of using a dryer. This works especially well in summer when clothes can be hung up outside on a clothesline.




Keep the thermostat turned down, especially during times when no one is home or at night when everyone is asleep.

Make sure that precious heat is not escaping from your house - or that cold air is sneaking in. Plug up any holes...




















...and put plastic over windows during the winter months.


















Minimize vehicle use by biking and walking. It can be done, even during Duluth winters.


I hope this has inspired you to look for changes that could be made in your own homes!

Thanks for reading!