Kevin Shute, Bath Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee
The Bath Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee has established the “Kevin Shute Bicycle and Pedestrian Education and Advocacy Fund” as a way to accept donations for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee while also recognizing Kevin Shute who is a current and a founding member of the Committee.
Committee members wanted to find a way to properly recognize the contributions made by Kevin Shute and decided that this fund is a perfect way to honor Kevin for his passion and knowledge of cycling, his patience and ability to work with everyone, and for his generosity of the time he has given to the community over the past 10 years.
The Purpose of The Funds Raised
The Committee works closely with Bath City Staff to help prioritize projects and other items for inclusion in the budgets of Public Works, Planning & Development, and the Parks and Recreation Department. There are occasions when the Committee identifies important but unexpected expenditures for which no funds have been budgeted. These might include signage for new walking trails, banners to promote biking and walking, educational materials and other unexpected advocacy and promotional expenses. Expenses like these can now be covered using this special fund.
How To Make a Donation
If you would like to make a donation, you may do so by writing a Check to the City of Bath, and in the memo field indicate “Bike Ped”. Checks can be delivered to the Treasurer’s Office at Bath City Hall, 55 Front Street, Bath, Maine.
Funds will be expended based on a committee vote to ensure they will be utilized for the purposes they were intended. These gifts to the Bath Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee are not tax deductible.
The Bath Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee and Bath Public Works installed three new bike racks downtown on Monday, June 21st. This project is part of larger effort to increase the convenience and comfort of biking into the Downtown area. Having adequate bike parking located in numerous places throughout the Downtown area is an important part of encouraging citizens and visitors to the area to use bikes instead of vehicles. After receiving positive feedback from a Bike Rack Popup Project in 2019, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee has been working towards a goal of increasing bike parking throughout the City or Bath.
Three New Convenient Locations
The new racks have been installed in three convenient locations on Centre Street, Front Street, and Elm Street.
Centre Street located in front of Center Street BakeryFront Street in front of Island Treasure ToysElm Street next to Country Farm Furniture
Updated Bike Rack Map
Visit the Bath Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee’s Map of Bike Racks in Bath Maine to see a map that includes all the bike rack locations throughout the City of Bath.
A Big Thank You to the Volunteer Bike Rack Assemblers
On Friday, June 18th, volunteers gathered at Bath Public Works to assemble the bike racks. Thanks to everyone for getting this done. Special thanks go to Jake from Public Works who provided the group with a location and the necessary tools to get the work done.
Kevin Shute (Bath Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee) and Ben Averill (Bath Planning & Development Department)Kevin Shute (Bath Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee), Ben Averill (Bath Planning & Development Department), Andrew Meredith (Bowdoin College Summer Intern through the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center), Grace Dempsey-Blair (Morse High School Green Club), and Tim Blair (Bath Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee)
The Bath Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee is asking citizens of Bath to share their thoughts on how vehicle speed affects them. Please consider completing this short questionnaire to provide important information to the committee. The results of this questionnaire will inform the City of Bath’s planning process related to traffic calming and improving the safety and comfort of roads for all users.
On Wednesday, May 12, 2021, Bath Middle School students and teachers, and members of the Bath Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee participated in a special Bike to School Day event. The event raised awareness about the benefits of biking to school and encourages students to consider it as an option to other modes of transportation.
Lawrence Kovacs, a teacher from RSU1, and a member of the Bath Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee, organized this year’s event and had this to say:
“Thanks to everyone who helped celebrate Bike To School Day today! We had twenty three students and six teachers arrive at school by bike (plus one on an electric scooter). A big shout out to teachers Paige Gallagher, Micah Depper, Roman Quinn, Tom Bennoch and Amanda Brewer for joining the group from the YMCA. Thanks to Karen Curley for handing out prizes and stickers back at school. Thanks to community members Kevin Shute and Tim Blair for riding with us, both of whom serve on the Bath Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee. And thanks to Jim Tasse at The Bicycle Coalition of Maine for sending a big box of great prizes for the kids. They loved them! Today created a positive buzz around commuting by bike, and hopefully events like this will encourage more kids to consider riding instead of driving or taking the bus. “
With temperatures inching higher, the Bath Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee and the Bath Parks and Recreation Department are inviting citizens to get on their bikes and enjoy the beautiful spring weather. May is National Bicycle Month, as designated by the League of American Cyclists, and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee, with assistance from the Parks and Recreation Department, will offer guided bicycle rides on three consecutive Saturdays beginning May 15th.
Ride for Experienced Riders
Saturday, May 15th Leader: Kevin Shute
A 10 to 12 mile ride through West Bath and North Bath. Participants should have had a few miles on their bike this spring and be comfortable with a couple of moderate hills. Plan on an hour and a half of riding time. Departure for all rides is at 9:30 am from the Bath Recreation Department office located at 4 Sheridan Road.
Saturday, May 22nd Leader: Mark Wheeler & Robert McChesney
This fun, slow ride is intended for riders who may be a bit leery of riding on the road, or haven’t been on their bike in a while. The hour long ride is a great chance to brush up on your cycling skills, gain confidence in your ability and meet riders who share the same biking goals. Departure for all rides is at 9:30 am from the Bath Recreation Department office located at 4 Sheridan Road.
Saturday, May 29th Leader: Kevin Shute and other committee members
Riders should have some experience riding on the road and children must be accompanied by an adult. Some basic skills will be covered prior to venturing out on the road for a short ride. Departure for all rides is at 9:30 am from the Bath Recreation Department office located at 4 Sheridan Road.
All rides are free, and limited to 12 riders. Cyclists must pre-register on-line using the Bath Parks and Recreation registration portal. For more information contact the Bath Parks and Recreation at 443-8360.
All rides will follow Maine CDC guidelines to insure a safe event for all participants. Maine CDC requires that participants wear masks when not on their bikes, have 20 feet of separation when riding and 6 feet of separation when stopped.
In addition, riders must wear a helmet, observe the rules of the road, use hand signals, and wear bright, visible clothing. Each ride will begin with introductions, a pre-ride bike check and rules of the road. If you haven’t had your bike tuned up, it is suggested to make an appointment at one of the excellent local bike shops. Departure for all rides is at 9:30 am from the Bath Recreation Department office located at 4 Sheridan Road.
The following report lists accomplishments related to Bicycle and Pedestrian infrastructure and related projects in the city of Bath, Maine. The Bath Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee works closely with municipal departments and other organizations to get this work done. We like to share Bath’s accomplishments each year, but somehow during all the disruption in March of 2020, we we never had an opportunity to share our 2019 accomplishments, so this report includes items from the past two years.
2020 Accomplishments
Sidewalk Construction and Maintenance
The Bath Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee works closely with Bath Public Works to prioritize the City’s sidewalk rehabilitation and new construction projects.
New sidewalk construction on Western Avenue near Dunkin Donuts
New sidewalk construction on Congress Avenue at tennis courts
Sidewalk rehabilitation on Spring Street
Sidewalk rehabilitation on Crescent Street
Engineering for new sidewalk on Crawford Drive (started)
Other Bicycle and Pedestrian Related Accomplishments
New 10 foot travel lanes
High Street from route 1 south to Winnegance.
Washington Street from Route 1 south.
Downtown Bike Racks
The City has purchased four 3-hoop bike racks and rails for downtown installation (scheduled for May).
Bike Safety Class for Bath Middle School students The Committee organized a Bike Safety Class for all 6th graders at Bath Middle School scheduled for April/May 2020 in collaboration with BCM and volunteers. Due to COVID it was canceled and will be rescheduled.
Complete Streets Policy Updated The Committee delivered an updated Draft of Complete Streets Policy for Adoption by Council
Crosswalk Survey The committee completed a survey of 350 crosswalks in the city, assessing location, curb ramps, detectable warning fields, lighting and sight lines.
Partial Closure of Front Street During summer, parking on the west side of Front Street was eliminated to widen the walkway to ensure social distanced pedestrian traffic and to allow for popup parklets.
Slow ME Down Campaign We have signed onto the Bike Coalition of Maine’s Slow ME Down campaign and are encouraging all members of the Bath community to sign on to the campaign as well.
2019 Accomplishments
Sidewalk Construction and Maintenance – 2019
Sidewalk rehabilitation on Clifton Street
Sidewalk rehabilitation on Mechanic Street
Path rehabilitation from Fisher Mitchell School to Middle Street
Sidewalk rehabilitation on North Street from High Street to Washington Street
New sidewalk construction on High Street from Marshall Street to Getchell Street
Sidewalk rehabilitation on Oliver Street Circle
Other Bicycle and Pedestrian Related Accomplishments – 2019
Popup Bike Rack on Front Street A temporary bicycle rack was placed in the 30 minute parking spot at the corner of Front and Centre Street, in celebration of National National Bike month, May 2019. The rack accommodated 6 – 8 bicycles and the usage was monitored by Bath Middle School Students, led by teacher Monica Wright. At the completion of the project, students presented their findings to the committee and citizens at Bath City Hall.
Google Map of Bath Maine Bike Racks Committee member Carl Zies developed a map of Bath that displayed the location of all bicycle racks within the city.
Bike to Work Day: Community Ride On Friday, May 17th, a bike ride was held to celebrate Bike to Work Day. Approximately 6 citizens participated in the ride. Departure was from the Bath YMCA at 7am. Cyclists were joined by 12 Bath Middle School Students who are learning bicycle safety skills, through the Riding For Focus Program, led by BMS teacher, Lawrence Kovacs.
Committee Blog Tim Blair, Committee Member, developed a Bike/Ped blog. The intent is to promote news, education, advocacy and issues of importance pertaining to pedestrian and bicycle activities in Bath.
Community Involvement Day The Committee had a display at the 2019 Community Involvement Day. Due to rain, the event was held at the Bath Elks Club, instead of the usual, more scenic location of Waterfront Park. Participation in the day increases visibility of the committee and gives citizens the opportunity to voice concerns on bike/ped issues.
Bath Safety Day Bath Safety Day was held, Saturday, June 1st at the Water Street parking lot next to the Bath Police Department. Committee members assisted in fitting helmets, tuning up bicycles and directing a bicycle skills obstacle course.
This year, BFF Maine is presenting an international selection of the most important short films from the BFF collection. Film fans and bicycle fans alike will enjoy and be moved by stories featuring:
A charismatic Ghanian immigrant in Amsterdam who teaches adult women refugees to ride bikes The first BMX crew in Nigeria A bird’s-eye view of a Black Lives Matter protest ride from NYC to Washington, D.C. New York City through the lens of female bike messengers The anguish of a father coping with the loss of his son The struggle of a young woman and her bike in Iran Cycle sport as relief from genocide
…And more!
BFF Maine will also include a panel discussion following the films, entitled “Everybody Bicycling Everywhere in Maine.” Maine is an amazing part of the world to explore by bicycle! We’ll be sharing resources, advice, and personal experiences that support newcomers to take a chance and try something new, or embolden more avid cyclists to push their boundaries. Topics will cover equipment, skills and safety, route development, commuting, bike-packing and touring, inclusion regardless of age or background, adaptive cycling for people with disabilities, and ideas for blending bicycling into everyday lives. Please join us to celebrate bicycling in Maine!
Wondering how a virtual film festival works? A ticket allows you to view this fantastic series of short films and the panel discussion at any time during the period of March 12 at 6 p.m. ET to March 21 at 11:59 p.m. ET streamed to your computer, tablet, or smart TV by simply clicking on the link provided via email after you purchase.
Ticket prices are on a sliding scale of $10-20, and all ticket prices provide the same content. The Bicycle Coalition of Maine receives a portion of the proceeds.
Interested in having someone make good use of a bicycle that you are no longer using?
Bath resident and retired physician, Mark Wheeler, has been collecting unwanted bicycles and repairing them for asylum seekers. In the past three years, he has delivered about 25 bikes to these appreciative people. Most of these bikes have found new homes in six households here in Bath. Several bikes have ended up in Brunswick.
If you have a bike you do not want and would like to donate it to this project, please call Mark at (207)443-5712.
Photos of Volunteers Preparing Bicycles for Asylum Seekers in the Bath and Brunswick Area Last Year
Several members of the Bath Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee are Community Spokes with the Bicycle Coalition of Maine (BCM). BCM hosts Community Spokes meetings to keep communities in touch with the latest information and to support statewide bicycle and pedestrian advocacy campaigns.
This post provides a few highlights from the April 14th Community Spokes session hosted on Zoom.
Community Projects
Demonstration Bike Rack, Bath, Maine
This demonstration was done in Bath by their Bike/ped Committee, using materials that BCM loaned them to make bike parking in a parking spot on Front Street in downtown Bath.
Traffic Calming Demonstration Projects, Yarmouth, Maine
Traffic calming is one of the most requested measures that communities are looking for, wanting to slow down speeding traffic. This project in North Yarmouth was called “Kite in Sight” – done by the Living Well Committee. This was a type of gateway treatment where eye-catching signage, or art, in this case, is placed on every road that enters the center of town. The slogan was: “Kite in Sight Please Slow Down.”
That campaign in North Yarmouth was followed up with traffic calming demonstration projects – setting up crosswalks, using planters to narrow the travel lanes, and enhance crosswalk visibility.
The data collected before the demonstrations were in place showed that only 33% of the drivers obeyed the speed limit. After the demonstrations were set up, 80% of drivers adhered to the speed limit. This shows how simple traffic calming measures can make a big difference in how fast people drive.
Biking Distance Recommendations
One guideline that continues to evolve during this pandemic is related to the distance we should keep when we are around others – varying from 6’ to 25’. The distance recommendations for when we are exercising outdoors has increased considerably. This illustration shows just how much of a footprint we leave in the air every time we expel air from our lungs through our nose and mouth. This image shows the cloud of droplets from exhaling during exercise which varies depending on the intensity of a person’s workout.
If you’ve had a chance to be outside over the past few weeks, you will have noticed a significant increase in the number Bath citizens out and about walking and biking. One of the outcomes of people staying safe at home is that they are discovering the possibility of getting exercise and just enjoying the outdoors right where they live. One of the benefits of living in Bath, Maine, is that we can do this simply by walking out our front door, and enjoying miles of roads, sidewalks and as well as access to trails in local preserves.
While it may be the case that vehicle traffic is reduced during this time, with an increase in walkers and bikers it’s important, now more than ever, that everyone involved be aware of some basic safety guidelines for biking and walking.
The following resources provided by the Bicycle Coalition of Maine only take a few minutes to review. Please share with your family and friends.
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