Sharing the Road

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Fri Aug 27

This day in history: (1953) Roman Holiday opens, featuring Hepburn’s first starring role.

“The Hundred Dresses” at Georgia Children’s Museum. Friday & Saturday, 7 p.m. Saturday & Sunday, 2 p.m. Tickets $5 - $8, includes Museum admission. 478.755.9539. GeorgiaChildrensMuseum.com. 370 Cherry St.

College Hill’s Big Screen Movie Nights at Tattnall Park. Showing The Neverending Story. Co-presented by Macon Film Festival. Outdoor movie screenings. 8 p.m. Free. 478.301.2008. CollegeHillMacon.com.

Macon Architecture: a Story of Structures opens at the Museum of Arts & Sciences. New exhibit featuring Macon’s architectural gems. Hands-on components teach science, technology & artistry. Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday, 1 – 5 p.m. $4 - $8. Free for students & Bibb Co. residents the last Friday of each month, 5 – 8 p.m. 478.477.3232. MASMacon.com. 4182 Forsyth Rd.

Sat Aug 28
This day in history: (1917) President Woodrow Wilson is picketed by woman suffragists who demand that he support an amendment to the Constitution that would guarantee women the right to vote.

City Market on Poplar Street Green Weekly market offers seasonal fresh and organic produce, skillfully created arts and crafts, free-style arts, baked goods, plants and herbs, handmade soaps, jewelry and more. 9am - 1pm.

Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit in Concert Friends of Mike Weaver Foundation, Inc. present Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit and Tron Jackson – Live In Concert. Doors Open at 8:15 p.m., Concert at 9:00 p.m. Admission: $20.

Fall for the Arts Festival at the Grand Opera House. Family friendly arts fair with live performances & info about arts seasons and classes of multiple arts & cultural orgs. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Free. 478.743.6940. MaconArts.org. 651 Mulberry St.

Wed Sept 1
This day in history: (1864) Union Army General William Tecumseh Sherman lays siege to Atlanta, Georgia.

Dinner & a Classic Movie at Cox Capitol Theatre. “I Want to Live" (1958) 6:30 pm. Call or check website for menus & films. $5 or $17.50 with dinner. 478.257.6381 CoxCapitolTheatre.com.

Thur Sept 2
This day in history: (1969) America's first ATM makes its public debut in New York.

Robert McDuffie Festival for Strings at Mercer University. Sept. 2, Distinguished Artists Concert. 6 p.m. Free. Fickling Hall, McCorkle Music Bldg. 478.301.5751. 1400 Coleman Ave.

Fri Sept 3
This day in history: (1990) President George Bush meets with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. The theme of the meeting was cooperation between the two superpowers in dealing with the Iraqi crisis.

“Honky Tonk Angels” at Macon Little Theatre. “Dreamgirls” meets the “Dixie Chicks”…Country music revue. Join us on a hilarious, rollicking and touching journey that celebrates the voices of women in country music. Experience Stand by Your Man, Coal Miner’s Daughter, Delta Dawn, 9 to 5, Harper Valley PTA, I Will Always Love You and many other great songs through the voices of the three country gals who meet on a bus on their way to NashvilleWednesday – Saturday, 8 p.m. Sunday matinees, 2:30 p.m. $10 - $18. September 3 – 12. 478.471.PLAY. MaconLittleTheatre.org. 4220 Forsyth Rd.

The Electric Social at the SoChi Gallery. The best in electronic music featuring: Dark Shadow, Element, and Old Flame. 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. $5 - $7. 478.238.6630. TheSoChiGallery.com. 534 Second St.

First Friday Alzheimer’s Benefit & art exhibit at Joycine’s. Ceramics by Rheetah! Flanagan, paintings by Martha Adams Thompson. 5:30 – 9 p.m. Free. 478.743.3144. 333 Cotton Ave.

Sat Sept 4
This day in history: (2002) Kelly Clarkson, a 20-year-old cocktail waitress from Texas, wins Season One of American Idol.

Battle of the Baddest Bands
Insurrection Sound, in conjunction with Storey Communications presents the second annual Battle of the Baddest Bands at 7:00 PM, September 4th, at the Cox Capitol Theatre.
This event is the grand finale of a five-week competition where the preliminary rounds were held at Wild Wing Cafe. Four of Middle Georgia's best up and coming bands will battle it out for prizes from exclusive music retail sponsor Music Masters in Byron, GA, recording time at Insurrection Sound, a live DVD of the event from Storey Communications and other prizes. Show starts at 7p.m. and tickets are $10.

Urban Hike Series: Walk and Learn in the Corridor 7pm Trees of the Corridor: Learn how to identify common trees found in the corridor with plant ecologist Dr. Heather Bowman Cutway of Mercer University. Meet at the corner of Coleman Ave. and College St.

Mon Sept 6
This day in history: (2002) Kelly Clarkson, a 20-year-old cocktail waitress from Texas.

Vineville Neighborhood Association Wine & Music Festival
Featuring five local bands and wine tastings by Michael’s on Mulberry. 3-9p.m. at the Big House, 2321 Vineville Ave. Ticket prices are $20 for adults, $10 for students, $5 for kids under 6.

Wed Sept 8
This day in history: (1986) Oprah goes national.

Dinner & a Classic Movie at Cox Capitol Theatre. “The Bridges at Toko-Ri" (1954) 6:30 pm. Call or check website for menus & films. $5 or $17.50 with dinner. 478.257.6381 382 Second St.

Thur Sept 9
This day in history: (1939) Audiences are treated to surprise preview of Gone with the Wind at Fox Theatre in California. Gone with the Wind debuted in Atlanta on December 15, 1939, and became an instant hit, breaking all box office records.

Lord T & Eloise in concert at the Cox Capitol Theatre This duo are know as Crunk artists and performers based out of Memphis, TN. The two self-proclaimed ‘intergalactic time travelers’ and ‘forebearers of the Rapocalypse” have spent the last three years touring the United States, sharing the stage with some of the industry’s most important modern performers, and bombarding the American media with their own sense of style, bravado and showmanship.
“No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t hate it…as good, if not better than most of the rap I hear these days…polished, unique, and catchy as hell...funny, relevant, and original.”
- THE SAN FRANSISCO BAY GUARDIAN
Show presented by Adam Smith Productions. Concert starts at 9pm. Tickets are $9 in advance, $11 at the door.

Steve Penley exhibit at Georgia Music Hall of Fame. Preview Party – Sept. 9. Ribbon cutting, meet Penley, hors d’oeuvres & drinks. $10 Members, $25 general admission. Macon native artist’s portraits of Macon-related artists. Opens to public Sept. 10. Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday, 1 – 4 p.m. $3 - $8. 478.751.3334. GeorgiaMusic.org. 200 M.L. King, Jr. Blvd.

Arts
New Macon Co-Ed Book Club:
Looking for a hobby? Love to read? Want to make new friends? Possess intellectual conversation? The new macon co-ed book club is just what you are looking for. For more information please call 912-227-4212.

Macon Arts Gallery September 3 – 25 – “Postcards to Macon” at Macon Arts Alliance. Photographs by Maryann Bates, ceramics by Michael DeBerry. First Friday opening, Sept. 3, 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday – Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free. 478.743.6940. MaconArts.org. 486 First St.

“Harriet Tubman: A Moses to Her People” at the Tubman African American Museum. Weekdays, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, Noon – 4 p.m. $4 - $6. 478.743.8544. TubmanMuseum.com. 340 Walnut St.

Steve Penley exhibit at Georgia Music Hall of Fame. Macon native artist’s portraits of Macon-related artists. September 9 – July 11 Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday, 1 – 4 p.m. $3 - $8. 478.751.3334. 200 M.L. King, Jr. Blvd.

Joycine's Art, Attitude & Accessory Gallery Costume jewelry, art and so much more!
333 Cotton Ave. For schedule and information contact Barbara at 478-743-3144.

Through Aug. 13 – “By Land, Sea or Air” at Middle Georgia Art Association. Tuesday – Friday, Noon – 5 p.m. Saturday, Noon – 3 p.m. Free. 478.744.9557. MiddleGeorgiaArt.org. 2330 Ingleside Ave.

“Images of Monroe” and “Fascinating Food” at Monroe Arts Alliance Gallery September 8 – 24. Wednesday – Friday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Free admission. 478.994.8668. MonroeArts.blogspot.com. 54 N. Jackson St., Forsyth.

family
“Sky Over Macon”, Fridays at 8p.m. Mark Smith Planetarium 4182 Forsyth Rd. Weekly, live star talk explore the constellations and far away celestial objectsvisible from Middle Georgia. Admission by donation. 477-3232.

Live music for kids every First Saturday at
Georgia Music Hall of Fame Every first Saturday from noon until 2 p.m., Included with museum admission, $3.50 ages 4-17. Featuring Pilar Wilder and Hayiya Dance Theatre.

Through October 10 – The World of Giant Insects at the Museum of Arts & Sciences. “Buggy Saturdays.” Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday, 1 – 5 p.m. $4 - $8. 478.477.3232. 4182 Forsyth Rd.

ongoing - movies

Macon Film Guild: Every second Sunday of the month. Show times are 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Douglass Theatre, 355 M.L.K., Jr. Blvd. For more information visit www.douglasstheatre.org.

Sunday Supper at the Cox Capitol Theatre Doors open at 5pm, movie begins at 6. $12.50 admission includes dinner. $6 child’s plate available.

Dinner and a Classic at the Cox Capitol Theatre: Doors open at 5:30 p.m, movie at 6:30p.m. $17.50 includes dinner. Reservations are GREATLY appreciated by calling (478)257-6391, ext. 6.

museum - gallery hours

The Musuem of Arts & Sciences
Monday - Saturday, 10 - 5 p.m., Sunday, 1 - 5 p.m. Last Friday of Each Month, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Admission - Adults $8, Students 12-17 $5, Children 2-11 $4, Museum Members Free

Georgia Music Hall of Fame 9am-5pm Mon-Sat, 1pm-5pm Sun. 1-888-GA-ROCKS. $8/$3.50.

Georgia Sports Hall of Fame 9am-5pm Mon-Sat, 1pm-5pm Sun. Admission $8, children 4-16 $3.50.

The Hay House, 934 Georgia Ave. Open Tuesdays-Saturdays 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sundays 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Tours are on the hour with the last tour at 3 p.m. $8 adults, $4 students. Children under 6 free.

Tubman African American Museum
Monday-Saturday 9a.m.-5p.m. Admission $5
for adults $3 for Children 4-17. 340 Walnut Street.

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Feature

News

Sharing the Road

Written by Brad Evans and Jenny Murr

Thursday, January 28 2010 09:47

Macon’s Pedestrian Danger Index is 1419.6% higher than New York City and 607.7% higher than the national average.

Scott Baston wanted to save money and improve his health so he decided to peddle to work at the Medical Center, but he ended up paying a much higher price than the few dollars of gas money he had hoped to save.

“It was the third time I’d ridden to my job,” Baston said. “It was such a nice morning. The stars were still out and there was a morning hue in the distant sky. There’s something about the smell of Macon in the morning, that busy morning smell creating an absolute energy of morning solitude. It was just me and my bike.”

There was no bike lane on the Second Street Bridge and he was trying to keep to the right while making sure he was visible to motorists. Dressed in light blue scrubs and wearing a backpack with reflective gear, Baston made his way over the bridge.

“I was standing up peddling so that I couldn’t be missed. A couple cars passed me, I looked down briefly enough to see the road underneath me light up like a Christmas tree &she hit me going about 40-45 mph, Baston remembered. My bike locked under her front fender and threw me forward. I went 15-20 feet over the handlebars and rolled. My backpack supported my spine and I hit my head. My helmet took the brunt of shock but I bit my tongue, chipped my teeth and scraped my legs up really bad.”

Luckily, Baston wasn’t thrown over the rail into the traffic of I-16 below. “I was laying there half conscious, trying to get the hell out of the road. I moved to the median when a huge truck comes by, the driver shouting at me to get out of the way. I’m sitting there; bloody, coughing, tasting blood.”

He was going to start a new job as a surgical tech the day he got hit, but that never happened. Instead, Scott Baston has spent the last 2 and a half years recovering. He was sent home in a wheelchair unable to walk without a cane for three months. “I still have depth perception issues, a partially herniated disc in my back, a bulging disk in my neck, I can’t feel my knees or part of my feet and I have numbness due to nerve damage.”

He lost his job at the Medical Center with no severance pay. A skilled musician of 13 years, Baston was unable to perform for six months causing him to lose additional income. He is still waiting for State Farm, the driver’s insurance company, to make a settlement. “The accident ruined my credit. I have a hospital lien. Every day I get bugged by bill collectors and all due to being hit while riding my bike to work.”

THE MISSION

For the first time ever, in America, children are expected to live shorter, less healthy lives than their parents. The annual cost of medical care attributed to obesity topped $117 Billion dollars last year. Sounds like we, as a country, could use some exercise. And providing safe opportunities for exercise is a definite part of that.

That’s certainly the view of cardiologist, Dr. Madalyn Davidoff, who along with her husband, local developer David Thompson took up bike riding in Macon less than a year ago. On the weekends, along with a couple of friends, the two would ride some 10-20 miles in a day along the back roads of Macon.

One particular October morning turned out to be a little more than they bargained for. Getting a later than usual start, the couple had noticed and commented to each other that there was too much traffic.

“We both agreed we should start earlier next time,” remembers Thompson. “We were towards the end of what was the longest ride we’d been on thus far (30 miles) and Madalyn already had to stop and wait on me several times, which was the norm. I rounded a corner, and noticed traffic coming out of a church parking lot (on Rivoli drive), then I noticed a line of cars pulling off to the side of the road. When I didn t see her yellow jersey, I knew something was wrong.”

Dr. Davidoff had been clipped by a passing motorist, and thrown into a ditch where she landed on her head, which was luckily inside a helmet. While she suffered no major injuries, she did have a mild concussion and the two have yet to venture back out onto the roads.

Dr. Davidoff has been behind a major push to making pedaling and walking in Macon safer. Her mission is to develop a Private-Public Entity to increase bike-ped opportunities and safety.

“It’s pretty simple when you think about it, having better access for walking and biking decreases traffic and parking congestion, it decreases our commuting costs, it decreases pollution, and it just adds to our quality of life,” says Davidoff.

“We want our routes to be more bike friendly for college students to ride downtown,” said Bill Causey, City Engineering Manager. “Funding of the project is the main issue.”

Davidoff believes this hurdle can be crossed with a public-private partnership that can raise awareness, the first phase of which is already underway with a partnership with Cox Communications and the 11th Hour. She also hope to raise the funds needed to stripe and sign some lanes.

The city will provide the labor necessary to create the lanes but it is up to the fundraising efforts of the community to provide the cost of supplies. According to Causey, it will take approximately $5,000 to complete the first phase one project which will start just west of Montpelier Avenue and end at City Hall.

Since there is no space in some places to increase the width of the streets, Causey says the city will use the sharrow method that has been popular in Seattle. Icons of bicycles and arrows will be painted on the roads to warn drivers to watch for cyclists and signs will be posted to indicate the shared facilities.

The successful completion of phase one, which Causey hopes will be February 2010, could lead to designated funding in the city’s budget to implement bicycle lanes throughout Macon. But, according to Andrew Blascovich, Director of External Affairs, it will take the involvement of concerned citizens to move the issue higher up on the City’s list of priorities.

Causey agrees with Blascovich that more citizens need to express their desire for bike lanes for this project to become a priority. Local government has to want to implement the plan. Macon doesn’t have the critical mass demanding the change.

“We know that this is a priority and that it will improve Macon’s economic development to be seen as a progressive city,” Blascovich said. “There is Federal funding available for these projects through the DOT, but Macon would have to match the funding. And there is no allotment in the budget for it at this time. We would welcome any sort of partnership that can help with that .”

THE DELAYS

There has been much talk over the years regarding bicycle and pedestrian safety. In 2005, the GDOT commissioned a report from the Middle Georgia Regional Development Center. The 161-page report, Bicycle Pedestrian Plan for the Middle Georgia Region, recommended the implementation of bike lanes and paths in Macon as well as surrounding areas.

The report stated: The Middle Georgia region is littered with local bicycle/pedestrian plans that have not been implemented. One reason these plans were not implemented was there were no supportive marketing and outreach programs: (1) to generate interest and build support for the project; (2) to change the mindset of residents that there are alternatives to automobile and walking and riding a bicycle are good for their health; (3) to improve safety and security for the bicyclist and pedestrian; and (4) to demonstrate to community leaders that constructing bicycle and pedestrian facilities provide important economic benefits and an important tool to attract new residents and businesses to the area. It has always been the intent to move directly from the Plan to the implementation stage. In spite of suggested marketing plans, there has been little advancement.

In fact, during a Regional Bicycle-Pedestrian Plan Advisory Committee meeting on Aug. 25, Phil Clark, Middle Georgia Regional Commission, reported on the progress of the suggestions made in 2005. Clark identified the major accomplishments since the current plan was completed with the development of the regional bicycle/pedestrian website (www.middlegeorgiabikeped.org/).

According to the minutes of the meeting, a new vision statement was adopted, The Middle Georgia Region will become a place where people choose to make walking, running, and riding a bicycle (active transportation) a part of their everyday lives by developing accessible, convenient, and safe bicycle/multi-use trails and routes and roads (complete streets).

Of the 25 goals evaluated in the progression report, 13 of them were postponed or cancelled due to lack of funding. Bob Rychel, Manager of Planning Programs, MGRC, state that the plan is currently being updated.

Blascovich indicated that it is a normal occurrence for plans to get delayed despite committee recommendations. “There was $750,000 allotted in 1975 for paving certain roads in Macon but those roads are still unpaved. In lean times, the Mayor must look at priorities.

He went on to say that phase one of the bike lane project should be a good way to gauge the citizens true interest in bike lanes. If the project is successful, city officials will consider including funding for other bike lanes in future budgets.

THE BENEFITS

According to a report by Dangerous by Design, a faction of Transportation for America, researchers have discovered that moderate exercise, such as walking or bicycling, contributes significantly to a healthy lifestyle. A one-mile trip is a twenty-minute walk, or two-thirds of the daily exercise regimen of 30 minutes recommended by the U.S. Surgeon General.

City Council Member Nancy White, an R.N., has taken a personal interest in biking lanes. “From a health and wellness and disease prevention standpoint we need to do as much as we can to get moving. There is already a plan for designing paths to go through the city. It’s just a matter of dusting it off and getting the funding.”

She believes that Macon can take advantage of grant funding for green programs. The CDC piloted a program showing obesity has become an epidemic. Bicycle and walking paths built for exercise and commuting will increase activity and improve our health.

It’s a matter of a cultural shift, White said. The CDC draws parallels to smoking and seatbelt wearing, it required the creation of public policy to make that cultural change. The biggest impact over the greatest number of people can be accomplished through local government working with schools, hospitals, and employers to demand safe, well-lit paths.

“Any plans going forward will include Bike Lanes, as they are with College Hill Corridor’s project, and the Mayor’s vision for second street being an entryway to downtown.” says Blascovish “The real challenge is alloting funds for projects that already exist. It’s up to the community to start this movement, and the City will support it.”

You can help support this cause by calling your city council person, speaking at a city council meeting about this issue, and paying attention to the 11th Hour. As more develops, we’ll be feeding you information on how you can get involved.

- JENNY MURR & BRAD EVANS

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written by Tripp Eldridge, February 04, 2010

Great article! It seems that a few more voices might up the chances of our squeaky wheel getting greased. Could 11th Hour sponsor a monthly courteous mass - maybe team it up with First Friday so we could all share a brew afterwards? When I lived in Athens, the mayor would even come out and ride with us. Just a thought - I know I'd be there.

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written by Brad Evans, February 04, 2010

Hey Brad, I hope all is well with you. Just wanted to email you and say thanks for writing a great article on "Sharing The Road". We need all the help we can get to make people aware of bikers out on the road. I can't tell you how many close calls we have out on rides. I have found that most of these drivers are texting or on the phone while driving and have no clue to the consequence to their ignorance. So anyway from me and all the other cyclist we appreciate you bringing the topic up and writing a good article. I hope to see you around.

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written by Brad Evans, February 04, 2010

Brad, Jimmy Deane here. I just caught the 11th Hour article, "Sharing the Road". I really appreciate you putting that in the paper. Its been really tough to get the Telegraph to ever listen to us and we're glad it was you all who listened. I hope you all can find space in the paper to keep this topic going. There are a lot of cyclist in town who are looking to get involved in this issue. Awareness is key.

Thanks again and keep up the good work,
Jimmy Deane

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in this issue

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Venue	WED	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY
Bottoms Up	2-4-1 Wells	College Night, DJ Slim	7/16: Villanova 7/23: Pistoltown	DJ Shawty Slim
20's Pub	Karaoke, 8p	Karaoke, 8p	7/16: Project 77 7/23: Sugar Creek	Karaoke, Happy Hour til 7pm
Loco's Bar & Grill	Trivia night, big payouts!	7/15: Exit 172 7/22: tba	Happy Hour $2.50 wells	Happy Hour $2.50 wells
The Rookery	Trivia, 8pm	Dueling pianos, only place in town!	Happy Hour 3-7, 241 wells	Happy Hour 3-7, 241 wells
BJ's	Karaoke with Mitch, 9pm	Happy Hour 2-7pm, $2 wells & domestics	Happy Hour 2-7pm, $2 wells & domestics	$1 shots during happy hour!
CJ's	2-4-1 wells and $2 Domestics until 8pm	Cornhole, 241 wells & jagerbombs	DJs Brad & Julie	7/17: B Keith Williams
Friends		Nightly Poker	Karaoke 7:30	Bud Bingo
Billy's Clubhouse	Happy hour everyday 11-7	Poker, 7pm	7/16: Dale Walker 7/23: Caleb Grimes 7/30: Matt & Lewis	7/17: Chapter 13 7/24: Randy Wesson & Co 7/31: Loose Skrews
Macon Mellow	Ladies Night: $1.50 house wine, $4.50 jagerbombs	College Night: 10% off with ID, $2.25 PBR tall boys, $3 wells, $3 ritas	7/16: Jeremy Johnson 7/23: K-Mo	7/17: Matt Moncrief 7/24: Caleb Grimes
The Bird	Ladies Night free wells for the gals after 8pm, Team Trivia	7/22: Drag Queen Bingo, $10 admission, free drinks for gals	7/16: Josh Roberts & the Hinges 7/23: Capt Midnight Band	7/17: Big Mike & Booty Papas 7/24: Tokyo Spa
Wild Wing Cafe	Gone country with Matt Pippen	Thirsty Thursdays, live local music	7/16: Soulshine 7/23: Gary Ray & the Heartwells	7/17: John Stanley Band 7/24: Radio Cult
Rivalry's		Skirts $2 drinks	7/16: Avery Dylan 7/23: Brian Smith	7/17: Exit 172 7/24: The Sit-Downs
Shamrock		Trivia 9p	7/16: Josh Carson 7/23: Stribling	7/17: Planet Retro 7/24: 2nd Wind
Asylum	543 Plum Street	DJ Dance Party	7/23: Uncrowned with Greedy White Citizens	DJ Extreme Doors open at 10:12