From Reuters/Yahoo! News:
Higher U.S. gasoline prices may slim more than just wallets, according to a new study from Washington University in St. Louis.

Entitled “A Silver Lining? The Connection between Gas Prices and Obesity,” the study found that an additional $1 per gallon in real gasoline prices would reduce U.S. obesity by 15 percent after five years.

Higher gasoline prices can reduce obesity by leading people to walk or cycle instead of drive and eat leaner at home instead of rich food at restaurants.

Higher gasoline price seen trimming down Americans – Yahoo! News

From MDOT. Note that this MDOT questionaire asks many questions relevant to cyclists. Please take the time to take it. Thanks!

Do you use the state map? MDOT wants to hear your opinions
Aug 07, 2007

August 7, 2007 – – Even with the growing popularity of Global Positioning System (GPS) units, most motorists carry a map in their glove box. And although yours may be years old, and folded over many times, you probably use your state transportation map often to find your way and discover the great attractions of Michigan.

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) invites you to share your opinions about the state transportation map through a first-ever online questionnaire, available Aug. 6 through Sept. 7. To access the questionnaire, which takes a few minutes to complete, go to www.michigan.gov/mdot .

The questionnaire examines the features of the map, and how valuable those features are – – such as the mileage chart, location of state parks and hospitals and roadside parks – – and how you use the map.

“The state map is an exceptional value,” said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. “We want to learn from the residents of Michigan and out-of-state travelers how they feel about the state map and how we can improve it. This feedback will be taken into account as we develop the 2008 state transportation map.”

For anyone without access to a computer, a questionnaire can be requested by calling 877-627-6368. Questionnaires also will be available at Michigan’s 13 welcome centers.

MDOT has published the state transportation map for nearly 90 years. It is printed every year and distributed free of charge at Michigan’s welcome centers and MDOT offices. This year, the map features the magnificent Mackinac Bridge, which celebrates 50 years of service in 2007.

The results of the questionnaire, which asks about 20 questions, will be shared this fall on the MDOT Web site at www.michigan.gov/mdot .

From MDOT…
June 26, 2007 — The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) today announced the release of the state’s 2005-2030 long-range transportation plan (MI Transportation Plan). Two years in the making, the plan is based on an unprecedented amount of public input and guidance from Michigan business, government and customer stakeholders. More than 3,000 people attended public workshops and 2,600 submitted an online questionnaire, while another 3,300 households participated in a telephone survey to share their vision for Michigan’s transportation future.

“MI Transportation Plan will help determine how scarce resources, time and effort will be spent over the next 25 years to make important decisions about transportation choices,” said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. “This plan is designed to strengthen the link between transportation and the economy now and well into the future. With input provided at every stage of the planning process, the plan is intelligent, inclusive, integrated, international, and socially, environmentally and economically responsible.”

“Michigan residents want more travel choices, and better connectivity between modes. We learned that there is a significant gap between the public’s expectations for transportation in Michigan and our ability to meet those expectations. That is a challenge for this decade and beyond,” he said.

The document was recently submitted to the Federal Highway Administration and is now available on the MDOT Web site at: www.michigan.gov/slrp

From the Vatican come 10 road commandments, including #9. “On the road, protect the more vulnerable party.” That’s certainly a nod to the non-motorized crowd.
Vatican issues road ‘Commandments’ – Focus on the Vatican – MSNBC.com:

I recently came across this Traffic Justice link via a Centerlines email newsletter. There’s a lot of great info on this site.
BikeWalk.org :: National Center for Bicycling and Walking