Bike path worries

[John Boyle]

Bike path worries
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=10987830&BRD=1725&PAG=461&dept_id=45529&rfi=6

By Phyllis Edwards , STAFF WRITER 02/18/2004

ALDAN - A PennDOT plan to use Providence Road in Aldan as part of a bike
path between Swarthmore and Philadelphia continues to fuel discussion at
Aldan Borough Council meetings.

"I think it's important that we at least get on the record as often as we
can, our opposition to that because sooner or later somebody's going to get
injured and they're going to be looking for somebody to compensate them,"
Council President Joseph McCollian (R) said at the Feb. 11 council meeting.

Councilman John McBlain (R) charged PennDOT is creating an "illusion of
safety" with the plan to paint white lines and erect signs denoting a bike
only lane on the side of the busy roadway. "My concern is when a car stops
to make a left hand turn we know cars will go into that bike lane in order
to pass around cars that are making left hand turns. I have no doubt some
bicyclist from Rose Valley will be more cognizant of the cars but that's not
what I'm worried about. Children will get an illusion of safety riding in
that bicycle lane," McBlain said.

During the discussion, McBlain said there are comments concerning his
opposition to the path posted on bicyclists' websites. "I'm told there are
pictures of me with horns on some websites," he joked.

He also said he has been accused of wanting to preserve parking for the
Aldan Union Church which is located on Providence Road. McBlain emphasized
he is not opposed to bicycles and bike riders but is concerned the path will
"exacerbate traffic problems" and be hazardous for children on bikes.

He thanked State Rep. Nicholas Micozzie (R-162) for arranging a town meeting
tomorrow, Feb. 19, at Aldan Elementary School to get public input on the
bike path. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. The school is located at the
intersection of Providence Road and Woodlawn Avenue.

©News of Delaware County 2004
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