You may have read that the Port Authority has changed its plans for the location of the former Merit gas station near the beginning of this sidewalk/path at the Ben Franklin Bridge end. Instead of converting it to park land, they have decided to make it a service plaza with a gas station, store, and other services. This will, of course, result in high speed traffic turning across the sidewalk. I suggest that the Coalition ask that a path be run in back of this service plaza and connected to the existing sidewalk at either end to allow walkers, skaters and pedestrian style bicyclists to avoid the sidewalk that will run in front of the service center along Admiral Wilson. This will be a relatively cheap method to maintain the path at its current level of hazards.
On another path-related issue. I've been checking out the path all year. Except when it first opened, I have never seen any users on the path. Not one. After it first opened, I had discussions with two family groups on skates trying to cross Baird. Most decided it was too dangerous and went back the way they came. I think that this crossing, along with the path's lack of access by road for pedestrian style bicyclists, is the reason the path is unused. The Coalition might want to discuss whether an "on demand" light could be put in at Baird to help resolve one of the path's problems. Sincerely, Peter Rosenfeld ---- You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the Bicycle Coalition of the Delaware Valley list named "bike." To subscribe or unsubscribe or for archive information, see <http://www.purple.com/list.html>.
