Below is my recent email to Robbie Webber concerning construction at
this crossing, which I believe is in her district. Following that is
a copy of my 2003 message to Larry Nelson concerning another
construction site at that time. (Mr. Nelson was apparently out of
town at the time, but one of his subordinates responded.) 17 days
after I sent that message, a cyclist was run over by a bus there and
severely injured. It would be unfortunate if a similar tragedy
occurred because, for example, bicyclists were unnecessarily forced
to ride on Monroe St. or Regent St. due to the current construction.
I urge other cyclists to express their concern.
Scott Ellington
********
June 19, 2007
Dear Ms. Webber,
I write concerning the construction on North Randall Ave. where the
Southwest Trail crosses. This crossing was recently closed by the
contractor, forcing a large number of commuting cyclists to take
lengthy and often dangerous detours. If this project follows the
pattern of previous ones I've observed, the contractor will make no
effort whatsoever to keep the crossing open for cyclists, even when
no construction is actually taking place at the crossing.
Accommodating cyclists might, after all, entail some slight
inconvenience to the contractor. Hundreds of commuting cyclists use
that crossing each day. The city of Madison wouldn't dream imposing
on a like number of motorists the same sort of hazard and inconvenience.
I understand that there will be times when the crossing really does
have to be closed, but those times should be kept to a minimum. The
solution is simple: Require the contractor to keep that crossing
open at all times, including evenings and weekends, except when
construction right at the crossing is taking place. When it is
closed, signs should be placed far enough up the trail in each
directions so cyclists can detour without backtracking. But the
signs have to be honest, indicating closure only when it really is
required. In addition, the fencing should be rearranged to allow
access to the sidewalks on both sides of Randall.
The Southwest Trail has been a tremendous asset to bicycle commuters
and, I'm sure, has caused many who would otherwise have driven their
cars to work to bike instead. It seems entirely reasonable to
require the contractor to make a small effort on behalf of these
commuters.
Thanks,
Scott Ellington
cc: Tim Gruber, District 11
**********************
8/26/03
To: Larry Nelson
From: Scott Ellington
Subject: Johnson and Charter
Dear Mr. Nelson,
The Johnson St. contractors have recently blocked all possible
pedestrian crossings at the intersection of Johnson and Charter, as
well as at Mills St. These are both very heavily used by
pedestrians, who now must walk in the street with the vehicles, or
take a very long detour. There are no signs warning motorists, no
reduced speed limits, etc. While I can understand the need of the
contractors to restrict access to parts of their work area, there is
no excuse for endangering pedestrians in the process. There are many
ways to solve the problem, though all will require some finite amount
of effort. In the interest of keeping pedestrians from getting
injured, I believe this effort is justified.
Thanks,
Scott Ellington
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