I spoke to Larry Nelson Tuesday night during the Council meeting. He
acknowledged that there was a 60 day closing of the intersection of
Randall and the SW Path - for obvious reasons if you go by there. There
is a very deep, large hole where the path/roadway used to be.
Now that Larry sent the information on detours, I will work with him to
make sure that there is appropriate signage. For instance, I went
westbound on the path last night, and noted no sign until the actual
closure at Randall. When you backtrack, the next street is Orchard, and
which runs one-way south. The easiest way to bypass the construction
would be to go NORTH to Spring St or Dayton, which means westbound
bicyclists should be warned at Charter.
Until we get this straightened out with signs, let's pretend that it is
several years in the past, and the path hasn't been built yet. We are
resourceful people, I know we can survive the construction at least as
well as motorists!
-- Robbie
Scott Ellington wrote:
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
--
Robbie Webber
Bicycle Friendly Communities Coordinator
Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin
www.bfw.org
608-251-4456 (office)
608-233-1390 (home)
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