David Waugh and the Tenney-Lapham folks have been doing yeoman work
to return their streets to safe neighborhood-oriented uses (again:
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/johnson2-way/ )
And below you will find a great letter from SASY biz owner, Ann
Freiwald, regarding N. Sherman Ave. and the fantastic idea of
"completing the street" after it is reconstructed (this summer). A
"complete street" means making the street safe & welcoming for all
users. What a concept! (More here: http://completestreets.org/)
Add those to our own neighborhood's efforts to close the Eastwood
Drag Strip (http://goodbye-eastwood.org/), I'd say we have the
makings of a pan-neighborhood rebellion against the car-centric
transportation system this city's elected leadership is so obsessed
with. Unfortunately, and despite the best efforts of a lot of
neighborhood leaders, our elected officials (yeah, even the
"progressive" ones) continue to stand mute on the subject of better
access and street usability for pedestrians, bicyclists and transit
users.
Have you written your alder to support these efforts?
-Mike
************************************
Northside News
Letter to the Editor
March 20, 2009
Topic: North Sherman Ave. Improvements
Dear Editor,
I understand that the City is considering making improvements to
North Sherman Avenue. As a Northside resident since 1997, I have
driven, walked and biked that street many a time. I have been
saddened by two pedestrian deaths in the last few years on that
street and I have watched cars, bikers and peds fight for space on
this busy and important corridor.
As long as we are making improvements to the street may I suggest we
make North Sherman Ave. a "complete street"? That is one that will
accommodate cars, pedestrians, bikers and transit. I strongly
encourage others to encourage the City to consider configurations for
the street other than the old tired four-lane we live with now, with
no room for bikes and little consideration for pedestrians. There are
many local businesses along this street that would benefit if it
became more of destination rather than a drive-thru alternative to
Packers Ave.
I feel this street is a perfect candidate for a "road-diet". That is
two drive lanes, one dedicated left turn lane and bike lanes on both
sides. I know this was "tried" before, but I believe it was not a
well designed experiment. I would like to see current studies that
consider this configuration for the entire street. Perhaps there are
other ways to make this street a more complete street, I am very open
to looking at those too. Our goal for a new North Sherman Ave should
be one that is comfortable for all modes of traffic, efficiently
moves cars, brings people to our local businesses and provides access
to our Northside neighborhoods, without compromising safety.
Sincerely,
Ann Freiwald
1826 Sheridan Street
Madison, WI 53704
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