Robbie. I have not been enamored with the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program and actually welcome a break in funding so the program can be evaluated. Well more than half of the projects have had a negative impact on biking - i.e. bikes being squeezed at islands and bumpouts. Plus many of the islands do not even meet minimum width requirements for pedestrian refuge.
We need the next year to work on getting it right so in the future the program will benefit all vulnerable users. Mike Rewey ********************* On 9 Nov 2008 at 18:51, Robbie Webber wrote: I have budget amendments proposed to the Madison capital budget that some may overlook, so I wanted to point these out to you, should you want to come testify to support these projects. Because these are not major items, compared to the bud fares, community services, and room tax, I wanted to give everyone a heads-up. Please include these items if you come to speak. By the way, public testimony on the budget is Tuesday, November 11, starting at 5:30 PM. FIVE THIRTY, an hour earlier than the normal Council meeting. 1. Add money to the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program - aka "traffic calming." Originally, our Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) was to have $262,500 in 2009. Yet the Mayor only put $50,000 in the Capital Budget. Traffic Engineering is arguing that we are only "taking a break" this year, and that most of the good projects have been done. The problem with "taking a break" is that the $50,000 then becomes the base for the next year. And I'm sure some people on this list have projects in their neighborhoods that have not yet been funded because of lack of funds in past years. 2. Add money to the Pedestrian Improvements for Arterials. This is to improve pedestrian conditions on roads that do not qualify for the above NTMP program. Again, there was considerably more money planned for 2009 in the CIP - $189,000 - yet the Mayor's budget only puts $50,000 into the budget. These two programs are the way we make existing streets safer and more pleasant for people walking and biking in our neighborhoods. The increased funding in the Capital Budget is very small, yet the impact is very great. Robbie _______________________________________________ Bikies mailing list [email protected] http://www.danenet.org/mailman/listinfo/bikies
