Michael,
Thanks for bringing up this topic to our neighborhood group. I am also
cross-posting this to the local bikies listserve.
While I agree with you that asking local cyclists about how to improve
conditions for cyclists in Madison is an essential and under-tapped resource, I
do support our officials traveling to cities that have superior
mixed-transportation infrastructure. As much as a picture is worth a thousand
words, I think seeing a successful system in action is worth a thousand
suggestions. In my opinion, globalization in the best sense of the word
includes borrowing each others' success stories and then translating them
thoughtfully into different contexts.
Anyhow, as far as simple, low-cost improvements, I would like to see increased
and better signage aimed at auto drivers- signs throughout the city that remind
drivers that cyclists are legitimate road users ("share the road" signs) as
well as signs that alert drivers to road/path intersections.
In regards to your suggestion that the paths get plowed in winter, I don't know
what your winter route is, but my experience is that the John Nolen bike path
from Jenifer St. to North Shore Drive, and the Missing Link path are very well
plowed all winter long- often times they are clear before the roads are. The
path entrance/exits at street crossings are a different story, as they get
plowed in as the streets get cleared.
-India
http://www.WeAreAllMechanics.com
3 simple things to improve biking in Madison
Posted by: "Michael" [email protected] michaelagoodman
Wed Apr 21, 2010 9:23 am (PDT)
OK, since our Mayor, County Exec, spouses, lobbyists, etc, went to Europe to
learn about improving biking and public transport in communities, I think they
could have saved some time (especially considering that they are/were stranded
there) and money by simply asking us who bike every day.
So, I'm proposing coming up with a short list of recommendations for ways to
improve the quality of Madison as a biking community. Please let's keep these
simple, relatively cheap or free, and as snark-free as possible.
Mine are: 1) increase the time at traffic lights where the bike paths
cross--notably the light at Willy and Riverside (there are others), and while
looking at that intersection, let's move or get rid of the signal button, a lot
of confusion with that being at the left on the west side; 2)Enforce the bike
lanes around the Capitol; and 3) plow bike lanes in the winter, not use them as
the outside edge for where the city does plow.
OK, send your ideas, please. I'll compile results and see if we can offer some
friendly local advice to our elected 'leaders'.
MG
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