I realize this is a long post, but it really does have to do with bicycling: both bike parking and completing the bike network.
The city is considering <http://www.forwardlookout.com/2015/03/update-on-state-st-areaphilosophers-stone/23025> what to do with the 100 block of W Mifflin, AKA the Philosophers Grove. The reasons they are considering changes is that there is a lot of crime, and they think that some physical changes might help lessen that. I won't speak to the crime issue, but wanted to bring the issue of bike infrastructure to the list. West Mifflin is the only corner street coming on to the Square that doesn't have a through route for bicyclists. E Mifflin, E Main, and W Main all have counter-flow bike lanes. State and King are important routes. W Mifflin ends in a cul-de-sac. Many people ride on the sidewalk, which is technically illegal. this street is an important connector for people coming from the west that aren't using State St to access the Square. It is a missing link in the network. The bike racks on that block also are heavily used, especially during Farmers Market, Concerts on the Square, Art Fair on the Square, or any other event. They are heavily used by daily commuters as well, but are completely overstuffed when there are events. >From the video linked below, it seems that the merchants on that block don't think that having a through route for bicyclists is a priority. They also seem to think that the racks are only used by troublemakers hanging out on the stones. If changes are going to be made to this block -- and whether changes should be made is a separate question -- I think they should make sure to complete the bike network and not reduce already scarce bike parking. The staff ideas about how to "activate the space" starts about 14:00. The specific comments about a need for a bike route through the block start at 17:40, although it sounds like it is controversial. There is some discussion of bike parking and a bike corral starting at 20:10. Public comments, some rather strong, start at 24:45. At 33:30, one person says both that the idea of a narrow route through the stones is not large/wide enough and also expresses concern that a bike corral would be used by "them" (I think he means the homeless population) as a storage area. So, if you have any comment about either bike access or parking in the area, it would probably b worthwhile to let city staff know. Bill Fruhling -- [email protected] -- in the Planning Department is heading this up and various city committees are looking at it. http://www.forwardlookout.com/2015/03/update-on-state-st-areaphilosophers-stone/23025 Robbie Webber Transportation Policy Analyst 608-263-9984 (o) 608-225-0002 (c) [email protected] All opinions expressed are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of my employer or any other group with which I am affiliated.
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