[Chat] Open House Recap

[Snakebite]

Rollers,



First off, thanks to everyone who showed up at yesterday’s open house
regarding the bike trail closure.  The event was very well attended.  I’m
going to present a run down of my perception of what went on.



My initial thought no alternate route was being provided was unfounded.  An
alternate route will be provided.  It is my understanding a map of this
route will be on the City website soon –ish.  Essentially the alternate
route put pedestrians on the sidewalk of Kiwanis Avenue.  The bike route
places riders off the trail at 49th St, routes them through town using Lake
or West Avenue as the major North / South run, jogs them back West on
22ndSt. where they’ll wind down the road by the country clubs and to
the trail
access by the zoo.



This route will have BIG maps by 49th and the Zoo and smaller maps at other
trailheads.  The route will be marked by on street pavement markings as well
as big green signs.  This much I was pleased to see.  It is my understanding
those of us who are members of the City Bicycle Committee will group ride
this route after it is marked to give our impressions of rideability and
adequacy of markings.



Related, the traffic dude (I don’t remember his name) indicated the
on-street markings would be placed within a pavement marking contract for
other markings.  Potentially, this wouldn’t happen until much after the
project has started and the alternate route is in place.



Here are the two things I learned that disturbed me greatly.  First, the
bike trail will not be placed on top of the levee near the country
clubs.  Instead,
it will be on a shelf on the river side down slope.  It is my understanding
this has come about because the levee is actually considered country club
land and the bourgeoisie can’t be the bourgeoisie if they can see bicycles
and pedestrians.  I guess they feel they’ve got to have the separation of
the social classes for them to feel (self) important.



What this means is the bike path will be subject to rain run off and snow
melt water.  This potentially creates a very icy and hazardous
situation.  There
were verbal comments and audible groans when this was announced at the open
house.  This is huge concern of mine.  Safety should come first and I
believe it is being compromised.



The second thing I learned that sucks is the bridge crossing the river on 41
st St needs to be raised.  This will be done in phases such that either the
north half or the south half will be worked on at one time.  Traffic will be
necked down to fewer lanes while the adjacent half is being constructed.  We
were specifically told no provisions for bicycle or pedestrian traffic have
been made during this construction.



Since river crossings are few and far between to begin with, this takes away
one that potentially affects those who use this river crossing to get to and
from work.



It is my thought the City still considers bicycling a recreational activity
only.  I base this on two factors.  First, with the trail being placed on a
step instead of the top of levee near the country clubs I feel the City
thinks biking and walking stop in the winter.  Second, the lack of a
41stcrossing leads me to believe the City isn’t taking in account
those who
commute to and from work using this crossing.



The City is taking comments and suggestions on this project.  Please direct
your comments to Sam Trebilcock with the City Planning office.  Your
comments should be IN WRITING – meaning, don’t call Sam and bitch.  Also,
please don’t direct any flamed comments at Sam.  Sam is a huge ally to
bikers and pedestrians.  His email address is STrebilcock at siouxfalls.org.  Sam
is a friend of bikers and pedestrians and is simply the messenger for
communication both ways.



I am drafting my own comments.  They will be centered on the trail placement
near the country clubs, the bridge raising, and the pavement markings.  Please
feel free to contact Sam with questions or your written comments.  I highly
encourage you to do so.  The more of us who speak up, the more likely our
concerns will be address.



~Snakebite~
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