FLCC> Proposed State Street Bike Lane

[Andrejs Ozolins]

Kent, Bill,

On the other hand, this is a discussion that is of great interest to the 
entire cycling community and I would like to know what considerations 
are brought to the matter. Long emails aren't a problem if they are 
substantive.

I assume that whoever represents cycling expertise in the city's street 
and traffic planning is well acquainted with the huge literature of 
disputes about bike lanes. I hope that these persons are also acquainted 
with the more limited landscape of successfully bike-friendly and 
bike-active cities. The most recent occurrence of both sides is in the 
current issue of Adventure Cycling Magazine, where one expert excoriates 
Portland, Oregon, for having what he regards as virtually homicidal bike 
facilities; and another expert, Portland's head of cycling stuff, 
responds with a rebuttal. It's well worth reading. I hope that Ithaca 
won't get into that kind of stalemate, a paralysis of all action --- again.

In evaluating the issue for myself, I have been fortunate to actually 
visit Portland, Oregon, and spend a few days there on foot and bike. To 
prevent a "very long email" let me summarize: If the choice is between a 
coherent system of bike lanes and bike routes like Portland's on one 
hand, or the unachievably perfect bike lanes Bill is calling for, I 
unhesitatingly choose Portland.

It isn't a choice between Bill's bike lanes and Elmira's -- I'm 
certainly with him on Elmira. But, the policy in Portland goes well 
beyond just lanes and paths. It's an intelligent, integrated attitude 
toward how a community can get around on the streets where it lives. 
Among its goals has been not only the separation of traffic streams, but 
also the creation of a cycling population, of neighborhoods that feel 
like they are neighborhoods, etc. In this endeavor, the cycling (and 
walking) facilities are only an important part. This is the journey that 
Ithaca needs to begin, and I see the bike plan, however ridiculously 
puny it is, as our humble beginning.

I want to hear what factors guide our city leaders; I hope that what I 
hear will inspire me and others to pitch in and finally make this city 
resemble its ideals.

Andrejs




Kent Johnson wrote:
> Hello all -
>
> William, thanks for your comments regarding bicycle lanes. This type of feedback is very helpful in ensuring that we produce the best project possible. I think that the best way to address your comments would be via a phone call - otherwise it will be a VERY long email. Feel free to give me a call anytime at 607-327-0316. 
>
> Take care,
> Kent
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>>>> William Lodico <wlodico at stny.rr.com> 5/7/2008 2:47 PM >>>
>>>>         
> Dear Mayor and Council,
>
> Here is a posting I made today on the Finger Lakes Cycling Club list  
> serve in response to Mr. Johnson's indication that funding may be  
> approved for the State Street bike lane.  I think it is important for  
> the Common Council to know that there are strong arguments to be made  
> against bike lanes from the cyclist's perspective.  More often than  
> not, they make things worse for cyclists, not better.  Please note  
> that this opinion is addressed to bike lanes, and does not extend to  
> other marking or signing, such as sharrows.
>
> William J Lodico
>
> Kent Johnson wrote:
>
>   
>> * * *
>>
>> The $50,000 (if approved) should be enough to implement both the  
>> uphill bike lane on E. State St.
>>
>> * * *
>>     
>
>
> Kent,
>
> As just about everyone on the Finger Lakes Cycling List serve knows,  
> I'm the regional anti-bike-lane cycling advocate.  I suppose bike  
> lanes can be done right, but I've never seen them done right.
>
>