Open House RecapRollers,
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 22nd St. 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 41st 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 41st crossing 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@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 addressed.
~Snakebite~
