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<p class="MsoNormal">Gringos,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">OK, here’s something that really dogs my cat.<span style=""> </span>If you’ve been paying attention, the City has
been raising the dikes along the Big Sioux River
over the past few years.<span style=""> </span>More is planned
for this year and next.<span style=""> </span>Until some of us
spoke up, the City provided no alternate routes for Bike Trail closure.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This year’s project will raise the dikes between 41<sup>st</sup> St
and the zoo.<span style=""> </span>Both sides of the river
will be raised.<span style=""> </span>This project is slated
to start late spring this year AND NOT BE FINISHED UNTIL SOMETIME IN 2010!!!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It is my understanding the bike trail will be closed for the
duration of the project.<span style=""> </span>If the bike
trail were only used by weekend revelers wanting some recreation on their
Huffy’s, I’d not think too much about it.<span style="">
</span>What the City is apparently discounting are those of us who use the
bicycle as either our sole, primary, or preferred method of transport.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The weekend rec riders will find elsewhere to ride.<span style=""> </span>It is the bicycle commuters who use the trail
to get to and from work who are going to be screwed as things stand.<span style=""> </span>It is also my understanding there is no
alternate route planned.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I’ve presented my concern to Sam Trebilcock (with the City
Planning Office) and he’s acknowledged my concern and has urged attendance to
the Open House on Wednesday.<span style=""> </span>I’ve
attached the flyer as a PDF file for your use.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Normally I use this method of communication to announce bike
rides or trips or to invite you all along for some of my hi-jinx.<span style=""> </span>This time I’m asking you for something.<span style=""> </span>I’m asking for your attendance at the open
house meeting (see attached).<span style=""> </span>It will be
optimal if you’d ride your bike there dressed appropriately.<span style=""> </span>It would be awesome to fill the room with
rollers to make the biggest impact.<span style=""> </span>It
is my intent to present my argument bikes are more than just a recreational
toy, people use bikes to get to and from their jobs, the bike trail is one
route used by these commuters, and removing this route without providing an
alternate is an abomination (I’ve patiently waited for the day I could use
“abomination” in an email!).</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This is a <u><b>VERY</b></u> important issue.<span style=""> </span>If bikers make a stand now, do not allow this
project to go forward without a viable alternate route, then we’ll be taking a
big step toward more bike infrastructure justification.<span style=""> </span>Doing nothing will demonstrate apathy and an
apparent conciliatory attitude that bikes and biking really are nothing more
than toys and recreational activities only.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Please be at the open house.<span style="">
</span>You don’t have to say anything if you don’t want to.<span style=""> </span>Your presence will be noticed and is vital to
this action step.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">~Snakebite~</p>