here’s been much discussion on this web site concerning bike lanes.
In summary, bike lanes…
Have been found to be the safest place for bicyclists to ride.
Can be funded from a variety of sources dedicated to non-motorized transportation.
Are not a significant liability concern for road agencies according to the state attorney general’s office.
In addition, the Road Commission for Oakland County and Wayne County Road Division have undocumented policies that prohibit bikes lanes.
Now this Macomb Daily article notes that old school opposition to bike lanes is in Macomb County as well.
Robert Hoepfner, chief highway engineer for the road commission, has no complaint with bicyclists. But he is concerned about safety. Many county roads simply aren’t wide enough for the kind of designated lanes Forlini described, Hoepfner said.
If county residents want designated areas for bicyclists, “Then let’s build bike paths and make them safe,” he said.
Apparently Mr. Hoepfner has not done his homework. Bike side paths are significantly less safe than bike lanes. If he was truly concerned about bicycle safety, he’d be building bike lanes. And if a county road is not wide enough for bike lanes, widen it. There is non-motorized funding available for this.
There are no excuses for not providing safe cycling opportunities in Metro Detroit.
Model D recently posted this great video on the Dequindre Cut. Tom Woiwode from the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan has been a major champion of this project from the start.
The big question is when will it be open. As of last week it was 90% to 95% completed. There are still some finishing touches to be completed. The target grand opening is October 1st.
Green Teas are monthly meetings to promote green activities within the City of Detroit. Past topics include urban gardening and greenways.
The August 28th Green Tea is about biking, including what current projects are underway and how can folks can more involved.
If you plan on attending or need to rent a bike, RSVP to Jeff Williams via email or call 313.894.1030.
Here are the details:
THURSDAY, AUGUST 28, 2008, 4:30 PM at Wheelhouse Detroit (located at Rivard Plaza on the Riverwalk, Atwater and Rivard.)
BYOB (Bring your own bike or rent one from Wheelhouse!)
Meet other folks who bike, share what you think would help facilitate biking in the city, connect with bike organizations, learn about biking opportunities along the riverfront and the Dequindre cut, find out about the Detroit non-motorized plan and how you can support it, share your favorite routes, find a commuting partner!
We will also take a short ride to the Eastern Market for refreshments! (In case of rain, the meeting will take place under Shed 2 at the Market).
Al Fields was the primary bicycling proponent within the City of Detroit Mayor’s office. He was our “go to” guy for helping cycling advocates get things done, such as the mountain bike trail at Rouge Park. He was also responsible for getting bike lanes on Belle Isle. Outside of cycling, Al was instrumental in the success of Detroit’s Super Bowl and Red Bull Air Races. He also played bass in Torch with a Twist — and if you know what that is, I don’t need to highlight its coolness.
Unfortunately Al recently changed jobs. He’s now working for DTE. However, he does expect to still be quite involved in promoting cycling.
So thank you, Al, and we wish you the best of luck in your new job at DTE.
The Bureau is “a modern-day general store for city dwellers, [and] offers modern home goods and gifts.” It’s a very cool store carrying unique items that you’re just not going to find anywhere else in town.
The Bureau will have light refreshments from 5 PM until 9 PM. (They open at 11 AM.) They’re also have some brochures on the various trail projects under development across the City.
You can find the Bureau of Urban Living in the Canfield Lofts, 460 West Canfield Street in Midtown Detroit. They’re just next door to Motor City Brewing and across the street from the Traffic Jam and Snug.
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