Here’s information for an upcoming forum on one of Detroit’s most talked about greenways:

The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is hosting a Community Forum on Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at Friends School at 5:30 p.m.   The October 28th Forum provided an update on the construction of the Dequindre Cut, the Conservancy’s role in the future of the Dequindre Cut and an update on the East Riverfront.

Much has been written about the recent U.S. presidential election, but one question for us is, “How does this affect federal bicycling funding and policy?”

Earlier this year the bike industry met with Senator Obama:

Stan Day, SRAM’s president, said that Obama “gets it.” He pointed out that Obama understands that bicycles can be part of a solution to issues as diverse as health care, obesity, energy and environmental policy. “He does his homework and he can connect the dots,” he said.

After winning the election, Obama’s team created a web site to discuss his upcoming term, its direction, and policy.  And it does discuss bicycling among its urban policy goals:

Build More Livable and Sustainable Communities: Our communities will better serve all of their residents if we are able to leave our cars, to walk, bicycle and access other transportation alternatives. As president, Barack Obama will re-evaluate the transportation funding process to ensure that smart growth considerations are taken into account.

Yes, he “gets it.”

And, two of the names being bandied about for his Transportation Director are major cycling supporters: Earl Blumenauer and James Oberstar.  Both would be a huge boost for bicycling and Safe Routes to School advocates.

But we shouldn’t forget how absolutely awesome it was having a serious mountain biker in President George W. Bush.  That did wonders for the perception of mountain biking as a sport; it’s not just for young folks.

o how soon before Obama is riding mountain bike trails?  Certainly that question has already been asked at IMBA.

Stay tuned…

Here are the preliminary plans for the Dequindre Trail which connects the Dequindre Cut to Tri-Centennial State Park and the Riverwalk.

Note that the trail has more hard surfaces compared with the nearby Dequindre Cut and state park.  This was done since this segment is expected to have more pedestrian traffic.  That is, of course, after the surrounding East Riverfront residential units are developed and occupied.

Click on the image for a larger view.

Rendering of the new public dock and terminal under construction along the Riverwalk

Tuesday, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy (DRC) hosted a public forum on the Riverwalk and Dequindre Cut.  This is the first in a series of public meetings.

Some of the highlights —

The Dequindre Cut grand opening is scheduled for May 2009.  However, the construction is expected to be completed by mid-November.  At that time, the DRC will take over management of the trail.  It may officially open for use in December.

The Dequindre Trail is the 3 block trail which connects the Dequindre Cut to Tricentennial State Park and the Riverwalk.  It is being built by the City of Detroit and the DEGC.  The design is currently under review.  Construction should begin in Spring 2009 and completed in the Summer 2009.

In the meantime, many of the roads in the East Riverfront area will be reconstructed and bike lanes added.

Phase II of Tricentennial State Park is under construction as noted earlier.  Construction should be completed by Fall of 2009.

Further north, plans are underway to improve the pedestrian connection between the Dequindre Cut and Eastern Market.  The sidewalks along Gratiot and Russell will be improved as will the lighting.  Construction is expected to begin in the spring and completed during the summer.

And heading even further north, conceptual plans should be completed this week suggesting how the Dequindre Cut will extend north from Gratiot to Mack.  The plans contain ramps at Wilkins and Division.  These will provide better access to Eastern Market — especially for cyclists.

Back along the river, we received the following update from the DRC:

Construction has begun on the new Port Authority Dock & Terminal, planned for the East Riverfront between Hart Plaza and the GM Renaissance Center. Planned by the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority, the project includes a 21,000 square foot Public Dock & Terminal, which, once complete, will be able to accommodate all types of vessels wishing to call on the City of Detroit, including cruise ships, ferries, water taxis, tall ships, dinner boats and navy vessels. The two story terminal will house a processing area for tourists, ticket counters, the authority’s headquarters and a public plaza.

Due to the construction, East RiverWalk will be temporarily closed to the public, from the eastern end of Hart Plaza to the western end of the GM Renaissance Center and GM Plaza. An alternate route will be provided around the construction site for those enjoying the RiverWalk. The RiverWalk closure will begin on Monday, October 27 and is planned to be reopened in Summer 2009

The DRC has plans to upgrade Mt. Elliot Park.  It will receive a new pavilion, concessions, and a playscape for children.  No time line was given.

Also, it’s estimated that the Riverwalk had nearly 2 million visitors this year.

Here are some of the questions and answers from the public session:

Q. Are the Red Bull races coming back?
A. They hope so but it depends on getting sponsorship dollars and times are tight.

Q. Are there plans to build an aquarium on the Riverwalk?
A. No, but some developers have proposed one.  The problem is they are tough to make economical.

Q. What are the plans for the tops of the bridge abutments along the Dequindre Cut?
A. Original plans had them as community gardens, but their use really depends on the feedback from the community.

Q. Are the Dequindre Cut ramps accessible?
A. Yes, all of the ramps are under 5% slope and meet the ADA requirements.

Q. Can we make the music less noticeable and distracting?
A. The music levels at Gabriel Richard were set too loudly.  That has been corrected.  The DRC has a varied program mix of music and quiet time.  However, General Motors controls the music along their Promenade.

Q. Will the Riverwalk go through the Watermark development?
A. Yes.  The DRC owns an easement along the river’s edge.  The Riverwalk will be extended from Tri-Centennial State Park to Chene Park when the Watermark is built.

Q. Can security and emergency personnel reach those in the Dequindre Cut?
A. Yes, there are three entrances where motorized vehicles can reach those in need.  The entrances have removable bollards for that purpose.

The Capital News Service ran an interesting article today on trails and their increased use for transportation.

The Lansing-based Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance also supports linking trails across the state.

It works with local and state agencies in organizing discussions and outlining criteria for selecting corridors to develop.

Nancy Krupiarz, executive director of the alliance, said her organization gears trail expansion toward a non-motorized network for bicyclists. Widening road shoulders for bike lanes and adding signs to alert motorists are part of the initiative.

“Urban trails get more use as a transportation aspect when they are well-connected to businesses and shipping districts,’ said Krupiarz.

The alliance is involved in a plan to add a non-motorized network of bike paths around Detroit. The system will connect neighborhoods, schools, parks, businesses and other major destinations around the city.

The article also discusses Detroit’s recently endorsed non-motorized master plan.

Link: Capital News Service article