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August 24, 2011
Revealing a Certain Modal Bias
This announcement from the City has drawn some ire in active transportation circles:
Green street construction will close bicycle lanes and sidewalks on NE 122nd Avenue between NE Fremont and NE Shaver. Construction starts tomorrow (Tuesday, August 23) and will last about ten weeks. The work will also close on-street parking spaces in the construction zone.
At least one observer has suggested that any reasonable alternative bike/ped route takes you at least a mile out of your way.
Surely we can do better?
Posted by Chris Smith at 8:07 PM
Comments
August 24, 2011 8:36 PM
zefwagner Says:
It's weird that there are no bike/ped paths through either the Middle School to the west or the park to the east. It probably wouldn't have cost a whole lot to run a temporary path through the park.
August 25, 2011 7:18 AM
Chris I Says:
Wait, why is this an issue? They are adding bioswales. The nature of the construction project requires closing the areas immediately next to the project: the sidewalk, and the bike lane. Cyclists can legally take the lane during construction. I would think that pedestrians would be able to walk in the grass at Beech Park.
I think the bigger question should be, why are we doing all of this work on a street that already has bike lanes and sidewalks? Wouldn't it make more sense to prioritize these projects so they can build bioswales as they add bike lanes and sidewalks to a street? In this area for example, they could work on NE Sandy east of 122nd, San Rafael, or 132nd south of I-84.
August 25, 2011 7:22 AM
Chris Smith Says:
The fact that you can legally take the lane does necessarily make it safe. The City needs to get into the habit of maintaining safe and comfortable access for all modes during construction projects.
August 25, 2011 10:13 AM
Jason Barbour Says:
What I take issue with is how the upgraded sidewalk corners are installed: all four at an intersection at the same time. Makes it nearly impossible to safely cross the street.
And another failure in timing, as school will start soon and there's tons of residential on the south side of the area, so this sends the message 'the city wants you to drive your kids to school, even if you're within walking distance.'
August 25, 2011 10:47 PM
Jason McHuff Says:
A little bit different project, but they did delay work on West Burnside
August 26, 2011 7:09 AM
Paul Cone Says:
Note that it's BES work, not PBOT work. PBOT builds sidewalks and bike lanes. BES builds swales.
August 26, 2011 10:32 AM
Nicole Says:
As a cyclist you can take a lane during construction instead of using a detour. It may require that you stop and wait for a gap in traffic to do it safely. This is certainly not a permanent condition...short of waiving a magic wand to make it happen, there are going to be some minor inconveniences for all modes.
August 26, 2011 12:10 PM
spare_wheel Says:
The PSU/Broadway cycle track is blocked with maintenance/construction vehicles, equipment, or shuttle buses on many of my commute days. I no longer use the cycle track but this causes conflicts with motorists who are not aware that it is an "advisory" facility.
