My wife passed this along. http://www.14thstreetbridge.com/.
As far as I can tell from this vague description, the powers that be have no intention of providing safer features for cyclists. I'm not always the biggest fan of bike lanes in this town because they often end in inopportune spots. But if, for example, 14th street had lanes similar to those on 17th, I might consider this an "improvement." Pretty flowers and grassy medians are hard to enjoy when you are worried about getting clipped from behind because better traffic flow has prompted drivers to increase their speed and lower their awareness. I guess they figure one bike lane on one street in midtown is sufficient.
Just sent an e-mail to the Midtown Alliance
asking them about this project and bicycles. Might be interesting to see what the reply is.
from what i've heard about
from what i've heard about the project, the planning and approvals were done a long time ago and it's near impossible to get anything changed now. The traffic studies didn't include the 17th street bridge (which alleviated some of the perceived need for a wider bridge at 14th st).
I must not be seeing
I must not be seeing something. What's the problem you guys noticed? (not disagreeing, I just really don't see it).
I don't see a 'problem'
just that these groups shout out how wonderful their projects are for peds and alt. transportation, then it turns out they never thought about bikes. I'd be happy with lanes that aren't too narrow and lowered speed limits (but I not holding my breath).
Remember Daniel?
He was working on this project when he was living in Atlanta. He was telling me what a struggle it was to get bike lanes considered for this project. I wonder where he is - maybe he could illuminate this debate for us.
No federal funds involved?
No federal funds involved? When improvements are made using federal funds I think we are required to include bicycle lanes.
.
yes, but there only must only be a minimum percentage of bikelanes relative to the total length of work done.
that's why our bike lanes are so spotty now...it's simple patchwork to keep the money flowing.
One good thing:
They link to CfPT's transit/bike trip planner
.
I don't see a problem either.
17th street (graval not withstanding) is fine. 10th street is doable. 5th is "bike friendly". North Ave is ok.
This is will be ok.
Midtown Alliance reply:
"the new bridge will be improved for cyclists only from the perspective of wider lanes and more lighting on the bridge for cyclist safety at night."