In Illinois, they’ve been building an extension to I355, a connector ‘interstate’ highway. It’s slated to open next month.
As a fundraiser to build a multi-use trail, they’re opening up the road to cyclists for 3 hours, much as they do Lake Shore Drive once a year for a closed-to-traffic event. I’ll just quote the Roll the Tollwaysite:
Roll the Tollway offers a one-time, car-free bicycle ride on the new South Extension of I-355 before it opens to car traffic. Join thousands of cyclists for more than three hours of car-free bicycling on a 20-mile loop fully supported with rest stops and plenty of volunteers.
The new I35W bridge design is now online. It’s boring. Really… boring. And I’m ok with that, as I don’t know that the Mississippi crossing there is suitable for something wild like Rotterdam’s Erasmus Bridge:
However, I note something in the Star-Tribune article on the new I35W design:
The bridge is also designed to accommodate a pedestrian bridge, which could be suspended from the underside of the deck.
Let me get this straight: It’s the most expensive bid, and the design ‘can accomodate’ a pedestrian bridge? It’s not integrated? It’s not going to be built in the first place?
THAT makes me cranky. While there are additional nearby options for cyclists, the more crossings for cyclists and pedestrians, the better.
October 5, 2007
by julie Comments Off on Sunday 10/7 Ride: Candy Apple Gray
Hugh will be leading this little jaunt, but I am posting the map and queue for people’s delight. The ride visits Aamodt’s Apple Orchard, known for their apple pie and apple cider brats.
Ride is about 35 miles, and has some lovely rolling hills. The rest stop is late in the ride, but there are some chances at biffies and water prior to the orchard as needed. Several of the country roads do not have much shoulder, but are not especially busy. Riding single-file is suggested on such roads.
7 SUN 1:30 PM B 32-38 mi. CANDY APPLE GRAY. Depart from Ramsey Beach, on Hwy 96 just east of Highway 61, White Bear Lake. Same start location, different route, different orchard. Explore some rolling hills on route to an apple bakery for apple pie, cookies, and turnovers. Faster riders welcomed so long as they leave some apple treats for the leader. Julie Kosbab, 651-253-2493, julie-at-rideboldly.org.
September 28, 2007
by julie Comments Off on Critical Mass in Minneapolis Tonight
My friend Mike was quoted in today’s Strib article on the event, and I endorse his statement completely:
“I believe in standing up for rights, but I don’t believe in running red lights and running stop signs,” says Mike Beadles, past president of the Twin Cities Bicycling Club.
For the record, I am not a fan of either Critical Mass or the Minneapolis police. I would like to just ride my bicycle in peace.
September 28, 2007
by julie Comments Off on Signs Alone Do Not Make A Bike Route
I’m in suburban Chicago for the week. In the area around where I am spending most of my time, the greater Hoffman Estates/Schaumburg/Arlington Heights suburban lump, many sidewalks are labelled with helpful ‘BIKE ROUTE’ signs.
Three-foot wide sidewalks do not magically become a bike route because they get jaunty signs. Especially when they cross loads of driveways (and riders would be against prevailing traffic flow), have giant cracks with weeds, and huge signs dictating that bicyclists must get off and walk their bikes across all crosswalks at intersections.
For the record, Schaumburg is a Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly Community per the League of American Bicyclists. They get a star for ‘Encouragement.’ Such dubious recognition of facilities is why many question the value of the BFC program.
I have seen two vehicular cyclists this week, actually riding on roadways in a safe, sane and predictable manner congruent with traffic law. Now, I admit, it would take many one heck of a lot of bravery to be using the streets with the sidewalk ‘Bike Route’ attached, but they’re 4-lane, 35mph roads with passing room. It’s possible.
