07-30-2022, 12:18 PM
(07-30-2022, 01:39 AM)ac3r Wrote: Really, all you'd need is a bridge going over the highway that can bypass all of Northfield and the highway. It wouldn't be hard to design and link up with the rest of the bike lanes. The Kraus development is proposing such a thing even, though it would be superior to have one built and owned by the region to avoid potential conflicts that often arise when private infrastructure is relied on by the public (this can mean things like liability, winter maintenance, potential for them to close it to public use at their will etc).
I see several problems with this:
- Zero areas to move to if there was an emergency be it personal or external; when in a bike gutter, you often have a sidewalk to move to. Where does one go if you're stuck between not only two fences, but active railroad tracks two railings?
- Re: the last point...if you fell and needed help, there is a lesser chance anyone would see you to help. What if a rider had heat stroke? A normal stroke? Cardiac arrest? Nobody would see them but maybe another cyclist
- How do you propose these this would be cleared of snow?
- Or ice?
Just kidding, actually, you see the above problems with this proposal. Fortunately, they are non-problems, both in the original context of lanes on the Northfield bridge and in the context of a separate bridge. So I agree, we should definitely have a separate crossing of the expressway, probably a bridge (or a tunnel — that would eliminate the last 2 points from the list).
Quote:Like plam said, I'm looking at this from the perspective that can allow the most ideal solution, rather than settling for a bottom of the barrel answer. To me, riding between train tracks and many lanes of traffic is barely a step above riding right on Northfield, even if it's moderately safer. It would simply be an awful way to traverse the area. I think cyclists deserve better at this point if we're collectively going to promote cycling.
Not moderately safer, very much safer: the difference between dangerous and safe (and also between feeling dangerous and feeling safe).