08-15-2017, 09:43 PM
I figured they should separate the problems of access from the south and from the north.
For great access from the south, just run up the rail line, starting from where it runs more or less parallel to the Iron Horse and continuing right up across Victoria St., past the Park St. subway, up to the junction and then the transit hub. I don’t think you could possibly do better for access to/from the south.
Next, for north access, temporarily connect across Cherry St. I believe it is a low-traffic road that would not be bad to bicycle on; at Park St. link up with the other access. So this would be a simple route that would be half dedicated and half quiet street riding.
In addition, however, make a firm plan to build a route parallel to the main line on the north side. This means acquiring right-of-way next to the rail right-of-way whenever an adjacent property is redeveloped, and encouraging the developers to meet the path, not think of it as a blank wall side yard. There are only a few properties involved: one or two west of Strange, a parking lot from Strange to Park, the OSC property and the new development right at King and the main line.
It’s OK to build something now and also have a long-term plan. This plan would eventually give high-quality links for people no matter which direction they are coming from.
For great access from the south, just run up the rail line, starting from where it runs more or less parallel to the Iron Horse and continuing right up across Victoria St., past the Park St. subway, up to the junction and then the transit hub. I don’t think you could possibly do better for access to/from the south.
Next, for north access, temporarily connect across Cherry St. I believe it is a low-traffic road that would not be bad to bicycle on; at Park St. link up with the other access. So this would be a simple route that would be half dedicated and half quiet street riding.
In addition, however, make a firm plan to build a route parallel to the main line on the north side. This means acquiring right-of-way next to the rail right-of-way whenever an adjacent property is redeveloped, and encouraging the developers to meet the path, not think of it as a blank wall side yard. There are only a few properties involved: one or two west of Strange, a parking lot from Strange to Park, the OSC property and the new development right at King and the main line.
It’s OK to build something now and also have a long-term plan. This plan would eventually give high-quality links for people no matter which direction they are coming from.