From Nassau County, Long Island:
After spending about two years lobbying for and helping to design a bike
path that was never built, I became a realist a few years back and decided
to go after a more reachable goal. A major north-south thoroughfare that
p***** through my town is in the process of being redesigned. The
capacity
of vehicles traveling this road each day has long outgrown the four narrow
lanes (two north/two south) that are available, and the train station at
the
far north end continues to generate more commuter traffic year after year.
Some commuters and local residents have made an attempt to beat the
traffic
and dangerous driving conditions by walking or bicycling to the downtown
area or the train station whenever possible. However, potholed shoulders
and crumbling sidewalks have made this virtually impossible to do safely.
Additionally, a lack of knowledge among cyclists with regard to bicycling
laws has many of them riding on the wrong side of the road, against
traffic,
causing significant danger to themselves and to drivers.
In the earliest stages of the road redesign, I proposed that either a
nominal amount of space be reserved at each side of the road for painted
bike lanes OR that the existing (under-used) sidewalks be converted into
multi-use paths for both cyclists and pedestrians. Having seen this work
successfully in other areas of New York State, I thought I presented a
very
good argument.
Well, apparently, the NYS DOT and the County Legislature agreed. However,
the final decision was that, while the idea was considered very practical,
useful, and forward-thinking, the County felt it might start a trend
across
the region, inspiring ALL localities to start fighting for these bicycle
accommodations.
The news was delivered to me personally by an individual high up in Nassau
County government and absolutely floored me. The message was that the
idea
was too good for the County to act on, even given the current
trans****tation
and energy crises we are facing.
Somebody help me bury my fury. OR, help me get up the strength to push
this
fight a little further!
Thanks!
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