2008 Woodie Awards
City considers bike-friendly proposal
Allie Figures
Issue date: 10/9/08 Section: News
San Jose has 140 miles of bike lanes, 40 miles of bike trails and 16 miles of bike routes, according to the city's Web site, but Councilmember Sam Liccardo wants more. In a proposal to the city council, Liccardo said he wants to alter the streets of downtown to make it a "commuter-friendly" environment.
The four-part proposal includes segregated bike lanes, increased areas for bike racks, "bike valet" parking services and a "bike sharing" program.
Mayor Chuck Reed and Councilmember Forrest Williams supported Liccardo's proposal in an effort to encourage commuters to forgo driving and ride bikes.
The first part of the proposal entails using physical barriers to make segregated bike lanes. The bike lane would be installed next to the sidewalk, pushing curb parking farther into the street. Liccardo said curbs or shrubs would provide a line of protection for bicyclists to safely commute.
"I think that would be a good idea because I have actually seen a girl get hit by a car," said Tito Rocha, a freshman political science major who rides his bike from Second Street and said a segregated bike lane would be safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
The problem of the constant physical barriers would be the obstruction to businesses and driveways. The Department of Transportation decided that a constant barrier would not be necessary to achieve the physical and visual aspect of separation.
The European models in Paris, London, Copenhagen and Denmark inspired council members to write the proposal, according to Liccardo's proposal.
The new bike lanes would connect SJSU to City Hall, Diridon train station, Guadalupe River Park, major downtown employers and state and federal agencies.
"This is an innovative proposal; it's in the evaluation process," said John Brazil, the Bicyclist and Pedestrian Program coordinator for the city of San Jose.
The second part of the proposal would increase the number of bike racks available for use downtown.
The four-part proposal includes segregated bike lanes, increased areas for bike racks, "bike valet" parking services and a "bike sharing" program.
Mayor Chuck Reed and Councilmember Forrest Williams supported Liccardo's proposal in an effort to encourage commuters to forgo driving and ride bikes.
The first part of the proposal entails using physical barriers to make segregated bike lanes. The bike lane would be installed next to the sidewalk, pushing curb parking farther into the street. Liccardo said curbs or shrubs would provide a line of protection for bicyclists to safely commute.
"I think that would be a good idea because I have actually seen a girl get hit by a car," said Tito Rocha, a freshman political science major who rides his bike from Second Street and said a segregated bike lane would be safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
The problem of the constant physical barriers would be the obstruction to businesses and driveways. The Department of Transportation decided that a constant barrier would not be necessary to achieve the physical and visual aspect of separation.
The European models in Paris, London, Copenhagen and Denmark inspired council members to write the proposal, according to Liccardo's proposal.
The new bike lanes would connect SJSU to City Hall, Diridon train station, Guadalupe River Park, major downtown employers and state and federal agencies.
"This is an innovative proposal; it's in the evaluation process," said John Brazil, the Bicyclist and Pedestrian Program coordinator for the city of San Jose.
The second part of the proposal would increase the number of bike racks available for use downtown.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
ssloansjca
Steve Sloan
posted 10/09/08 @ 10:54 AM PST
While it is important that we develop a plan to improve access for bicylists, pedestrians and users of other forms of human powered transportation we need to be sure that what is finally implemented is as safe as possible. (Continued…)
Diane
posted 10/10/08 @ 12:16 PM PST
I think this is a step in the right direction. Hopefully the city can come up with a practical and fair solution. It's important that people realize "going green" is more than buying a reusable water bottle or a Prius; it's also about changing your lifestyle. (Continued…)
Post a Comment