The current plan requires vigilance, of course, by both bicyclists and
drivers, but, as John Francis said, I find that since bikes have a clear
space in which drivers expect them, it is working fairly well. It will
take some time for all to learn how to use these first bike lanes in
Moscow. But it gets some bikes off the sidewalks and encourages them to
act as vehicles, which is what skilled cyclists should do when using bikes
for transportation. Having cars cross the bike lanes was the only way to
accomodate the right turn and also give bikes a safe way to go straight
(rather than putting the bike lane to the right of the right turn lane).
We would have liked to have the lanes extend futher (at least to Line
Street) which would have helped people get into the lanes sooner (or
longer) and off the sidewalk. We could only afford the eastbound lane
from Line to Deakin. A westbound lane would have required cutting down
the trees!
Our concern about parked cars prompted the very wide eastbound bike lanes
between Deakin and Jackson.
Overall, it was a difficult section to deal with and our committee
struggled to come up with the best solution. I am hoping that, after
people get accustomed to it, this plan, bizarre though it may seem, will
work for bicyclists, drivers and pedestrians.
If 2020 members have suggestions for ways to help people learn how to use
the area between Deakin and Jackson safely, the Bicycle Advisory
Commission (BAC) would be glad to hear them. We have a flyer we have been
distributing, but are still working on this issue. You can let me know
your thoughts and I'll pass them on to the BAC.
Diane Prorak
On Wed, 28 May 1997, Greg Meyer wrote:
> Couldn't make it to the meeting last night but I have a few concerns/questions.
>
> Was there any discussion about the engineering on the bike path that runs
> along 6th Street? I believe the way the path is constructed (with vehicle
> lanes crossing it, etc.) is one of the more bizarre and, I believe,
> dangerous jobs of engineering I've ever seen.
>
> Two other questions about engineering/planning/safety: 1) Did anyone
> address the problem with parked cars blocking the view of vehicles at
> intersections. At many of the intersections, especially downtown, motorists
> must enter into crosswalks in order to see if it is safe to enter the
> intersection. Essentially they are forced to break the law in order to
> drive safely. 2) I believe the intersection on the Moscow/Pullman Highway
> at Walmart is still in the city limits. Did anyone discuss the potential
> for disaster at that traffic light? Cars are approaching from Pullman at 55
> mph and the speed only drops to 45 just a short distance from the traffic
> light. It's an accident waiting to happen. And while on the subject of the
> new construction out there, what about the 45 mph speed limit from the U.
> Inn traffic light out to the Walmart light? With all the mall entrances
> along that road (and people pushing the 45 limit to 50) isn't that another
> accident waiting to happen?
>
>
>
> Greg Meyer
> Moscow
>