HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/29/2024 Item 1, Hartzell
Ryan Hartzell <
To:Advisory Bodies
Subject:ATC Communication
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Hello,
I am writing with comments on Agenda Item 1.
First, I would like to say that I appreciate the direction the city is taking with these projects, by adding more protected
bike lanes, implementing road diets, and systematizing safety in our infrastructure. These changes are absolutely a net
positive for our community.
However, I would like to list some concerns I have and area where I think the proposed design could be even better.
Regarding the Grand Avenue plan:
In the Grand/Slack street intersection, the southbound bike lane is split between the left/straight and right turn
lane. This introduces a conflict point between turning vehicles and bikes that may be better resolved with the
bike lane remaining on the right side of the approach, with the possibility of adding a curb extension similar to
the southwest corner of the section.
In general, I wonder if the addition of flexposts and striping to indicate daylighting has been considered in
addition to red curb striping. This would have the benefit of providing a quasi-curb extension. Something as
simple as these additions in Hoboken, where there have been zero traffic deaths in 7 years:
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Where parking is included on Grand Avenue (and in many spots on Johnson Avenue), the bike lane is put
between traffic and parking, which is a less-than-ideal configuration. Despite the generous buffer, it is still a
conflict zone that would reduce bicycle safety. I would hope to see either parking-protected bike lanes or the
removal of parking throughout the corridor, such that the whole route could have a protected bike lane. I
understand the difficulty of suggesting the removal of parking, but it would make for the best use of this right of
way.
Lastly, I would hope to see in the future and when possible, more sidewalk-level bike lanes to better distinguish
vehicle and cycle infrastructure.
Thanks for your consideration,
Ryan Hartzell
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