A bridge would be quite nice. I heard gossip that WVU couldn't install a bridge without an elevator because of ADA regulations. I really hope that's not true, as it would be crazy, although it would sort-of explain the uselessly inconvenient bridge further down the road. I imagine that the existing bridge is even more irksome to the handicapped than to the bipedal--what an insult to be forced to go a 1/8-1/4 mile out of the way to span 15 feet of pavement from one side of the road to the other. I think I've seen handicapped people crossing right there alongside the "island" in addition to the pedestrians.
I have no ideas that don't involve a big wide bridge without an excess of stairs (preferably none). I guess this would mean funneling the cars through a short tunnel. You'd have to lower road, but it sure would be nice.
Wait, maybe a zipline?
here's an interesting note on herd behavior and street crossings. everyone crosses there because everyone else does!
http://www.physorg.com/news/2010-11-pedestrians-herd-instinct-road.html
aira
Bicycle Board Members,Any ideas for improving Grumbein's Island for cycists?FrankBegin forwarded message:From: Morgantown Pedestrian Safety Board <walkmgw@yahoo.com>
Date: January 28, 2011 2:15:48 PM EST
To: Frank Gmeindl <frank.gmeindl@comcast.net>, Christiaan Abildso <cgabildso@mail.wvu.edu>, Bob Anderson <randerson@hsc.wvu.edu>, Jon Bond <jbond3@mix.wvu.edu>, Ilana Chertok <ichertok@hsc.wvu.edu>, Stan Cohen <Stanley.Cohen@mail.wvu.edu>, Chuck Coole <ccoole@hsc.wvu.edu>, Jan Derry <jderry@nwvcil.org>, Dave Harshbarger <harshbargerd@wvuh.com>, Dwight Harshbarger <dwight.harshbarger@gmail.com>, George Lilley <mgranlil@verizon.net>, Regina Mayolo <reginam@verizon.net>, Jon Miltenberger <kokiri4ever@msn.com>, Jennifer Noori <thenoorinater@gmail.com>, Bill Reger-Nash <wreger@hsc.wvu.edu>, Jonathan Rosenbaum <freesource@cheat.org>, Jimmie Simmons <Jsimmons2642@yahoo.com>, David Small <dsmall1@mix.wvu.edu>, Maria Smith <mariasmith@busride.org>, Don Spencer <dspencer36@comcast.net>, Martha Summers <msummers@hsc.wvu.edu>, Angela Wiley <wileya120@gmail.com>
Subject: Grumbein's Island meeting
Fellow pedestrian advocates. I have been invited to attend a meeting with many constituencies to discuss the future of Grumbein's Island (pedestrian area in front of Mountainlair) next Friday at 10:00 AM. The invitees include:Terry Hough - CityDon Spencer - CityRoy Nutter - CityChristaan Abildso - CityBryan Radabaugh - StateAlanna Slack - StatePerry Keller - StateBill Austin - Mgtn/Mon MPORick Colebank - Alpha AssocChuck Branch - Alpha AssocCharlie Luttrell - Alpha AssocRob Moyer - WVUNelson France - WVU StudentBob Merow - WVUHugh Kierig - WVUPlease submit any suggestions prior to that meeting. Frank, I could especially use some bicycle design ideas for that area (I've also requested that you be invited).Best,Christiaan
Walk more, safely
Morgantown Pedestrian Safety Board
Christiaan Abildso, Chair
Bill Reger-Nash, Vice Chair
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