---------- Original Message ----------------------------------
From: "Frank Gmeindl" fgmeindl@verizon.net
Date: Tue, 05 Jan 2010 10:45:10 -0500
I agree that most traffic would be on the hill side, not the PRT side and something other than pavement arrows would be a good idea to discourage people from trying to use that lane for descending, a very dangerous situation indeed. I think better no parking signs would also be necessary. I don't agree that all bike lanes should be symmetrical and hill climbing lanes serve a real purpose in towns with topography like Morgantown. It was also encouraging that he didn't totally dismiss the plan but gave some thoughtful criticism.
Bicycle Board Members,
Any comments?
Frank
Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles
From: Bill Austin [mailto:baustin@moncpc.org]
Sent: Tuesday, January 05, 2010 9:39 AM
To: 'Damien Davis'; 'Terry Hough'; fgmeindl@verizon.net
Subject: FW: Morgantown Bike Lane
Damien, Terry, Frank,
Please find below one preliminary response from DOH on the Monongalia
Boulevard Bike Lane. We should be prepared to discuss the concerns expressed
at the upcoming TTAC meeting. I do have a question about the statement that
the shoulder is the same width on both sides of the Boulevard in the
comment. I do not recall this being the case from when I have been out
there. For your information Fouad Shoukry from the Division will not be at
the TTAC Meeting since he will be at TRB on the 12th.
Thanks,
Bill Austin, AICP
Executive Director
Morgantown Monongalia MPO
180 Hart Field Road
Morgantown, WVA 26508
304-291-9571
304-692-7225 Mobile
From: Warner, Richard L [mailto:Richard.L.Warner@wv.gov]
Sent: Monday, January 04, 2010 1:37 PM
To: Bill Austin; Lewis, Ray C
Cc: Robinson, Bill C; Hudson, Jim E
Subject: FW: Morgantown Bike Lane
Bill and Ray,
FYI, Jim Hudson has reviewed the City's Monongahela Boulevard bike
lane proposal and has generated the comments below. Jim is the primary
author of the WVDOT/DOH statewide bicycle/pedestrian plan that is undergoing
internal review prior to its official release for public review. In addition
to his other responsibilities, Jim also assists Bill Robinson in his duties
as WVDOT/DOH Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator and has a background in law
enforcement in Morgantown. These comments are intended for use as input to
further discussions regarding the proposed bike lane. Additional comments
from other reviewers may be supplied prior to the 1/12/10 TAC meeting (1:30
pm at the MPO offices, Morgantown Municipal Airport).
Ray,
Please forward these comments to Cindy Cramer and Fouad Shoukry as
appropriate, and invite Mr. Shoukry to attend the TAC meeting. Per our
earlier discussion, I'm assuming that implementation details will ultimately
fall to him.
--Richard
From: Hudson, Jim E
Sent: Monday, January 04, 2010 9:52 AM
To: Robinson, Bill C
Cc: Warner, Richard L; Keller, Perry J
Subject: Morgantown Bike Lane
Bill,
As I understand it, the proposed bicycle Lane in Morgantown includes one
bicycle "climbing" lane delineated on the existing shoulder on the hill side
of Monongahela Boulevard and some signs identifying it. Delineating the
lane and installation of the signage is to be entirely funded by some entity
other than WVDOH. I am not aware of who will be conducting or funding the
maintenance on the delineated bicycle lane or the signage related to it.
There will be no effort to widen the shoulder or to delineate a bicycle lane
on the opposite side of the road (the PRT side) even though the shoulder on
that side are the same width as the shoulder on the hill side. It should be
noted that there are no entrances or exits to Monongahela Boulevard in this
segment except for one maintenance access for the PRT system on the side
opposite the proposal. Also, while the posted speed limit is 45 mph,
traffic frequently exceeds this by a significant amount. Finally, the only
"No Parking" signs I recall along this stretch of road are attached flat
against the fence between the PRT and the Boulevard. I do not recall any
"No Parking" signs on the hill side of the road where the proposed bicycle
lane is to be established. I definitely recall seeing several vehicles
parked along the hill side shoulder during basketball games, concerts and
other events at the WVU Coliseum.
First, let me say that I am opposed to establishing a one way bicycle lane
on only one side of a street or road unless that street or road is also one
way. This can only "invite" bicyclists to ride against traffic in violation
of current traffic laws. In short I prefer a symmetrical bicycle lane on
both sides of the road.
In the proposed situation on Monongahela Boulevard, the proposed directional
arrows on the pavement are insufficient as indicators of it being one way.
The origin or destination of the vast majority of the bicycle traffic along
this route will be on the same side of the boulevard as the proposed bicycle
lane. Few bicyclists will cross the four lane boulevard to ride with the
traffic when there is a designated bicycle lane on one side of the road.
However, if WVDOH agrees to this proposed one way bicycle lane and the
subsequent narrowing of the shoulder on that side of the road, I think
additional signage to that proposed is necessary. "No Parking At Any Time"
signs (R7-201) should be installed along both sides of the road which are
clearly visible to motorists while driving. "Bicycle Specific Wrong Way"
signs (R5-1b) and "Ride With Traffic" (R9-3c) placards should be installed
on the reverse side of every "Bicycle Lane" (R3-17)sign proposed.
In addition to the signage, I think the City of Morgantown and/or the MPO
and/or the WVDOH should mail a letter to the WVU Security Police, the
Morgantown City Police, The Monongalia County Sherriff's Office and the
Morgantown Detachment of the WV State Police requesting strict enforcement
of the traffic regulations relating to bicycles with an emphasis on
enforcing the bicycle related laws along this stretch of Monongahela
Boulevard.
Thank you,
Jim Hudson
Community Development Specialist
Building 5, Room 863
1900 Kanawha Blvd. E.
Charleston, WV 25305-0430
(304) 558-9613
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