"Evanston debates whether to backpedal on bike lanes"

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by David Barish on September 14, 2016 at 9:27am

In some instances a PBL is not the answer.

I agree.  I think PBL makes sense in a highly congested area such as the Dearborn lane in the loop or most  of the Kinzie lane from Milwaukee to Wells. Optimal? No, but it is a vast improvement. I also, think the section of  PBL in downtown Evanston works. that lane is weird west of Downtown Evanston. It runs two ways for a very short time near  Dodge and that only serves to screw up people and fake them into riding like salmon on other areas of the lane. The lane near Dodge also runs on a sidewalk and I NEVER ride  on  the lane there. I  am  on the street. Dodge called for a lane. A painted lane would  be better than sharrows but a PBL overshot the mark and created seemingly unforeseen issues discussed on this forum. Given that the lane is already there I am not sure I would advocate for it's removal.  Cheapskate that I am  I question whether  using public funds to correct this is worth it. Perhaps, given the added cost of keeping these things free of debris it may be worth it. I don not know. Otherwise,  I would sigh and leave things be but would think VERY carefully about when and where to put a PBL in the future. So, although I am a critic I  am  a supporter. I  signed the petition.

Permalink Reply by Yasmeen on September 14, 2016 at 10:10am

It's your opinion and I respect that and ask that you respect that others disagree with you. I don't think it's "bullshit".

Permalink Reply by David Barish on September 14, 2016 at 11:09am

No offense taken. It was  clear to me you didn't think much of the petition.  I gave  it thought and did sign.  My greatest hope is that before considering the  next project the City of Evanston will hear all voices but also hear the disagreements  with the cycling community. I assume  most of us agree that something needs to be done on many roadways. We are not always in accord on  what it should be.  Still, we have each other's back in the face of anti-bike or NIMBY sentiment. I think the latter is what got me to sign.

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on September 14, 2016 at 11:12am

"we have each other's back in the face of anti-bike or NIMBY sentiment."

That's pretty much how I feel about it.

Permalink Reply by Mark on September 15, 2016 at 10:05am

Yes, but it doesn't mean we have to accept poor, unsafe designs either.

Permalink Reply by Skip Montanaro 0mi on September 15, 2016 at 3:28pm

I signed the petition. I think what was there before was fine. Removing all bike infrastructure on Dodge would seem to me to be a step backward.

Permalink Reply by Tom A.K. on September 14, 2016 at 11:36am

https://www.change.org/p/evanston-city-clerk-rodney-improve-not-rem...

I've signed. I'm supporter #68. Many more are needed ! Please sign the petition !

Permalink Reply by Tom A.K. on September 14, 2016 at 12:43pm

http://www.westword.com/news/denver-cruisers-brad-evans-it-can-be-s...

Current story, Denver also having problems with unprotected bike lanes.

Permalink Reply by Tom A.K. on September 15, 2016 at 11:54am

http://www.npr.org/2016/09/15/493970623/with-citizens-help-cities-c...
Another current story, from NPR.org. "With citizens' help, cities can build a better bike lane - and more."

Permalink Reply by Mark on September 15, 2016 at 9:56am

Dodge used to be my favorite route through Evanston.  Until they put it back the way it was before (maybe adding buffer stripes), I will avoid Dodge.  My worst biking experience ever was on the Church PBL.  I was almost right hooked three times in 5 blocks.  Get ready for right hook crashes and doorings with this PBL configuration.  PBLs have not proven to work in residential areas.  Chicago reversed the configuration on Douglas and Independence Boulevards.  The same should be done on Dodge.  I think everyone is too afraid to accept that this was a waste of money.  Buffered Bike Lanes, please.

Permalink Reply by mike w. on September 15, 2016 at 10:00am

THIS. +1

Permalink Reply by Jim Reho on September 15, 2016 at 11:43pm

Buffered bike lanes are very practical.  The one on Wabash works as well as could be expected for me.  It's not going to be perfect in my lifetime.

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