Twin Cities Streets for People

Article in the Strib:

http://goo.gl/9skz

This makes one ask:

Is this ignoring the bull in the china shop? Is the focus on the stolen bike taking away from the importance of examining the delivery truck driver's reckless driving and the design of the street?

This is a truly tragic story—it describes an incident that recently happened in NYC but can happen anywhere at any time.  This adds to a growing list of cyclists killed by "dooring."    

This can serve as a wake-up call and real-life reminder for road users in the following three situations:

1. Riding a Bike:  Avoid riding in the door-zone of parked cars
2. Driving a Motor Vehicle:  Provide at least three feet of space when overtaking a cyclist
3. Exiting a Parked Car:  Check to see if there are any approaching cyclists before opening the door

Any lapse can be the difference between life and death.

A few weeks ago, Lisa brought up a point about the city's new Central Avenue bike plan. The plan looks great for the northern part of the street, from Spring Street north all the way up Central Avenue.

But at the most important part of the plan, the stretch through the busy, dense, and commercial district around Hennepin and University Avenues, the city is proposing a "shared bike and through lane" that would be even less safe than the current awkward arrangement on Hennepin Avenue. 

What do you think should happen here? I've one suggestion after the jump. Read more >

The "slow rollout" of the bike infrastructure continued recently as the city added lane markings to the Hennepin Avenue bike/bus/right-turn lanes. But just like the orange wands on 1st Avenue, it doesn't take a very long bike ride down Hennepin to see cars who don't understand the new rules. Depending on the traffic, it can be either very pleasant or very awkward toride down this lane. (I was buzzed by a red pickup that passed me heading down the street.)

What can the city do to make it obvious that this new Hennepin Avenue lane is not for regular traffic? Read more >