The
City of Missoula is looking for feedback on the new cycle tracks on
North Higgins, this Thursday, July 28th, 3:30-5pm, in Council Chambers.
A cycle track is a bike facility with some physical separation between the
travel lane (where motor vehicles travel) and the bikeway. This type of
facility is common in N.Europe on busy arterials.
At MIST we have found mixed results. On the one hand, there can be a
wonderful car-free cycling
experience along the sections, bringing the
people on bikes closer to pedestrians and the business life. On the other
hand, the intersections and alleyways present conflicts, as drivers have a
harder time seeing people on bikes. We know of at least 3 crashes where
drivers did not see cyclists on the cycle track as the driver made a turn.
We believe this is an important community decision, as to the type of
bicycle facility needed in Missoula for a
sustainable future. Our
leanings are that a combination of facilities can work, as long as there
is good design and connectivity. This may mean wider bike lanes out from
the door zone, cycle tracks with better intersection design, neighborhood
greenways, and a comprehensive trail system, for instance.
Here is the City announcement:
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The cycle tracks have been in place on North Higgins for most of a year.
We are now hosting a public review and discussion of them:
We are eager to hear your observations and experiences:
· how they serve bicyclists
· how they work for motorized traffic
· how they work for pedestrians
· how they work for businesses at the north end of Higgins.
· whether they
should be implemented elsewhere in Missoula.
Please invite (and bring along) others who would like to share their views.
Thanks
Phil "
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You can send comments to:
"Phil Smith" <
PSmith@ci.missoula.mt.us>
We would also like to hear your comments, so we can better advocate for
biking in Missoula. Thanks, -Bob.
