MyWHaT

Why do I want bike boxes in Traverse City? First and foremost, they are bold statements that bicyclists and pedestrians are receiving priority attention. Bike boxes accomplish that quickly and inexpensively.

Two other reasons for wanting bike boxes are for drivers. Bike boxes, unveiled properly, improve visibility and positioning of cyclists. This makes it clear and simple when the light goes green and it relieves the right-turn turning lane of bikers waiting to go forward.

As a biker, it gives you a safe zone at the head of the pack. Typically, when the light changes to green, most bicyclists are through the intersection by the time cars reach the middle–bikes belong in front. Confident and safe.

From the New York Times January 10, 2008 Issue

Bike boxes are experimental in the United States, but that is no reason not to give them a try. Each downtown intersection should have them and  the redesign of the south NMC entrance scheduled in the next few years would be a perfect location, at least for traffic going North/South.

More to come in future posts.

Do you see any natural locations for bike boxes in Traverse City?

Have you ridden in a city with bike boxes?

Garfield Ave. to be moved 140 feet west of present location along airport property to increase capacity for the Cherry Capital Airport, if approved by the Grand Traverse County Commission.

Garfield Ave. is one of the most unfriendly roads in Grand Traverse and one of the most heavily used by non-motorized commuters. The evident social trails along the side of it make that clear.

Although there are several possible environmental (increased emissions) & social (closer to homes) reasons to oppose this extension, it does provide an opportunity to redesign one of the worst roads in Grand Traverse county. Is a true county/city collaboration possible for the entire length of Garfield? A new Garfield Ave. that is based on the airport’s proposal to include “a divided road with a median with sidewalks or a paved bike path“.

Airport Director Stephen Cassens recognizes that Garfield Ave. is used by more than just automobiles from the social trails worn in the property adjacent to the road. “I think people use those paths not just for recreation but for commuting purposes and this project would help to rectify a problem,” Cassens said.

Will the county and the city coordinate for a simultaneous redesign of the entire length of Garfield Ave?

Hardy Parking Deck in Traverse City does have Bike Locker's to use, for free. Who knew?

I was corrected yesterday. Indeed, there are amenities for bike commuters at the Hardy Parking Deck in Traverse City.  Under utilized, promoted and not that attractive, but bike lockers and some old school bike racks are provided. The Downtown Development Authority can provide you with more information. Just send an email or stop in the office, as information wasn’t available online. Lockers are free, but it is a $15 deposit.

Have you ever used one of these lockers? Is it something you’d consider? How about lockers just for your other gear?