MyWHaT

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How about to spend money?

There is more ways to get somewhere than just driving, even along Eighth St.

Biking Along 8th St.

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Do you think the pedestrian lights along Eighth St. are too fast? How about at other locations around the region?

As I walked towards the intersection at 8th St. and Rose, I noticed a young woman preparing to cross the street at the light. She was carrying a bag of groceries in her arms and waiting for the green pedestrian light to give her the right of way.

A car was waiting to turn left and was clearly waiting for her to walk across. Everything seemed as it should—a normal street crossing in town. Then, for no clear reason, the young woman got nervous, and ran the rest of the way across the street all the while looking back over her shoulder.

The story reflects why we need to do a better job of building the infrastructure that residents desire as reflected in the city’s infrastructure policy, which includes a “complete streets” approach.

It goes far beyond normal bike-lanes and sidewalks.

For all the talk and the support for sidewalks and bike lanes, we lack design and engineering that reflects those values. We need infrastructure that goes beyond the minimum and actually encourages a culture of walking, biking and the social engagement that comes with a more active community.

New infrastructure needs to announce, ‘Yes, this is a safe place for everyone and these are the values we’ve chosen.’

For a region obsessed with how government spends tax-payer money, I’m confused how quick and anxious we are to spend it when it involves poorly designed roads and infrastructure that limits our transportation choices. It is welcome news that the city has taken a stance to revisit Division St. and while guiding that process, we need to do the same across the entire city.

It comes back to the young woman running across the street. She shouldn’t feel the need to run when she has the right of way. People only feel more safe through bold design that prioritizes active choices of transportation.

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How does infrastructure help you feel confident & safe? What are some examples, either in Northern Michigan or elsewhere?