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Archive for September 7, 2010

Have a Small Car, use a Small Garage: Simple

September 7, 2010 Leave a comment

Video Tuesday: Parking Hero

Using his space efficiently and wisely, this Dutch man demonstrates how he parks his car in, perhaps, the world’s narrowest car-garage.

Eugène from Liedekerke is an 87-year old man who still parks his car in a very narrow garage. So narrow that he only has 1,2 inch to spare at either side of the car. Luckely for Eugène Fiat has produced the Panda.

Makes you wonder about those of us who build garages that rival our homes.

On-street Bicycle Parking now in this Little ol’ City

September 7, 2010 3 comments

NOTE: This bicycle rack is now located across the street in front of Cali’s Cottons Boutique.(updated:9/14)

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Notice anything different on Front Street over the weekend?

Click to Enlarge

(Click to enlarge)

An on-street bicycle parking experiment is underway on Front Street for the next month, or two. Located in front of Red Ginger and the State Theatre, a space dedicated to cars now has room for 12 (+/-) bicycles. The project is a result of effort by TART Trails, through McClain’s Cycle and Fitness and a grant from Specialized.

It’s unfortunate that the parking wasn’t installed earlier in the summer as intended, however, there’s no time like today to get something accomplished.

There is plenty of riding, and parking, ahead of us before the snowplows force the rack off the street, so please use it and show city staff, and area businesses, that these racks fulfill a need.

In addition, send the city manager, DDA, and city planner feedback on the concept , value and suggestions/support for more locations in 2011 (emails below).

Why Bother with On-Street Bicycle Parking?

A need for more bicycle parking in Traverse City.

MyWHaT is a strong supporter of on-street bicycle parking. It accomplishes the direct result of providing convenient parking to area businesses & public spaces, but it also accomplishes several other goals for a community focused on increasing active transportation & has concerns about public space.

My brainstorm of  benefits:

  • Fulfills a latent demand for bicycle parking.
  • Improves the walking & wheelchair experience for sidewalk traffic.
  • Provides space for up to 12 visitors, instead of the typical 1.2 average per car.
  • Increased visibility for and of bicycles. After all, bikes belong.
  • Increase visibility of store fronts, as the bikes don’t block the view of street-level entrances.
  • Saves the city money locating & building infrastructure singly for bicycle parking.
  • Saves the city money on maintenance of light poles & trees damaged by free-range bicycle parking.
  • Traffic calming: on-street parking adds a human scale to the street. Motorists slow down when people are present.
  • Combined with street beautification, can help create a sense of place across the entire public right-of-way.

Do you have any other benefits to add?

Where do you see some other opportunities for on-street bike parking?

(Map of Suggested Locations)

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The Installation

No fan-fare, just two engineers getting a job done.

SUPPORT ON-STREET BIKE PARKING: Send your comments regarding on-street bike parking to: City manager, Ben Bifoss, city planner, Russ Soyring, Executive director of DDA, Bryan Crough

bbifoss@traversecitymi.gov,rsoyring@ci.traverse-city.mi.us,bcrough@ci.traverse-city.mi.us

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