BIKE: Crossing I-35

[Dave W]

> OK, and all of the above could be done today without
> the commuter rail line being built.

Agreed, though I don't recall saying anything about
commuter rail in my post.

> (It's a particularly bad route you've chosen;
> relying on travel along the frontage road itself;
> but whatever).

Maybe, okay probably, true.  The good thing is, I
won't be deciding the route.  As I mentioned, there is
a sidewalk, but probably not any more I-35 ROW to use,
which I've learned from TxDOT presentations on the
I-35 re-build.  Since Academy shut down, that areas is
a lot safer because it removed the big-a$$ trucks that
used to use the entire frontage of the lot as a
driveway into the parking lot, nevermind the miniscule
curb.  Oh, and trucks parked on the sidewalk, too.

Perhaps trail users would be better served by
continuing the trail in the ROW, crossing Wilshire,
continuing behind former-Academy, then doing a sharper
left turn to head south back to the light.  This is
only a few yards in distance.  But once again, I'm not
designing it.  I'm just offering possible solutions
that appear reasonable based on my daily experience
riding through that area.  I expect that people with
more experience in design will see even better
solutions.

> When Eric talks about commuter rail enabling barrier
> crossings, the assumption is that the route uses the
> commuter rail ROW itself.

I didn't get that from his post.  What I got was that
the pursuit of a trail system simultaneously with a
commuter rail system will enable a re-thinking of
those crossings, moved up in time and with greater
urgency due to the rail build.  I guess we all read
into things what we're conditioned to, based on our
own beliefs and experiences.

My belief and experience is that paved trails make
excellent super-highways for cyclists and can form the
trunk lines for a network of off- and on-road cycle
facilities.  I've never been hit by a car on a bike
trail.  Can't say that for streets, even quiet,
residential streets where I'm pedaling along minding
my own business up against the right curb.  Even at
low speeds, these collisions can be nasty.

Ultimately, imho, whether or not the crossings are
located in the RR ROW would depend on site conditions,
such as nearby traffic lights, available street or
park ROW, etc.

Finally, I want to thank Mike for having the courage
to raise important issues and to take some heat for
doing so.  Informed, reasoned debate is vital to good
decision-making, which seems in short supply lately.



		
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