Comments on: Little Big Things

By: Keri

Keri — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 18:25:34 +0000

this would be yet another thing a local cycling advocacy org could tackle (hint, hint).

That’s kinda the unformed “we” I had in mind.

By: Mighk

Mighk — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 18:00:56 +0000

“Can we address land-use policy to require compatible easements in new development?”

Waddya mean “we” Kimosabi? (Sorry, just had to use that…)

Orlando has had such requirements in their codes for quite a few years. The counties have been reluctant.

Soapbox interlude: this would be yet another thing a local cycling advocacy org could tackle (hint, hint).

Canal banks get some local governments nervous, though when the political support is there…

By: Keri

Keri — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:35:00 +0000

And you get the whole NIMBY resistance, too... especially with the gated communities.

By: andrewp

andrewp — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:14:53 +0000

“This is how we facilitate novice cyclists and help them learn road cycling skills. We give them low-volume road options. As they become more comfortable, they’ll move to bigger roads to expand their access. …”

100% on point. But as John Allen’s article points out, how do we go back and add access to the already-existing neighborhoods?

First, who identifies where the connectors need to be?

Second, who tries to ask the owners for right-of-way or an easment?

Third, do the owners get any benefit by doing this? (ie property tax reduction, or something like that) ….

Of course, there’s always the option/threat of “emminent domain” laws — taking land for the good of the “public”. Yuk! I did not like that particular Supreme Court decision and would hate to see that option enacted in any situation …..

By: Keri

Keri — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:01:40 +0000

Mighk,
Can we address land-use policy to require compatible easements in new development?

Another annoying thing about much of the outlying development is gated communities. There have been many times over the years when I have planned out a route with a road atlas, only to discover a locked gate forcing me to use a busy arterial road where I hadn’t planned to. Google satellite is such a blessing for being able to figure these things out ahead of time.

By: Keri

Keri — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:52:50 +0000

YES…
Like this one!

By: Eric

Eric — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:26:01 +0000

Mighk,
I think Orange County owns a lot of drainage ditches that might be used.

By: Mighk

Mighk — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 12:26:46 +0000

It’s a shame that most of those disconnected streets have no rights-of-way or easements connecting them that can be improved with paved paths; it’s wall-to-wall houses. (Davis, CA actually condemned, purchased and tore down a house to make a critical cycling connection.)
As I’ve worked up the metro bike network I’ve found a number of potential connections, but in most cases there is no right-of-way. Local governments are generally more interested in building longer recreational paths than making a better-connected nonmotorized transportation network.