[MissoulaGov] Bike Boulevard? Cars allowed

[Bob Giordano]

One key to this type of street change is that motor vehicles still use the
street, just not as a cut through for several blocks at a time.  Imagine 2
or 3 locations on Gerald Ave. that have gardens going right across the
street, with a couple 6' openings to allow bike/peds through, but not
cars.

This way each and every residence can still drive to the front door. 
Although, many residences would seem to be more than willing to use alleys
and sidestreets more, for the goal of a really people-friendly roadway.

-Bob Giordano, mist.



Geoff Badenoch wrote:
> When I was in Hellgate High School last year, I saw some plans posted on
a
> wall that showed a re-working of the two blocks that border Hellgate on
the
> east.  The plans were both for beautification and improved circulation.
Don't know what became of them.
>
> School bus circulation is a big problem to address if motor vehicles are
prohibited on Gerald.  That moves bus circulation and drop-off deeper into
> the neighborhood.
>
> As a cyclist, I love using Gerald as an alternative to the
Brooks/Higgins
> intersection.
>
> Geoff Badenoch
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: missoulagov-bounces at cmslists.com
> [mailto:missoulagov-bounces at cmslists.com] On Behalf Of Bob Giordano
Sent: Tuesday, November 24, 2009 11:20 AM
> To: missoulagov at cmslists.com
> Subject: [MissoulaGov] Safe Routes to School- Bike Boulevard?
>
> An option for a more complete 'safe routes to school' network is the
'bicycle boulevard.'  This is a lower volume neighborhood street that is
converted, with little money and time, to a bicycle, pedestrian, wheel
chair (and other non-motorized modes) priority street.
>
> Imagine Gerald, which parallels Higgins, having more landscaping/play
areas/traffic calming, allowing residences to have car access onto the
street, but it would not be a thru street for motor vehicles (physically
prohibited).  Stop signs would be re-oriented to favor the 'boulevard'
when crossing other local streets. The presence of Paxson elementary and
Hellgate High makes Gerald Avenue a good candidate.
>
> While 'bicycle boulevard' may not be the best name- others use the terms
'Home Street' or 'Green Street'- the point is a safe and livable route,
not just spot calming, without much impact on the motor vehicle system.
>
> Imagine each neighborhood in Missoula having one mostly car-free street,
and these connect into a network.  Imagine these local streets being part
> of a network along with trails, sidewalks and bike lanes, to further
Missoula's bike/walk system.  We've done some preliminary surveys and find
> strong support among especially home-owners.  We are willing to help
anyone do something like this in their neighborhood.
>
> Good further info:
>
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_boulevard
>
> http://www.bta4bikes.org/at_work/bikeboulevards.php
>
> --
> Bob Giordano
> Missoula Institute for Sustainable Transportation
> www.strans.org, mist at strans.org, 406.880.6834
>
>
>
> Bob Jaffe wrote:
>> Just got some news on the safe routes to school grant.
>> The proposal for FY11 is being put together and will be submitted
> mid-december. If folks have ideas for things they would like to see in
the
>> program they can post them here or send them on to Phil Smith
>> psmith at ci.missoula.mt.us<mailto:psmith at ci.missoula.mt.us>.
>> There is a SR2S workshop planned for Dec. 1 6:30-8:30 at Lewis and
Clark
> school.