I would like to weigh in on the Columbia Ave. and Highway 22, from 20th to 24th St. bike and pedestrian proposal. At first glance the proposal is very aestheticallyappealing. My concerns are addressing the practical side of this proposal. My first concern is the safety aspect of this proposal. Any cars entering Columbia Ave. andHighway 22 are going to stop in the middle of the bike lanes to check for traffic. Having both bike lanes on one side creates blind spots for vehicles turning in and out ofbusinesses, and residential driveways along Columbia Ave. and Highway 22.
This brings me to my next concern. There are approximately 20 entrances on Columbia Ave. between 11th St. and 17th St. and another 20 entrances from 20th St. to24th St. Some of these entrances are so close together that there are going to be places that would have no curb for quite a distance. Not only is this not aestheticallyappealing it is a safety concern that vehicles could possibly park for loading or unloading, creating more problems.
I would have to say my biggest concern would be snow removal and maintenance. I was told that the city would be plowing snow to the bike lane side of Columbia Ave.Does this mean that the city will now be maintaining all driveways and entrances? How often will the city have to remove the snow because it will pile so high that yourvisibility will be impeded? Also the residences and businesses affected will now have to remove another 22 feet of snow before they can get out of their driveways. Thebike paths that we currently have are more practical because during the winter months the current bike lanes on each side of the road are used to store snow until it’stime for snow removal. I believe that staying with this practice will save money in the long run for snowplowing and maintenance.
I would like to finish off with stating that if we are going to do this project we should take the time to do it right. Columbia Ave. and Highway 22 is our main fairway, theheartbeat to this community and the first and lasting impression that tourists and guests will take away with them. Let’s take the time to look at funding options, i.e.borrowing, to remove the telephone poles. If you look at areas like the downtown core and the area around Canadian Tire there are no telephone poles. It looks cleanand visually appealing. I am not against beautifying Columbia Ave. and Highway 22; I would just like it to be practical. Can we look at a Plan B?
So to really finish up, I would like to say that I’m not much of a carpenter, but what little I know is that you measure twice and cut once. I really feel that this is applicableto this proposal.
