Urbanism

A Blueprint for Better Bike Lanes: Revolutionizing Urban Mobility

The focus on urban bicycle infrastructure has grown, emphasizing community engagement and comprehensive design through resources like the updated Bike Lanes Design Guide, promoting safe, accessible streets for diverse cycling options across U.S. cities.

Published

3 months ago

January 11, 2025

Charles Elliot

bicycle lane on gray concrete road. Bike Lanes — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

In recent years, the discussion surrounding urban infrastructure has shifted gears, with a notable focus on developing better bicycle lanes. According to Bloomberg, protected bike lanes have transitioned from a niche interest to a core component of urban design across numerous U.S. cities. At the forefront of this cycling renaissance is an updated traffic engineering guidebook from the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), inviting cities to think even bigger about bike infrastructure.

Listening to the Community: A Tailored Approach

One of the vital lessons drawn from the bike plan implemented in Oakland, California, highlights the importance of community involvement in creating effective bike infrastructure. Ryan Russo, head of the city’s transportation department, embarked on a journey in 2019 to develop a plan that not only connected the city’s bike enthusiasts but also engaged historically underserved neighborhoods. In areas like East Oakland, where many residents rely on cars or public transit, the vision of bike lanes was often marred by misconceptions: were they a sign of impending gentrification? Would they genuinely enhance residents’ ability to get around?

By actively listening to community concerns, Russo and his team recognized that merely installing bike lanes would not suffice. A holistic approach was essential—one that involved not only the addition of protected bike lanes on major roads but also improvements to road conditions, sidewalks, and overall accessibility to create a true network of safe streets. This meant incorporating elements such as speed bumps, roundabouts, and limited vehicle access zones, all aimed at fostering an environment where biking could thrive school-wide.

A Comprehensive Guide for Better Infrastructure

The newly released Urban Bikeway Design Guide stands as a testament to this comprehensive approach. Nearly double the length of its predecessor, the guide encapsulates a decade’s worth of innovation in bike infrastructure design. It introduces concepts like contra-flow bike lanes, protected intersections, and bus boarding islands—all designed to make cycling a viable transportation choice for people of all ages and abilities.

The guide serves as much more than a catalog of design options; it’s also a strategic framework that can help cities navigate the complexities of urban cycling infrastructure. By showing how bike lanes can enhance safety not just for cyclists but all street users, the guide positions bike infrastructure as a crucial element in mitigating traffic injuries and fatalities, aligning with broader public safety initiatives.

Building Public Trust and Support

Moreover, the guide provides essential political insights and outreach strategies to help advocates gain support for bike lanes from often skeptical communities. Rebranding initiatives, such as Oakland’s transition from “East Oakland Neighborhood Bike Routes” to “Calm East Oakland Streets,” signals a shift in priorities towards creating safe, slow-moving streets that cater to pedestrians and cyclists alike while also supporting local businesses.

Accommodating a New Era of Cycling

The guide also addresses the surge in diverse cycling options, including e-bikes, cargo bikes, and scooters. As cycling evolves, so too must our infrastructure. Wider lanes and street treatments tailored for these vehicles can help manage the interactions between different cyclist types and reduce friction among users, thus promoting a more inclusive cycling culture.

A Vision for the Future

Cities across the United States are already witnessing the fruits of these renewed efforts. From New York City adding over 600 miles of cycling infrastructure to breakthroughs in seemingly bike-unfriendly locales, the movement for safer, comprehensive biking networks is gathering momentum. As advocates like Janette Sadik-Khan emphasize, this is a unique opportunity for cities to redefine street design and take significant steps towards solving pressing issues like climate change and urban affordability.

Ultimately, the updated Urban Bikeway Design Guide does more than just provide a mechanical blueprint; it outlines a vision for the future of urban mobility—one that accommodates bikes and other forms of transit in a safe, integrated manner. By embracing these ideas, cities can create not just bike lanes, but beautiful, livable streets that foster community engagement, encourage sustainable transportation, and promote a healthier and happier populace.

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In a world increasingly characterized by urban sprawl and traffic congestion, it’s time to embrace cycling as a fundamental piece of the transportation puzzle—one that connects communities and creates vibrant urban landscapes. Happy riding!

The Bridge is a section of the STM Daily News Blog meant for diversity, offering real news stories about bona fide community efforts to perpetuate a greater good. The purpose of The Bridge is to connect the divides that separate us, fostering understanding and empathy among different groups. The Bridge aims to create a sense of unity and shared purpose by highlighting positive initiatives and inspirational actions. This section brings to light stories of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to promote inclusivity, equality, and mutual respect. Through these narratives, readers are encouraged to appreciate the richness of diverse perspectives and to participate actively in building stronger, more cohesive communities.

https://stmdailynews.com/the-bridge

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Related Topics:bike lanes community engagement cycling safety sustainable transport urban infrastructure

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Inglewood Shifts Gears: From People Mover to Dedicated Bus Lanes

Published

11 hours ago

April 23, 2025

Rod Washington

Inglewood, California, is taking a new approach to enhance mobility as plans for an ambitious automated people mover falter. On Tuesday, city officials announced a strategic pivot from the Inglewood Transit Connector’s original vision—a fully automated elevated system—to a more practical solution centered around dedicated bus lanes. This shift aims to bolster transit connections between local hubs and the city’s thriving sports and entertainment district.

Inglewood Transit Project

The revised project intends to transform the urban landscape over the next few years. Residents and visitors can look forward to the rollout of new mobility hubs dedicated solely to buses, separate lanes to ensure efficient transit, expanded bike infrastructure, and improved overall traffic flow. Furthermore, upgrades to walkability are including features designed to accommodate the influx of attendees for events at major venues like SoFi Stadium, YouTube Theater, Intuit Dome, and the Kia Forum.

Originally, the Inglewood Transit Connector sought to seamlessly link the Downtown Inglewood Metro station on the K Line with the rapidly developing sports and entertainment area. However, the ambitious people mover project faced significant challenges. Local officials, community members concerned about business displacement, and prominent figures like U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters voiced their apprehensions, ultimately leading to the project’s cancellation.

This strategic pivot signifies a more pragmatic approach to transit solutions in Inglewood. By focusing on dedicated bus lanes, the city can effectively improve access to its bustling attractions without the complexities and potential disruptions associated with constructing an elevated system.

The transition underscores Inglewood’s commitment to enhancing urban mobility, catering to both the local residents and the increasing number of visitors drawn to its vibrant entertainment scene. As the city embraces this new direction, the focus remains steadfast on creating a more connected, accessible infrastructure that meets the needs of its community.

Inglewood’s dedication to improving transit connections exemplifies a growing trend in urban planning—prioritizing adaptable solutions that can be implemented quickly while still serving the long-term goals of connectivity and sustainability. The dedicated bus lanes, complemented by enhanced bike paths and improved pedestrian walkways, will offer a holistic approach to transportation that can keep pace with Inglewood’s dynamic growth.

As the city moves forward with these changes, all eyes will be on Inglewood to see how this revised plan enhances community connectivity while supporting its vibrant cultural and entertainment district.

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Urbanism

New Construction Project at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport

Published

6 days ago

April 18, 2025

Rod Washington

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, a major transportation hub in Arizona, is set to undergo significant improvements with a new construction project at Terminal 3. According to AZ Family, the work is officially commencing this month on a project that will enhance the airport’s infrastructure, making it more accommodating for travelers.

Expansion at Sky Harbor

The upcoming expansion, which boasts a budget of $326 million, will introduce a new concourse on the north side of Terminal 3. This new addition is designed to increase the terminal’s capacity by adding six new passenger gates, bringing the total to 26 gates. The construction will encompass a vast 173,000 square feet, ultimately providing more flight options and enhanced facilities for travelers.

As reported by AZ Central, the expansion is much-needed, given that Terminal 3 is the oldest terminal at Sky Harbor. McCarthy Building Cos. Inc. has been entrusted with the construction, and they are committed to creating an exceptional experience for passengers. Thomas Assante, McCarthy’s senior project director, stated, “Every portion of the new Terminal 3 concourse will provide an exceptional experience for Sky Harbor passengers.” Notably, McCarthy has experience with airport projects, having recently completed a five-gate concourse at Mesa Gateway Airport, which opened in February 2024.

In addition to expanding gate capacity, the new Terminal 3 concourse plans to feature improvements beyond functionality. Travelers can look forward to new dining options, including three food and beverage spaces, as well as two retail spaces, alongside a passenger lounge. Greg Roybal, an airport spokesman, has confirmed these plans, emphasizing the project’s focus on improving the overall passenger experience.

The anticipated completion date for the new concourse is set for 2027. Once finished, this expansion will not only bolster the terminal’s capabilities but also enhance the amenities available to travelers. The airlines currently operating out of Terminal 3 include Delta, United, Frontier, and Alaska Airlines, among others.

As this construction project unfolds, we will keep readers updated with the latest developments and milestones. With these enhancements on the horizon, Sky Harbor Airport is poised to deliver an even better travel experience for passengers in the coming years. Stay tuned!

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Urbanism

The I-105 ExpressLanes Project: A Step Towards Safer and Smoother Travel

Published

2 weeks ago

April 8, 2025

Rod Washington

Los Angeles: Exciting developments are underway for Southern California drivers as the Metro initiates the I-105 ExpressLanes Project, aimed at easing traffic congestion and enhancing roadway safety. As one of the region’s major arteries, the I-105 has long been burdened by heavy traffic, and Metro’s innovative approach promises to transform the existing landscape for the better.

What’s Happening?

The I-105 ExpressLanes Project is set to convert the existing High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane, commonly known as the carpool lane, into not one, but two Metro ExpressLanes in each direction along the I-105. This enhancement is part of Phase 1 of the project, specifically Segment 1, which stretches between Sepulveda Boulevard and Central Avenue. This phase is anticipated to last approximately three years, during which significant improvements will be made.

As part of the construction process, crews will be actively engaged in demolishing and reconstructing several sound walls, as well as performing crucial roadway pavement construction along the corridor in Segment 1. These sound wall adjustments are needed to facilitate the necessary roadway upgrades and ensure a smoother driving experience.

Where Is All This Happening?

The primary work will take place along the existing sound wall area on Westbound I-105, specifically located between Domingues Channel and the Crenshaw Boulevard on-ramp. This location is critical, as it serves as a vital section of the highway that many rely on daily.

What Can You Expect During Construction?

Navigating through construction zones can sometimes be tricky, but here’s what you can expect during this project:

Access Points: Crews will enter the work area primarily from the freeway, meaning minimal disruptions to side streets.
Daytime Work Hours: Most of the construction activities will occur during daytime hours, making it easier for commuters to plan their travel. However, keep in mind that intermittent nighttime work may be necessary to perform certain activities safely, particularly those related to roadway pavement construction.
Landscape Restoration: Once the construction wraps up and improvements are complete, landscaping and any trees that have been removed will be restored, allowing the area to flourish once again.

Important Note on Scheduling

As with any large construction project, it’s crucial to understand that work activity is subject to change based on various factors, primarily weather conditions. Because construction can be dynamic, schedules may be adjusted according to the team’s assessments on-site.

In Conclusion

The I-105 ExpressLanes Project represents a forward-thinking solution to Southern California’s persistent traffic challenges. By converting the existing HOV lane into ExpressLanes, Metro is aiming not just to alleviate congestion, but to provide a safer and more efficient roadway experience for all. Keep an eye out for updates, stay informed, and plan your travel accordingly—we can look forward to a smoother ride on the I-105 in the years to come!