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papersnipart
Posts:3
Moderate User
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| 09/11/2008 17:13:16 |
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Hello all! I am a new member and basically just a recreational bike rider. I just moved to Mandarin Road, and feel "stuck" because it is unsafe to ride my bike with my children on that road. Has anyone here tried to get the city to put a bike path on Mandarin road? I emailed my city council rep. yet haven't heard anything back.
Thanks for your input,
Kelly |
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wheelwrite
Posts:58
Super User
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| 09/12/2008 15:11:48 |
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Unfortunately, you'll not get anywhere trying to get the City of JAX to retrofit Mandarin Road with a bike path.
If they were to widen the road, then perhaps you might see "bike lanes," but I doubt it as it's not considered a major thoroughfare as Old St. Augustine Rd.
That road was widened from two lanes to four lanes plus a center turn lane, PLUS bike lanes on both sides. The infrastructure was there to do so without having to enforce eminent domain and start buying up too many parcels of property. If State funds are involved then there is a mandate to include bike lanes.
I recommend packing up the bikes and going out to the Jax-Baldwin Bike Trail with your children. Yes, it's a drive, but it's safer than trying Mandarin Road.
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"La bicicletta ha un'anima. Se lei riesce a amarlo, le darà le emozioni che lei non dimenticherà mai."
--Mario Cippolini
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papersnipart
Posts:3
Moderate User
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| 09/12/2008 16:54:05 |
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| What about a sidewalk? Wouldn't that be less demanding than actually widening the whole road? |
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brodave
Posts:12
Active User
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| 09/13/2008 11:10:40 |
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Good point re: sidewalks. That is what was done with Scott Mill Rd. a few years back, & I think the city just used the easements they already had to put the sidewalks there. Presumably the COJ has easements on Mandarin Rd. also. It'd be interesting (and instructive) to learn a little about the history of the Scott Mill Rd. sidewalk initiative--as a former active member of the running community here, I'm sure they at least had a lot of influence on that project happening.
No offense to a previous poster, but to say "just load up the kiddies & go the the Rail Trail" is an inadequate response because:
1. It's not convenient to do that and, esp. with kids, if it's not convenient, it ain't happening.
2. I'll accept that Mandarin Rd. isn't a good place to ride with children, but there are lots of roads in that area, including Flynn, Brady, & Orange Picker Rds., that are. Most of the "Mandarin Lollipop" route (the map's on our website) would be just fine for kids.
3. I am convinced that the more visible cyclists are, the better it is for all of us--in terms of safety and advocacy, to name just two dimensions. The Scott Mill Rd. sidewalk initiative happened because it was already getting a lot of use from runners and walkers (and cyclists too, of course). In other words, they were already out there, so the sidewalk met a growing need. If we as cyclists remain invisible, we'll continue to be ignored! |
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papersnipart
Posts:3
Moderate User
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| 09/14/2008 21:44:56 |
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Thanks for your encouragement. I have taken our kids to the Baldwin trail and it is great for an occasional field trip, however, I would like for my kids to incorporate biking into their everyday lives, not just once in awhile.
I have already spoken with a lawyer, just for advice, and I was told, just like you mentioned to start by looking into the easements. If anybody knows anything
concerning this information, I would love to hear about it. Regardless, I will be starting to pursue my research!
I do have a question that maybe some of you can answer. I have noticed that while their is a sidewalk on Scott Mill, a lot of cyclists do not use it. Is this because the condition of the sidewalk is not optimal for serious cyclists? or is it because sidewalks are for pedestrians? Just curious.
Thanks!
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brodave
Posts:12
Active User
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| 09/15/2008 04:39:43 |
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I can tell you that it is legal in this state for cyclists to be on the sidewalks--which I didn't know until recently. I think they're altogether appropriate for families to ride on. At any kind of speed, tho, it gets a little dicey to be on them because they're less smooth than the road, and because of the possible problems with slower pedestrians.
Good luck on your research, and I applaud your diligence! I would hope that the NFBC Board would be receptive to your efforts. We cyclists really do need to continue to speak up, and the timing seems right to push cycling into the community consciousness as an enjoyable activity as well as a way to reduce dependency on gasoline. |
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bertram4321
Posts:3
Moderate User
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| 12/13/2008 13:00:44 |
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I would encourage you to contact your city councilman, probably Jack Webb, and report your frustration with riding conditions on Mandarin Road. I believe it is best framed as a safety issue.
Unfortunately there is an attitude that has developed here that it is of no use to complain about cycling conditions. If you, and everyone else who has a complaint takes action, the complaints start adding up. You might not get the bike lanes you want right away, but your efforts contribute to the overall motivation to improve biking conditions in Jacksonville.
I recently complained to Councilman Webb about the timing of traffic lights on Old St. Augustine Road at Bartram Park Boulevard. I found him quite helpful and he arranged a meeting with Don Fullerton of the Department of Public Works and the lights have been changed to improve cyclists' safety. This took several emails to accomplish, but it happened.
I would also urge you to sign the Cyclists' Bill of Rights available on this
NFBC site.
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Keywestoasis
Posts:54
Super User
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| 12/15/2008 19:57:02 |
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| The City of Jacksonville is hard pressed to do anything with Mandarin Road, because it is considered a scenic treasure in the Mandarin area. Some roads like this are even protected by state law, preventing major improvements. So, don't get your hopes up. |
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Wrenchdog
Posts:4
Moderate User
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| 12/17/2008 14:40:54 |
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Posted By papersnipart on 09/14/2008 21:44:56
I do have a question that maybe some of you can answer. I have noticed that while their is a sidewalk on Scott Mill, a lot of cyclists do not use it. Is this because the condition of the sidewalk is not optimal for serious cyclists? or is it because sidewalks are for pedestrians? Just curious.
Thanks!
Under Florida law a bicycle on the sidewalk is considered a pedestrian and is expected to travel at a much lower speed and obey the rules governing pedestrians. This means stoping at intersections and using crosswalks and I think evan walking the bike through the intersection.
I bicycle on the road is considered a vehicle, the same as an automobile and is governed by the same rules as a car would be.
So basically, no it is not optimal for serious cyclists to ride on the sidewalk do to the restrictions in speed and the amount of stopping and walking accross intesections that would be required. |
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wheelwrite
Posts:58
Super User
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| 01/02/2009 13:27:03 |
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Posted By Wrenchdog on 12/17/2008 14:40:54 Posted By papersnipart on 09/14/2008 21:44:56
I do have a question that maybe some of you can answer. I have noticed that while their is a sidewalk on Scott Mill, a lot of cyclists do not use it. Is this because the condition of the sidewalk is not optimal for serious cyclists? or is it because sidewalks are for pedestrians? Just curious.
Thanks!
Under Florida law a bicycle on the sidewalk is considered a pedestrian and is expected to travel at a much lower speed and obey the rules governing pedestrians. This means stoping at intersections and using crosswalks and I think evan walking the bike through the intersection. I bicycle on the road is considered a vehicle, the same as an automobile and is governed by the same rules as a car would be. So basically, no it is not optimal for serious cyclists to ride on the sidewalk do to the restrictions in speed and the amount of stopping and walking accross intesections that would be required.
Having raised three children and taught them to bicycle; and, having ridden with several of my grandchildren (here in Jacksonville), I am of the opinion that, until you are confident your children are old enough and can ride safely on the road, obey all traffic laws, AND ride without your supervision and companionship--unless it's a dedicated bike trail or bike lane--stay on the sidewalk! And, make sure they're wearing helmets!
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"La bicicletta ha un'anima. Se lei riesce a amarlo, le darà le emozioni che lei non dimenticherà mai."
--Mario Cippolini
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