tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507743132058788086.post6635333102685168364..comments2023-06-01T02:31:51.198-05:00Comments on Bike Omaha: "That" hill on the Missouri River TrailBiker Bob/Runner Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09322922006756215840noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507743132058788086.post-37951296198097637262011-03-25T15:52:52.475-05:002011-03-25T15:52:52.475-05:00Earlier this week, I posted comments on the BikeMa...Earlier this week, I posted comments on the BikeMasters Facebook page, in a letter to the OWH editor, on the Omaha Bikes Facebook page and in a message to the NRD. Mr. Becic's reply to me on behalf of the NRD, which I very much appreciated, was word-for word what Matt Martin posted here. Many of my concerns were echoed by dale's post here. I live at the top of that hill and I ride up and down it, and north and south on the N River Drive route many times per week. I know that the existing trail in Washington County is rarely used, it was underwater most of last spring and summer, it remains covered with mud and debris from that flooding, and the pavement has been broken up in several places for about 3 years. Riding on the road up there is reasonably safe owing to the sparsity of motor vehicle traffic (even on weekends), and because of the relatively wide open skies that make it easy to see cyclists on the road. Most of the drivers are courteous as well, except for a few of the locals who yell at us to get off the road and use the trail (one old guy in a pick-up crossed the centerline in hopes of forcing me onto the trail yelling "you belong on the trail, not the road"). <br /><br />The proposed turn outs on the hill that Jim Becic mentions may make it possible for the casual rider to get up the 12% grades on this hill, but I think the steepness is still going to keep many of those for whom the trail is intended away. In the event they do make it to the top, I worry about how well they'll descend it knowing that one can easily reach speeds over 30 mph going downhill there, without pedaling.<br /><br />Jim Becic's note also mentions the completion of a continuous paved trail all the way from Boyer Chute to downtown Omaha. As far as I know from the riding I do in that direction, there is still a section of that route south of Carter Lake that requires the cyclist or walker to use the glass and litter-strewn and rumble-strip scarred shoulder of Abbott Drive for about a mile before even the shoulder peters out and you're forced to ride in heavy traffic. This is hardly a route for the faint of heart, let alone the causal cyclist, and it is of potential use to far more people than my favorite hill in Ponca Hills. <br /><br />I applaud the work that Mr. Becic and his colleagues have put into this incredibly difficult project. I am particularly heartened by the decision today by OPPD to spare the dozens of wonderful trees that had been doomed to destruction (see my other post). I remain unconvinced, however, that even with all this good work and wonderful intentions, this trail will be worth the investment, even if it will give my significant other and me and our dog a safe route down to NP Dodge Park (provided we're not nailed by a 30-mph skateboarder coming down on us).bshawhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03399750877678502544noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507743132058788086.post-38897513683432449782011-03-25T15:06:32.006-05:002011-03-25T15:06:32.006-05:00Where did you get this? This is word-for-word the...Where did you get this? This is word-for-word the e-mail Jim sent me yesterday in response to my numerous questions.<br /><br />As of this afternoon, OPPD has decided NOT to move the utility poles from the east side of the road to the west side, a plan that would have led them to clear cut dozens of heritage bur ok trees, including some on our neighbor's land that are over 200 years old. It seems that the reason for wanting to move the poles was to enable the use of bridge pile drivers that are so tall that they couldn't get them in place if the utility lines were on the east side. The new plan involves burying the lines on the west side temporarily, then rehanging them on the existing east-side poles once the construction is done. I don't know whom to credit for helping achieve this incredible turn around by OPPD, but it is a startlingly rationale decision for a change.bshawhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03399750877678502544noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507743132058788086.post-26172694837571820982011-03-25T11:43:23.300-05:002011-03-25T11:43:23.300-05:00Thanks for getting Mr. Becic's side of the sto...Thanks for getting Mr. Becic's side of the story, Matt. The decision is complicated. <br /><br />From the description of what is being done, and having ridden that hill a couple times, I think this compromise route should not be done.<br /><br />1. It won't be used. I think the trail is for causual riders who need a flatter route. Those who can ride this hill will continue to do so on the road, frustrating cars who think bikers must use the expensive trail put in for their convienence.<br /><br />2. Too expensive. Because it was put where the least resistance to the trail was found and nothing else can be built there. This route selection has a car mentality to it where extra energy to climb a hill is easily applied by stepping on the gas.<br /><br />All the different concerns were weighed but not all concerns carry the same weight. Who are the intended trail users? Recreational. Comfort, attractiveness, and safety are more important than directness to destination. What environoment creates a pleasant experience? Seeing wildlife would create a wonderful experience. Quiet recreation wants to be away from the engine and tire noise of automobiles. So does most wildlife. Only for commuting purposes do bikers prefer the direct routes along cars and access to popular destinations.<br /><br />Sometimes its better to not compromise and get nothing. Maybe revisiting the issue in 10 years when more people involved are cyclists, runners, walkers, and understand the users and goals, a better route would be approved.dalehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13715808669075015981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507743132058788086.post-22291974865697910872011-03-25T11:22:31.715-05:002011-03-25T11:22:31.715-05:00Jim's a friend, an extremely nice guy, and one...Jim's a friend, an extremely nice guy, and one of the most environmentally conscientious people I know. You can bet that they looked at every possible alternative for the project before deciding on the grade (unlike the Keystone pipeline). Besides, that which does not kill you....mathguyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02591559181439884572noreply@blogger.com