I just came out of the transportation committee today. I didn’t make a comment, but many of my issues seem to be addressed. Perhaps not my individual issues, and I think I may submit my ideas directly to the people who presented as well as those on the committee.
Some loose ends they talked about, but I had not gotten to:
- I had not talked about additional rail out of NOLA. I agree that the Baton Rouge to NOLA rail line is a must have. I just feel that the Slidell route needs to be worked on ASAP so they can determine if the bridge and/or pilings from the existing bridge that remains of the twin span is usable. (heck as a dedicated bus/HOV lane)
- I also think the Desire streetcar UBT<<->> Canal via Loyola and continued service down St. Claude as well as the proposed Convention center extension is necessary.
- I really like the idea of connecting the two Algiers Ferries by making the paved levy bike trail between the two a priority.
The cab companies made a forced presentation, and they have stated a few things I agree with, and added to the things that really discredit the Cab companies.
First, In the past, they have shown to be an impediment to Pedi-cabs, basic Quarter loops (that small hop on train like they have in city park), and closing the quarter. I must state that I frequently have issues getting a cab in the quarter, and when I get one, they don’t want to take me a short distance. This is the target market of these alternative transport options. They have totally different markets & business models, and would essentially not change the ridership of the cabs. Heck let the cab dispatcher dispatch the pedi cabs.
Second, they have shown no encouragement for energy efficiency. Many times people meet at the airport, and other places, and want to talk more, or at least share a cab, but if they let it be known they just met, they are forced to take two cabs. How efficient is that? Especially when cabs often have to drive without any passengers.
Third, the cabs complained about the bikes with many valid points — dark riding, wrong way riding, etc. all listed in my other post — but they made a stupid point about the bikes taking the drive lane. ***As I stated, Lolly gagging in the drive lane is not good, but fully using the lane is desired. There other point was that the bike lanes do not give 36″ to pass. ***If I am not mistaken, as long as each is in there own lane, the 36″ rule does not apply. The biker should not be riding the left line, and the automotive traffic should not be riding the line either when they are approaching a bike.
Fourth, they talk about the multi-modal (if I am using the right term) discussion not including cabs. To which, I say show us your statistics, how can you help reduce traffic, how can you improve HOV usage, improve energy efficiency, and both accommodate and encourage biking? I don’t see them pushing to say they are bike friendly. Many cabs are large enough to put a bike into… Tout that; what about bike racks on the cabs to bring bikers that have had too much to drink home?
Finally, one statistic that I think is important, is that “there is a 78% improvement in right way riding along St. Claude since the bike lanes were installed.” That is a 78% reduction is riders going the wrong direction, or against the flow of traffic. I know there was some enforcement back in September, and while that helped, there has been none since, and I do still see wrong way riders. If it was the enforcement that made the improvement, they did very little, and it shows what a little enforcement would do to help prevent crossing the double white line on the Claiborne flyover ramp as I have discussed in another post.