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Better Biking in Lakewood www.bikelakewood.org |
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Summary of Progress on Recent Initiatives (Oct. 2007) Though BikeLakewood is still young, we're starting to make a difference.... "Share The Road" signs going up in Lakewood  At
the urging of BikeLakewood, Lakewood is beginning to install "Share The
Road" signs on Franklin, Hilliard and Madison. These locations were
chosen due to the possible designation of this route as a "shared
lane," but we continue to press for signs along other Lakewood streets,
including Detroit Avenue and Lake Road. It is our understanding that
the delay in providing this signage was due to the implementation of
new signmaking equipment (Lakewood has its own sign shop). We look
forward to addition signs and safer streets in 2009. Thanks to
those who helped make this possible.Lakewood Passes Ohio's Most Progressive Cycling Ordinances! In a meeting of Lakewood City Council on Sept. 17, 2007, Council unanimously passed a complete revision of Chapter 373 of Lakewood's Codified Ordinances. The new ordinances bring Lakewood in compliance with Ohio House Bill 389 (aka the "Better Bicycling in Ohio" bill), which took effect in September of 2006. Lakewood is now one of only two or three Northeast Ohio communities with updated, cyclist-friendly ordinances. As cycling safety experts continue to promote "vehicular cycling" as safer than sidewalk cycling for all but the very youngest riders, the ordinances provide the necessary backdrop for safe cycling, particularly as motorists become aware of their obligation to "share the road." In fact, the ordinances begin with the sentence: "Every person riding a bicycle upon a street shall be granted all the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle." Lakewood's cyclists now have Lakewood's "official" backing in their quest for bike-friendly streets. After formal passage of the revised ordinances, BikeLakewood's Tim Liston spoke briefly, thanking council and the administration on behalf of Lakewood cyclists. The revised ordinances can be downloaded here. BikeLakewood Forms Board of Directors, Elects Officers Last April 24th, BikeLakewood formed a Board of Directors, and elected Officers. The following Lakewood residents serve on the BikeLakewood Board. Thanks all....
BikeLakewood Joins the Thunderhead Alliance 
BikeLakewood has joined the Thunderhead Alliance, a national coalition of state and
local bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organizations working
to promote safe bicycling and walking in North
American communities. The Thunderhead Alliance brings its
member organizations
together to help each other grow and become more
effective. The Thunderhead Alliance has member advocacy organizations
in 49 states and one Canadian province. Some (like BikeLakewood) are
brand new. Others have grown over many
years into respected forces with dedicated staff and thousands of
members. All are making an impact in their communities. All are
learning from each other. BikeLakewood will become effective more quickly by way of its participation.New Lakewood Schools to Get Bike Parking Thanks in part to the encouragement of BikeLakewood, the issue of bike parking at Lakewood's new schools was considered by the Board of Education at its meeting on January 9, 2007, where the Board determined that all the new schools must have bike racks. Next step? Safe Routes To School?. Bike Parking in the Commercial Districts by Spring?  BikeLakewood is working with Lakewood city officials to consider greatly
enhanced short term bike parking. We
have spoken on several occasions at City Council meetings and
other public forums
about the need for improved bike parking. Most recently,
last December (2006) BikeLakewood presented information about "parking
meter post conversion racks" (post racks) to Lakewood's Public Works
Committee. The post rack recommended by BikeLakewood is shown to the right.The use of these post racks is made possible by a parking meter modernization project that Lakewood is about to begin. Generally, every other parking meter head is being replaced with a bracket that will support two parking meter heads. That means that every other parking meter post will become available for bike parking by way of the proposed post racks. Of course not every other meter can be converted, as that would be too expensive and unnecessary. But almost every proprietor on Detroit and Madison may get the opportunity to provide short term bike parking right in front of their store, without interfering with pedestrians. Such bike parking is in keeping with the basic principles for short term bike parking in commercial districts (e.g. Detroit and Madison). The manufacturer of the post rack also makes a nearly identical rack that does not require a parking meter post, which could be used where meter posts are not available. BikeLakewood believes that Lakewood city officials will soon purchase a significant number of these post racks, to seed a project that could eventually provide short term bike parking along the entire length of Detroit and Madison. Once these racks are purchased and installed, BikeLakewood will begin presenting information relating to bike parking at major Lakewood destinations (City Hall, Winterhurst, the Library, etc.). We will also ask the City to help implement and promote "event parking" at outdoor events held during warmer months (Art Fair, Sunday concerts, etc.). Lakewood's cyclists deserve secure, convenient parking just like the motorists get, not the insecure, inconvenient, insufficient and unattractive bike "stands" we have today. YMCA Installs Quality Bike Parking
Hogsback, Main Street Lakewood Public meetings are now taking place about two projects of interest to Lakewood cyclists. One regards the construction of a new entrance down to (the easy part) and exit up from (the hard part!) the Metroparks All Purpose Trail at Hogsback Lane. No, we're not recommending an "up" escalator. But we're glad to see that a sidepath with wide lanes both up and down seems to be on the drawing board. Hogsback now serves only motorists, not cyclists or (especially) pedestrians. The other meetings now taking place regard the hoped-for redevelopment of the "Main Street" district in Lakewood, that section of Detroit bounded by Bunts on the east, and Arthur on the west. This is potentially a much bigger project. BikeLakewood is on record as noting that the biggest need for cyclists as regards the Main Street Lakewood initiative is for greatly improved bike parking, both short-term (a couple hours) and long-term (all day). Such parking could certainly benefit Lakewood cyclists and the nearby merchants. After all, cyclists spend money too.... "Marked Shared Bike Lane"  BikeLakewood has recommended a "marked shared bike lane" (shared
lane) to help educate cyclists and encourage us to take to the streets.
Plus, our proposed shared lane can also connect the two largest
bikeways
in Northeast Ohio: the Cleveland Lakefront Bikeway (and hopefully
soon the
Towpath Trail) to our east, and the Metroparks All Purpose Trail to our
west. We're the only Northeast Ohio community that can connect these
two important cycling assets. The pavement marking and signage shown to the right are from Ft. Collins, Colorado.Last fall, city officials and BikeLakewood members were treated to a presentation by Northeast Ohio's own Fred Oswald, a nationally-recognized expert who gave his perspective on our proposed shared lane. Generally, we feel that the lane markings can help more cyclists ride safely in the proposed lane, and is a good way to express Lakewood's commitment to the cycling community. There has been considerable discussion this winter, informally, since the formal presentation. BikeLakewood believes there is a good possibility this project will move forward during the 2007 construction season. We are encouraging city officials to begin the planning process now, and we have offered our assistance. We have also participated in recent meetings regarding improvements to the entrance to the Metropark at Hogsback Lane, and particularly the "upland" considerations, which we believe can leverage the shared lane and help improve Lakewood cycling generally. Ordinances Lakewood's bike ordinances are very out of date. House Bill 389 (aka the "Better Ohio Bicycling Bill"), passed last June, has demonstrated the need to review and update Lakewood's cycling-related ordinances ASAP.Encouraged and assisted by BikeLakewood, on December 4th, 2006 Lakewood City Councilperson Kevin Butler (Ward 1) introduced a letter recommending that Lakewood's cycling ordinances be revised to bring them into compliance with Ohio state law as expressed in House Bill 389. The proposal was referred to the Rules and Ordinances Committee (also chaired by Councilperson Butler) for action. We'll be watching and assisting where needed, and reporting progress on this site. |
Lakewood's
brand new YMCA opened last December, complete with a "roller" style
bicycle rack. Roller racks (as opposed to old school bike
"stands") are attractive, and let you lock your bike by its frame, not
just by the front
wheel, which is not fully secure and can even damage your bike. Kudos
and thanks to the "Y" for installing a rack which is aesthetically
pleasing