When the bridge was rebuilt connecting Tremont to Ohio City, I was among the citizens who were appalled that the planners didn’t address traffic without cars. Much of the progress in this city has been done without any consideration toward bicyclists and pedestrians. What is especially shocking is how near that bridge lies to the transit station at the West Side Market. So, as we move forward on rebuilding the most important piece of bridgework in the city, the I-90 bridge, what is being done to accommodate bikers and pedestrians?
One way of thinking that is often followed around the country is that people do not like to be outdoors. It is simply not true. when restaurants provide outdoor seating, their patios are mobbed on nice days. In places like LA, where the car is king, there is a growing movement toward living without a car altogether. Cleveland has a history of urban flight and “brain drain.” With this very serious problem looming overhear, why on earth would we even consider not building more bike lanes and pedestrian areas which will make living in the city more attractive? Consider Tremont. This growing neighborhood is full of new condos and townhouses that are being snapped up by professionals, old and young alike. It has a great neighborhood feel, great restaurants and attractions, and is very walkable. It sits so near the West Side Market, that a Saturday stroll for fresh food is a delight. yet, we built the connecting bridge without a bike lane. Sitting so close to the Q and Progressive Field (and a coming casino), a nice way to walk or bike to some of the city’s downtown attractions only makes sense. So why is this even an issue?
Marc Lefkowitz at Green City Blue Lake wrote a great article about the issue. It is insightful and well written, so rather than try and tell you myself, I recommend that you read his article. But the basic breakdown is this:
We are going to spend a pile of cash on a new I-90 bridge-and the sooner the better! We cannot afford to rebuild it again for a long time, so we need to think long term in making this bridge the right bridge for today’s population as well as the population of the next few generations. Bicycling is more than a fad and we need to accommodate it as a viable transportation method. Why is a bike lane not one of the first things added to any plan around the city? We are priding ourselves on our ability to be progressive and re invent ourselves for the new economy, so why are we doing things business as usual? We need to think outside the box and get moving! As citizens of Cleveland, we also need to be firm in our resolve and let our local leaders know that we demand bike lanes and pedestrian paths on all new planning. Do we want to be more like Portland, where public transportation, bicycling, pedestrians and automobiles are ALL part of the discussion? Or would we rather be more like LA, where sidewalks are often blocked by telephone poles, and cars are the only ones invited to the planning table?
Read Marc’s article and tell me what YOU think!
