In a report just issued by Smart Growth America (http://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/), titled “The States and the Stimulus,” Nevada spent only 0.2% of its ARRA stimulus funding on public transportation projects and 0.0% on non-motorized projects. In dollars, out of $204,000,000, only $400,000 went to the transportation modes that we need and want. All the rest went to roads for cars. Nevada did better than most in that it spent most of this road money on system preservation (repair) rather than new roads. I believe that we need Complete Streets legislation that will force NDOT to spend money on all modes, since they have demonstrated that they will not do it when offered the chance.
Back again due to popular demand, Muscle Powered will be doing a Bicycle Valet at the 3rd Street Farmers Market every Saturday from June 27th until October 3rd, 9 AM – 1 PM. Muscle Powered will have volunteers throughout the summer to park and watch your bike while you roam the market.
Bicycle Valet at the Farmers Market
Ride down to the Farmers Market for fresh, local produce, and mingle with your fellow citizens. It makes a nice destination for an easy Saturday morning ride. In addition to the Farmers Market, Downtown Carson City and local businesses have organized plenty of other activities along Curry Street as well. Exploring the area on bicycle is the best way to check everything out without the hassle of trying to park your car.
Ride your bike to the Farmers Market
Although we have the valet covered, Muscle Powered is still seeking volunteers to help. We need people to double up, so the primary valet has time for a break. Only 1 or 2 hours on a Saturday is what we need! If you’re interested, send me an email (see the contact tab above).
On June 13th, 2009, the Mexican Ditch Trail bridges became official. Mayor Bob Crowell and members of the Open Space Committee were on hand to cut the ribbon and dedicate the new bridges and plaque.
Mayor Bob Crowell and members of the Open Space Committee
The two new Mexican Ditch Trail bridges connect the Riverview Park/Mexican Ditch Trail system to the Silver Saddle Ranch trail system. And soon, you will be able to ride west from here through the Moffat Open Space and along the Linear Park trail all the way to Governor’s Field on Roop Street!
The new plaque was unveiled
The new plaque that was unveiled shows the teamwork and partnerships that must be made to accomplish great projects. These bridges would not exist without the hard work from each separate entity.
Chas and Anne Macquarie
Many people showed up to show their support for trails in Carson City, and most stayed to participate in the Fleet Feet Sports walk and run event. Equestrians, walkers, and cyclists were all represented in the crowd.
The Fleet Feet Sports run and walk about to begin
Trails are great, but the real magic happens when you start connecting them. My son and I were able to get to the bridge ceremony all on bike paths, bike lanes, and quiet side streets. Each section we rode was not significant in itself, but all were magnificent in their entirety. Carson City is coming along in its construction of bikeways and footpaths, but much more must be done to connect the places we live, work, go to school, shop, and play. Thank you all for showing up and showing your support!
Bike Path near Rattlesnake Mountain
The official Ribbon Cutting for the Mexican Ditch Trail Bridges is this Saturday, June 13th. Mayor Bob Crowell will be there to cut the ribbon, and celebrate the connection of two trail networks, the Mexican Ditch Trail and the Silver Saddle Ranch.
Mexican Ditch Trail Bridge – Photo by Jeff Potter
Muscle Powered is asking that you attend the ceremony to show your support for trails in Carson City. Many of us will be riding our bikes to the ceremony. If you’d like to ride with us, let me know!
The ceremony is at the southernmost bridge at 9:00 AM. You can either drive or ride to Buzzy’s Ranch Road. From the road, there is access the Mexican Ditch Trail between addresses 1561 and 1631. Ride or walk south along the Mexican Ditch Trail about 800 feet, beyond the horse corrals to the new bridge.
In addition to the ceremony, Fleet Feet Sports will be hosting a 5k and 1-mile walk/kid’s run. More information can be found on the Fleet Feet Sports website.
Wikipedia defines complete streets as “roadways designed and operated to enable safe, attractive, and comfortable access and travel for all users.” It goes on to say that, “Pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and public transport users of all ages and abilities are able to safely and comfortably move along and across a complete street. Proponents claim that Complete Streets also create a sense of place and improve social interaction, while generally improving property adjacent land values.” While Carson City does not currently have a Complete Streets policy, we are starting to see more of them around town.
NOT a complete Street – Roop Street at Lone Mountain
The first picture here is of Roop Street at Lone Mountain. As you can see, this is NOT a complete street. In fact, pedestrian traffic is prohibited! Taking the bike over this hill is a bit scary, since the traffic is fast, and the lanes are not well defined. It’s a shame too, because Roop Street/Silver Sage is the only street besides HWY 395 that completely traverses Carson City without interruption. All other routes make you zig zag around town.
Northridge Drive – A Complete Street!
The second picture is of Northridge Drive, a complete street. Let’s take a look at what’s going on here. Automobile traffic is kept at a reasonable speed with 25mph speed limits and narrow lanes. There are also three round-a-bouts that you can’t see in the picture that keep traffic slower, but flowing. On either side of the car lanes, there are two wide, clearly marked bicycle lanes.
The pedestrian sidewalk has a nice planted buffer between it and the faster moving traffic. Not only is this visually appealing, but is also safer for dog walkers and wandering children. Additionally, notice that the sidewalk meanders along the road, side-to-side and up-and-down, creating an inviting and interesting place to walk. Another nice touch is the frequent lighting along the sidewalk that makes the sidewalk nice to use in the evenings too.
It is a common sight to see people out on Northridge Drive, both getting exercise and using it as is an alternate transportation route. Like they say, “Build it, and they will come!”. Learn more about Complete Streets over on the National Complete Streets Coalition website.
Martin Krieg at the Comma Coffee Muscle Powered Bike Rack
Martin Krieg stopped in Carson City along his 2009 Mayor’s Ride Tour, supporting the National Bicycle Greenway. He’ll be riding across the entire country on an old-fashioned hi-wheeler bike! I got a chance to talk with him at Comma Coffee about his journey. Read the story over on Bike Carson HERE.
Carson City Public Works has installed several new bicycle racks around Carson City. Transit-oriented racks are at the JAC North Carson Crossing bus shelter (near the Walmart in the north end of town), at the JAC bus shelter along Hot Springs Rd, and at the JAC downtown transfer point bus shelter in front of the federal building. Two additional racks are at City Hall, an eight-bike rack northwest of the building and a two-bike rack southeast of the building. Some additional bicycle racks will be installed in the near future, two yellow Muscle Powered racks along Curry St and an eight-bike rack in the Farmers Market parking lot at Curry St and Third St. These racks were made possible by NDOT funding for Bike to Work Week and transit facilities funding.
West Carson Cruiser Ride
Bike Month is well underway! Check BikeCarson.com for the latest Bike Month news!
Jeff Potter chats with Carson City Mayor, Bob Crowell
Bike Month has officially begun! Read about our bicycle commute with Carson City Mayor Bob Crowell over on Bike Carson HERE.
The rules for the Bike to Work Week Corporate Challenge have been posted on the Bike Carson Corporate Challenge page HERE. Time to start building your teams and enter the competition!
