RSS

Monthly Archives: February 2009

Carson City Bicycle and Pedestrian Projects

I recently caught up with Patrick Pittenger, Carson City’s Transportation Manager and fellow cyclist, to see what Carson City has in store for muscle powered transportation in 2009. Please see the link to the Bike and Pedestrian Plan PDF below. The map is best viewed on the computer, as you have to zoom in to see the detail. You probably won’t be able to see much if you print it out.

Stewart Street Extension
Stewart Street Extension

Here are Patrick’s words to go along with the map: Click here to download the Bike and Pedestrian Plan

I should give you an update to the information on the map.

  • Numbers 1-6, 8-10, 13, and 21 are complete (Share the Road signs were also added to Number 9 – Hot Springs Road)
  • Numbers 7 and 11 are currently under construction and will be completed this year
  • Numbers 12, and 14-18 are designed or are being designed now, and are expected to be completed this year.
  • Numbers 19 and 20 have yet to be initiated
  • Number 22 is ongoing and will continue to be that way

In addition several new projects have come up and have been completed or will be there soon:

  • Bike lanes were added to Koontz Lane between Carson and Curry
  • Bulb-outs were added at the intersection of King and Division
  • Sidewalk improvements for ADA access were implemented on Airport Road south of 50 and at the intersection of Airport and Woodside
  • Design is underway for sidewalks and lighting on the south side of Fairview between Roop and Carson

We are also continuing to write grant applications, including the following:

  • Federal Enhancement funds for bicycle lanes and a pedestrian path along Roop between Winnie and Northridge (already submitted)
  • Developing a Community Development Block Grant application for sidewalks around Empire Elementary School
  • Working with the School District on an application to improve the walking a bicycling environment for students citywide
  • Developing an application for State (NDOT) funds to improve Airport Road between college and 50 (including improvements for non-motorized travelers)

None of these projects are likely to be implemented in 2009, but we’re looking ahead to future implementation.

As you can see, there are many projects in progress. I’ve witnessed the progress of the Stewart Street extension. Our bicycle commuter convoy goes through this area every night, and have found this to be the safest way to get across HWY 50 over to Long Street during 5PM traffic. It should be very nice once completed. After examining the map, I’m sure you’ll find something that will make your bicycling and walking trips around town easier and safer.

I’ll follow up this post with ways that you can get involved in the decision making progress. There is still much to be done. It takes interest and input from the public to build the town you want to live in.

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on February 24, 2009 in bicycling, walking

 

Tags: ,

Bike to Work Week Meeting

We plan to have a Bike to Work Week meeting this Thursday night at 6:30 PM at The Feisty Goat Pub. We want to go over what we’ve accomplished so far, and fill in the event calendar so we can reserve the required venues.

I’d like to also say thank you to all of you that have volunteered to help out so far! It’s my hope that after this next meeting, we should have a list of things that people can help out with.

Hope to see you there!

-Jeff

Bike to Work Week Meeting
Thursday February 26th
6:30PM
The Feisty Goat
1881 E Long St (just past Rand Ave heading East)
Carson City, NV 89706

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on February 24, 2009 in bicycling, bike to work week

 

Tags: , ,

A Look Back on a Year of Commuting by Bike

Mills Park - Morning Commute
Morning Commute – November 2007

Hello. My name is Jeff, and I haven’t driven my car to work since November of 2007, the month I moved back to Carson City. I’ve ridden in the freezing cold, the scorching heat, in the light, and in the dark. I’ve met friends along the way, but have also had people try to run me off the road. It’s been a wonderful journey of pleasure, learning, and self discovery.

Continue reading my story over on Bike Carson HERE.

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on February 16, 2009 in bicycling

 

Tags: ,

New Bridge on the Mexican Ditch Trail

Here are some pictures of the Mexican Ditch bridge installation today. This is the northern bridge. I have a picture of Chas and Cindy because they’re the engineers who designed the bridge abutments and they were pleased to see that the bridge actually fit on them. Muscle Powered wrote grants to get funding for the bridges from Recreational Trails and NV Question 1 , Lumos and the local branch of the the ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers) designed the bridges.

New Bridge on the Mexican Ditch Trail
New Bridge on the Mexican Ditch Trail

After the section of trail by the new freeway is finished next summer, there will be a continuous, off-street bike path (unpaved in some parts so you’ll need a mountain bike) between Roop Street and Mexican Dam – these new bridges allow you to get from the River Park at the end of 5th St. to Silver Saddle Ranch on a trail that goes along the Mexican ditch.

Chas and Cindy
Chas and Cindy

 
1 Comment

Posted by on February 5, 2009 in news, trails

 

Tags: ,

Mexican Ditch Trail Bridges Delivered

An update on the Mexican Ditch Trail Bridges from Ann Bollinger, Open Space Coordinator:

The two new pedestrian bridges for the Mexican Ditch Trail will be arriving on
Wednesday morning, February 4, approximately 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m, possibly a
little later.

If you’d like to drive out and watch the progress, please park on
Buzzy’s Ranch Road. You can access the Mexican Ditch Trail between addresses
1561 and 1631. At that point, walk either direction – depending on your arrival
time and which bridge is in progress.

Finally, there will be large equipment during this process. Please be mindful
and keep a safe distance.

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on February 4, 2009 in events, news, trails

 

Tags: , , ,

Recent Meetings and Happenings

Here’s a look at some of the recent meetings and happenings.

A couple weeks ago, a few of us from Muscle Powered attended the Carson Valley Trails Association Annual Meeting. I was expecting a dozen people in a conference room, but when we arrived, we entered a packed gazebo with 100 people or more! We were on time, but did not even get a seat. The CVTA had an impressive display of all the trail work they’ve done on Carson Valley’s west side, notably the Jobs Peak Ranch and Fay Luther Canyon trail network. Having lived in the Carson Valley for over a decade, I am grateful for all the work they’ve done. Before these trails came along, it was next to impossible to gain access to the mountains without sneaking through barbed wire and no trespassing signs.

Carson Valley Trails Association Meeting
The Jeff’s with Kerstin, President of the CVTA

It was refreshing to see how much support this organization is receiving in the form of volunteer trail work, and tens of thousands of dollars in donations and grant money! We left the meeting inspired, and talked all the way home about how we could bring some of the CVTA’s ideas and energy to Carson City’s west side. We envision a sustainable, protected, multi-use trail system that spans Kings Canyon, Ash Canyon, Vicee Canyon, and Combs Canyon.

Interesting fact: CVTA volunteers pick up 100lbs of dog poop off the trail network per week! Anyone who has been to “Pooh Corner” in Ash Canyon knows how fast this stuff piles up.

At the Feisty Goat
Bike Month Kick-Off Meeting the Feisty Goat Pub

Last Thursday was the kick-off meeting for May’s Bike Month. Six of us showed up at the Feisty Goat Pub for a beer and brainstorming session. We came up with a lot of good ideas, and plan to have another meeting soon. Hopefully next time we’ll pick up the many people that expressed interest, but missed this first meeting. Check the Calendar Tab at the top for upcoming meetings and events.

Briefly
Bike Carson in the Nevada Appeal

If you read the Nevada Appeal, you may have noticed Bike Carson in the Recreation section. For the past few weeks, a snippet from one of the posts here has appeared in the paper. This has been a great way to reach more people, and I’m starting to get feedback from people that don’t normally read the blog. It does make me a little nervous though, because I’m always afraid I’m going to sound stupid outside the little world of this blog.

 
 

Tags: , ,

 
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.