The Political Environment: John Norquist Shows Sheriff Clarke That Bikes Belong On Bridges

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

John Norquist Shows Sheriff Clarke That Bikes Belong On Bridges

Over the St. Croix River, so why not on The Hoan?

7 comments:

Anonymous said...: Well the right would say we're broke. Belling likes to repeatedly call the progressives lunatics for wanting a bike path on the Hoan.

I guess we must ask why so little resistance to the Hank Aaron development and expansion yet the talkie puppet team continues their demonizing of the Hoan bridge bike trail.; November 23, 2011 at 12:36 PM
James Rowen said...: Bicyclists would come from the world over to ride The Hoan, and would spend their money at nice hotels and restaurants while visiting the city.

They know how to take care of themselves on road, and engineers could safely include a path on the bridge when it is replaced.

This is a no-brainer, and should neatly fit in the conservatives' "choices" template.; November 23, 2011 at 1:15 PM
Anonymous said...: To Anonymous: We're broke partly because the highway lobby takes billions to build and maintain freeways and bridges and few resources are allocated for the simple pleasures of biking, which does not pollute the atmosphere and allows for enjoyment of the outdoors and provides health-giving exercise. We are the only country in the world that doesn't give priority to biking, transit, and fast trains. A crying shame.; November 23, 2011 at 5:14 PM
Anonymous said...: James- from all over the world? Maybe I'm missing something here. I never had a chance to ride the Hoan - what is the excitement all about? Heights, view, fantatic thrill ride going down, chance of going airborne, seamless Oak Leaf trail, the highest section of bike trail in Wisconsin, perfect viewing of sewage processing,new suicide access, Can we have viewing spots with benches like the Hank Aaron trail?

James: what is the "choices" template - like choice schools?
Never heard that before.

FYI- all in favor anything and I mean anything that gets people out of their cars.; November 23, 2011 at 7:33 PM
Paul Trotter said...: To Anonymous: We're broke partly because the highway lobby takes billions to build and maintain freeways and bridges and few resources are allocated for the simple pleasures of biking, which does not pollute the atmosphere and allows for enjoyment of the outdoors and provides health-giving exercise. We are the only country in the world that doesn't give priority to biking, transit, and fast trains. A crying shame.

Very good point!

Perhaps - the cost of gas (cheap) in the US compared to say London $10 per gallon ( converted) is the incentive Americans need to move on greener alternatives to transportation . And when that shock hits us- we will be incredibly unprepared. We seem unable to confront that reality. Typical quarterly returns thinking. Shallow,selfish and incredibly short sighted.; November 23, 2011 at 8:21 PM
James Rowen said...: To Anon, 7:33. There is a riding community that definitely would come here for the experience. The same way and for the same reasons that people hike, or drive, or swim/boat and otherwise travel in, over, and through scenic sights and routes.

I rode The Hoan once years ago and it was an amazing. exhilaring sight. I can easily imagine a route from Bay View, over the bridge, to the lakefront., Alterra's, and further north.

Conservatives like choices, not mandates, that honor individual decision-making, no?

And look: I drive. I walk. I take trains. I fly. I use transit. (My back doesn't let me bike anymore.)

I'm for balance and choice in transportation spending and methods. There's a place for cars, trains, bikes, walkways.

One size and mode does not fit and serve all.

This isn't ideological with me.

How else can I say it?; November 23, 2011 at 8:34 PM
Anonymous said...: Thanks James for clarifying but see a generalization between the opposition to mandates and a choice of transportation modes.
I'd love to see a conservative come out and support the Hoan bike path.
Do you think they could put in one of those bike elevators they have in Madison to elevate us older bikers to the apex?

Regardless- who has the final say in approval?; November 23, 2011 at 10:14 PM