DDOT Director Bellamy: L & M Cycletracks “On Hold,” “We may not do it.”
Today’s confirmation hearing included a great deal of conversation about bikes generally, including trails, trail maintenance. Bust most notably, Bellamy stated that the L & M cycletracks were “on hold.”
This is the first time (to our knowledge) DDOT has publicly admitted that these long-planned and long-promised bicycle facilities are delayed over the amount of on-street parking that would need to be removed.
Previously, DDOT’s stated rationale had been a need to further study the impacts of the existing cycletracks before continuing.
Now that we know the real reason, there is more we need to know:
- Who is objecting to the parking removal?
- How many parkers per day will be inconvenienced, compared to the projected cyclists served?
- Is DDOT committed to resolving this as a question of rational public space usage, or is it defaulting to “existing condition” that favors automobile storage over cyclist mobility?
- Will the public be invited to participate in an honest discussion of the progress and evaluation of this project?
- When considering the benefits, as Director Bellamy states, will health and environmental benefits be included?