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Bicycle advocates see an opportunity to design for the future
I am writing in response to Mr. Good’s recent article, “Highland Park residents wary of Green Bay Road proposal.” The reporting in this article is rather one-sided and misrepresents the state of construction in Highland Park.
As one of two pro bike-lane speakers at a City Council meeting where the Green Bay Road project was not actually on the agenda, it is important to set the record straight.
Mr. Good reports, “The possible addition of bike lanes, similar to the Clavey Road project, has also drawn some skepticism.” The Clavey Road project does not have bike lanes. It has a sidewalk that is being widened from the previous 5-foot width to a new 8-foot width so that it can be used by walkers and cyclists, but there is no on-street bike lane element to Clavey Road.
Worse, the insinuation of the quote from Julie Sollinger is completely inaccurate.
“We do not want another multiyear, bike-lane project that benefits few,” she said. “Again, who is this bike lane benefiting, at the expense of many?”
The Clavey Road project is a complete rebuild of a roadway, bridge and relocation of utilities while maintaining two-way traffic. It was not catalyzed nor driven by any bike infrastructure. The effort to widen the sidewalk is a rounding error on the overall cost and time of the Clavey Road project. Green Bay Road residents’ attempts to paint the duration and delays of the Clavey project as being related to bike infrastructure are completely inaccurate and irresponsible.
The Green Bay Road project is likewise driven by a fundamental need to rebuild a roadway, and the infrastructure below it. Road quality has deteriorated, noise from expansion joists is a constant complaint, and pretty much everyone agrees it is time to replace the roadway. As part of that, city engineers contemplated whether Green Bay Road could be re-engineered as a “complete street,” providing dedicated transportation approaches for cars, bicycles and walkers. All use this through street today, so the opportunity to upgrade and contemplate future needs is attractive and benefits all residents.
Bicycle advocates in Highland Park see an opportunity to design for the future. Unfortunately, the initial Green Bay Road engineering plans proposed widening the road to accommodate a bike lane. This would change the character of the road and, as one of those bike advocates, I am against the notion of widening the street. However, as I stated at the City Council meeting, there are approaches to putting bike lanes on Green Bay Road that would be contained in the existing right of way, and provide new options for commuters, shoppers, students and athletes. I am hopeful for the next meeting on March 2 that revised plans that meet the needs of all will be discussed, without the displacement of as many parkway trees as originally proposed.
Highland Park is a “Bike Friendly City” per the League of American Bicyclists, and as a nearly lifelong resident, I want to continue to encourage the development of bike infrastructure. Just as we don’t prescribe the routes used by cars for journeys, all roadways should be designed to encourage multi-mode transport and reduce contention from users. A rebuilt Green Bay Road will attract more cyclists — and cars — with upgraded, quieter pavement. We can plan for that future and not just react to it when it happens. With neighbor participation, I am confident that rather than a resounding “no,” we can get to the right approach to support everyone in the community.
Ed Brill, Highland Park
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