The original concept is that of the linear park -- a destination in the city or suburbs where locals of all ages can go get fresh air and exercise in a natural setting. Mellow recreation was the idea. The bicycle has always been part of this mix. But MUPs aren't always simply about recreation. The use of these paths as transportation corridors, rather than parks, is being pushed increasingly at a local level, and even promoted by the feds, including in a recent interview with U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood on this site.
But there's a disconnect between the speedy reality of bicycle transportation and the slow, recreational uses these trails are designed for. Multi-use paths are only required to be eight feet wide. That's fine for a stroll in the park, but when you factor in two lanes for bikes as well as joggers, skaters, and roving families, it's alarmingly narrow.
Yeah, that's quite narrow. This does not mention the children who uses slam scooters as well. They need ample space, too.
ReplyDeleteAaron
Although bikes aren't as dangerous as four wheeled vehicles. There should also be organized pathways for them. My friends and I once rode our phoenix pro scooters in a lane with that kind of width and to tell you frankly there are accidents waiting to happen in a congested path like that.
ReplyDeleteSophie Tyler Neil
If that is the case, I should have added bike accessories to my purchases. I should have stumbled on this blog earlier before I shipped my things through airphil express.
ReplyDeleteDavid
In addition, electric dirt bikes or the usual scooters keeps our body healthy cause we could still inhale some fresh breeze from the outside not just being encased to an air conditioned-supported vehicle.
ReplyDeleteLuisa Will
How about people who uses skateboard decks? I know some teenagers that use this if their destination is just next to their place.
ReplyDelete