Zoom meeting on Lincoln Ave. cycle track
John Yoder
The April 7 Goshen News reported on the city's plan to put a "two-way cycle track" along the south side of Lincoln Ave. from Indiana Ave. in the west to the Pumpkinvine in the east. It is a bold plan to connect the city's bike trails, the Mill Race Trail in the west and the Pumpkinvine in the east. (The cycle track would be similar to the lane along Richmond Ave. in Elkhart -- see photo Richmond Ave. in Elkhart.)
The news story about the bike lane said that the city had talked with the bicycle community about the plan, and "they're very much in favor of this" plan, and encouraged others to talk to city engineer Josh Corwin if they have ideas or comments on the plan. Several of us cyclists who were not consulted have talked and emailed since the article appeared and concluded that we do have concerns about the two-way cycle track design that has cyclists riding against traffic when riding west.
We think that it would be most effective for those of us who want to engage in a discussion with the city to present our concerns as coming from a group rather than individually. Of course, we don't assume that everyone receiving this email agrees without concerns with the plan, but we still think that a meeting of concerned cyclists to discuss other options would be helpful before setting up a meeting with Josh Corwin. We may end up supporting the plan, but first of all we need to understand its rationale. Then we would all be in a better position to support the plan when it gets pushback from motorists.
So, if you are interested in this topic, indicate when you would be available for a Zoom meeting by responding to the following Doodle poll. Timing is important. We'd like to set up the meeting with Corwin as soon as possible.
John Nafziger
Chet Peachey
John Yoder