The issue is providing a safe alternative for cyclists from the bridge level to street level. The existing ramp isn´t all that dangerous and is shared by motor vehicles and bicycles with no problem - although riding back up the ramp sometimes is difficult for cyclists, who then dismount to walk their bikes up to the bridge level. But even that is a rare happenstance.
The small elevators in Motorgate aren´t suitable for hauling bikes/riders/other passengers - although they certainly can squeeze in, these elevators are tiny and force people, bikes, etc., into close proximity - not a plus in this age of social distancing. Therefore, may I suggest the following: For much less than the $4M estimated cost of the bike ramp RIOC is proposing, an additional elevator - large enough to accommodate socially distanced bike riders & their bikes, pedestrians, wheelchair users, strollers - could be added to the Motorgate complex. The elevator could be placed somewhere near the glass enclosed Motorgate office - perhaps near the motorcycle parking area. So, a bicyclist arriving on RI would ride across the bridge as usual, and then turn right, and pick up the elevator near the vehicular entrance to the garage. Importantly, I think a larger size elevator would make Motorgate more ADA-compliant since I doubt if large-size wheelchairs can actually fit into the the existing tiny elevators.
I agree with other writers cited in the article that a dedicated bike lane is not necessary on the E. promenade. The island was designed with kids, the elderly, the disabled, and families in mind - so it is rather easy-going, and if anything cyclists probably should adopt to the rhythm of the island, rather than counting on speeding on the roadways or sidewalks, which might be the result if a dedicated bike path were put in place. The lack of a need of protection from vehicular traffic also makes a bike path on the E. promenade unnecessary. The E. Promenade is quite safe for cyclists as it is. RIOC is proposing spending a large amount of money - taxpayer dollars - on a project that is both unnecessary and may seriously adversely impact the quality of life for Roosevelt Islanders. I hope RIOC reconsiders this project or at least pauses the development process to take into account the wishes of the community.
The issue is providing a safe alternative for cyclists from the bridge level to street level. The existing ramp isn´t all that dangerous and is shared by motor vehicles and bicycles with no problem - although riding back up the ramp sometimes is difficult for cyclists, who then dismount to walk their bikes up to the bridge level. But even that is a rare happenstance.
The small elevators in Motorgate aren´t suitable for hauling bikes/riders/other passengers - although they certainly can squeeze in, these elevators are tiny and force people, bikes, etc., into close proximity - not a plus in this age of social distancing. Therefore, may I suggest the following: For much less than the $4M estimated cost of the bike ramp RIOC is proposing, an additional elevator - large enough to accommodate socially distanced bike riders & their bikes, pedestrians, wheelchair users, strollers - could be added to the Motorgate complex. The elevator could be placed somewhere near the glass enclosed Motorgate office - perhaps near the motorcycle parking area. So, a bicyclist arriving on RI would ride across the bridge as usual, and then turn right, and pick up the elevator near the vehicular entrance to the garage. Importantly, I think a larger size elevator would make Motorgate more ADA-compliant since I doubt if large-size wheelchairs can actually fit into the the existing tiny elevators.
I agree with other writers cited in the article that a dedicated bike lane is not necessary on the E. promenade. The island was designed with kids, the elderly, the disabled, and families in mind - so it is rather easy-going, and if anything cyclists probably should adopt to the rhythm of the island, rather than counting on speeding on the roadways or sidewalks, which might be the result if a dedicated bike path were put in place. The lack of a need of protection from vehicular traffic also makes a bike path on the E. promenade unnecessary. The E. Promenade is quite safe for cyclists as it is. RIOC is proposing spending a large amount of money - taxpayer dollars - on a project that is both unnecessary and may seriously adversely impact the quality of life for Roosevelt Islanders. I hope RIOC reconsiders this project or at least pauses the development process to take into account the wishes of the community.