bmore
bmore t1_iqw3lh4 wrote
Reply to comment by roccoccoSafredi in Linking Jones Falls, NCR trails would create a protected bike path from the Inner Harbor into Pennsylvania. A study is proposed. by finsterallen
>In a city with such huge struggles, is funding recreation stuff like this really a smart priority? >
This is a county study. The city trail already goes to within yards of Lake Roland.
>How many more busses could the money for this buy? >
Zero, this is funded with restricted state bikeways funding, as outlined in the article.
>How many bus shelters could be built? >
Zero, this is funded with restricted state bikeways funding, as outlined in the article.
>How many more fare inspectors could be hired for the light rail? >
Zero, this is funded with restricted state bikeways funding, as outlined in the article.
>How many more repair personnel could be hired for the school system? >
Zero, this is funded with restricted state bikeways funding, as outlined in the article.
>I'd think those are all far more pressing and useful needs than linking some recreational trails up.
The economic benefits of linking trails up is discussed in the article, and they are far greater than the cost (which is, as noted, paid for with restricted funds for biking that would otherwise go to other jurisdictions).
> >Don't get me wrong, it'd be a nice thing, but in the list of regional priorities, it just seems odd to focus on unless some compelling opportunity exists for it (like a rail line who's right of way would be needed for it is being abandoned).
As outlined in the piece, the abandoned ROW of the NCR extends further south than the trail does now, and is then utilized by the light rail, which has adjacent unused ROW. The compelling opportunity you want to exist...exists.
bmore t1_iqw2tr8 wrote
Reply to comment by Willothwisp2303 in Linking Jones Falls, NCR trails would create a protected bike path from the Inner Harbor into Pennsylvania. A study is proposed. by finsterallen
It did not. That's what the feasibility study is for though. There are some good examples of rail with trail under construction now, such as the green line extension in Somerville, MA that essentially use the maintenance corridor/ROW directly adjacent to the tracks. So it is definitely possible.
I'm sure the NIMBYs in Ruxton will fight anything that is of benefit to them, like a trail, if it is also of benefit to anybody that is not them. That's nothing new. Hopefully the county will have some courage there.
bmore t1_iqvsu6s wrote
Reply to comment by Willothwisp2303 in Linking Jones Falls, NCR trails would create a protected bike path from the Inner Harbor into Pennsylvania. A study is proposed. by finsterallen
In the article, following the existing NCR railroad ROW, which the Light Rail currently operates on, is discussed.
bmore t1_iqvorcm wrote
Reply to comment by XanderCruse in Linking Jones Falls, NCR trails would create a protected bike path from the Inner Harbor into Pennsylvania. A study is proposed. by finsterallen
Yeah but you turn off into the Ashland development at the trail head instead biking up to the Paper Mill crossing itself. Less scary but still a rough section.
bmore t1_iqvm2tl wrote
Reply to comment by XanderCruse in Linking Jones Falls, NCR trails would create a protected bike path from the Inner Harbor into Pennsylvania. A study is proposed. by finsterallen
McCormick or Pepper Road stop. Take Wight through the PA Dutch parking lot to Ashland. Ashland still sucks but you avoid a lot of scary York Road.
bmore t1_iqxc1k7 wrote
Reply to comment by roccoccoSafredi in Linking Jones Falls, NCR trails would create a protected bike path from the Inner Harbor into Pennsylvania. A study is proposed. by finsterallen
If you want to repeal the Maryland Bikeways program that was passed through the House of Delegates 136-0 and the Senate 45-0, go for it!
I don't really see it as purely recreational. With the mileage between stops on the light rail a colocated trail could be a tremendous first and last mile connector between stations and employment and housing.