City refuse to add ramp at start of Bike Path

Submitted by gasman on

I called 311 today to ask that a ramp be installed at the beginning of the pathway on Bayshore Drive SW. Currently there is a square curb.

I received a response about 20 minutes later.

Apparently they have a policy to not install ramps on pathway entrances, as it could cause people to drive to quickly into traffic, so it is their policy to leave these wheel killing square curbs.

Is it just me or is the city trying it's best to reduce the useability of these pathways.

Forums: 

Oh, great...

Submitted by mikewarren on

I was going to call about a couple I've seen (e.g. the new path on McHugh Bluff). I guess I won't bother. What a stupid policy.

Maybe they should try taking a chariot over one, but I guess that's too much to ask.

*Edit:* Hang on, they do have ramps on at least some new pathways (e.g. 19th street, north-side Bow path in spots) so I wonder what exactly this "policy" is?

I brought that up as well but

Submitted by gasman on

I brought that up as well but the guy just brushed me off, said that they were obviously missed.

I wonder what would happen if you asked for a wheelchair ramp onto the pathway, because currently there would be no access if you were mobility impaired.

11-00394806Currently status

Submitted by gasman on

11-00394806

Currently status is closed, I checked the website and it even says that the request is for a wheelchair slope, I guess that answers my previous question.

When the guy called he knew I wanted it for a bike entry.

Check out www.bikecalgary.org/node/2890

Submitted by bclark on

I put up an example of a ramp the City installed on 53rd St. NW. There is also talk of them dropping the curb where the pathway enters 8th Street from the River at 3rd Ave.

In general though I think they are opposed to doing these things for the very reason they noted. I'm not saying it's right. If they want cyclists to feel welcome and behave predicatably then they have to build the infrastructure that allows it to happen.

Good luck with the battle, it may be a long one (I can say this from experience). On the positive side, you won't be alone in the fight to get the City to address such deficiencies.

Odd

Submitted by Fuzz on

According to the City of Calgary Website, that guy has his info wrong.

Wheelchair ramps

Wheelchair ramps are typically provided where a pathway intersects a roadway. A retrofit program is currently underway to identify and prioritize locations where wheelchair ramps are not currently provided.

http://www.calgary.ca/Transportation/TP/Pages/Cycling/Bicycle-friendly-s...

They finished repaving a section of confederation park, but left the square curb in.
here:
http://maps.google.com/?ll=51.074292,-114.083128&spn=0.001274,0.003581&t...

Its not terrible, but I do feel a little bad using the guy's driveway then cutting across the grass. Seams stupid to have done all the repaving and not fix the curb.

Good example

Submitted by ryker on

That one is so dumb. There isn't even enough traffic on that road to worry about people entering/exiting at speed. Heck after climbing that hill it takes a block before my legs recover enough to stomp on the pedals.

ditto

Submitted by mikewarren on

Good example, I added that to the pathway inconvenience thread.

Probably the real reason is more like they were doing "asphalt stuff" at the time, not "cement stuff". However, they are indeed doing "cement stuff" just a couple blocks away as part of the "North Hill Improvements" (which are more sidewalks-as-bike-infrastructure and forcing you to ride in the "door zone").

Negating the 'Policy' reply

Submitted by DarrenB on

One thing to take away from this thread is that if EVER the 311 operator tells you something can't be done because it violates policy, one should be skeptical. It is a very convenient response, and I am sure they use it often (it has been used on me before).

I suggest what all of us should do is if one EVER gets this response, ask the 311 operator to send you the policy. The great thing about bureaucratic organizations like our civic government is that ALL policies must be documented. If we all demanded to see the policy document, I suspect this easy response would suddenly become a lot LESS convenient, and we might see better honesty coming out of these folks.

See it When I believe it!!!!!

Submitted by gasman on

Just got a voice mail from Jarrod at the City, Apparently they did some more digging and he talked with the design department. He said they will be installing some type of retrofit at the location on Bayshore, but it likely won't be a wheel chair ramp (whatever that means) He said something should happen in the next couple of weeks.

I see that the status of my ticket is now closed. It will be interesting to see what, if anything gets fixed.

Success!!

Submitted by gasman on

I rode back through Glenmore Park on Friday, and low and behold the square curb has been removed and a wheelchair ramp has been installed.

Victoria

Submitted by Scott on

In Vic, the put 4' steel poles on each corner (where needed) to deter drivers from cutting corners but still allowing wheel chair access to every sidewalk. Works well.

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