This is our ongoing list of suggestions for improving areas along the M-Path. As it grows, we hope it will serve as a starting point for developing the M-Path into a safer, more conducive medium of transportation. Feel free to share your comments below.
Recommended improvements and repairs, ranked 1,2 or 3 [post date/transmit date/safety priority(1=highest)/1st cost category(1=lowest)/ongoing cost category(1=lowest)/fixed date]:
General: Every pair of Metrorail columns should be numbered from the start of the M-Path downtown. This would allow riders to know where they are in case of emergency or in the event they wish to report a maintenance item [5-22-08/_______/1/2/1/______]
General: Signs should be posted frequently reminding users to report maintenance issues to a central number easily accessible from a cell phone, like 311 for example. The chosen call center should be equipped to forward maintenance calls to Miami-Dade Transit [5-22-08/_________/2/1/1/_______]
General: Metro Rail contractors and maintenance personnel should be instructed not to park vehicles or equipment on the paved surface. They should also be required to post “work in progress ahead” signs sufficiently far from the work site in either direction so that Path users can be forewarned [5/29/08/________/1/1/1/_______]
General: ____________ should initiate a periodic (bi-weekly?) maintenance sweep during which broken glass is swept up, especially at intersections, and debris is removed from the paved pathway. In between routine cleanup excursions, there should be a response crew available to clean up reported dangerous conditions [[5-22-08/_________/1/1/3/_______]
General: There are several “End M-Path”, “Begin M-Path” signs currently installed at some, but not all, cross streets. These are confusing and unhelpful. Assuming they have been placed for some legal liability reason, they should be replaced with more useful signs such as: “M-Path continues 50 feet ahead” or “M-Path continues on other side of intersection” and then “M-Path continues here”. Begin and End signs should be reserved for the ultimate start and finish points. [5-22-08/_________/2/1/1/_______]
General: Warning signs should be placed along the M-Path at bicycle riders eye level to help anticipate difficult or dangerous areas. For example: there should be a warning sign before every intersection, in both directions: “Intersection Ahead, Slow Down”. Also, since the path weaves in and around Metrorail supports and other obstacles, upcoming curves should be indicated with appropriately drawn arrow signs, as on curved highways[5-22-08/_________/1/1/1/_______]
General: Broken pavement due to tree roots is a current and probably on going problem. These are dangerous to bicyclists at all skill levels. The path should be surveyed and the worst areas repaired promptly. There are other areas of pavement broken by other causes which should be repaired as well. [5-22-08/_________/1/3/2/_______]
Metrorail Stations: The current M-Path signage currently does provide clear instruction as to how users are supposed to go through or around the stations, and each one is different. The approach to each station should be marked with a large information sign, perhaps with a graphic showing the preferred route to the other end of the station. As riders approach the station there should be closely placed and clearly marked signs showing where the rider is supposed to go. In some cases the M-Path users may have to use the bus drive-thru, which should be striped, but signed to warn riders to “yield to bus traffic”. In other cases riders may have to cross the pedestrian plaza, and bicyclists should be instructed to “yield to pedestrians” [5-22-08/_________/1/2/1/_______]
Intersections (Users): At the approach to most intersections the M-Path pavement splits in two directions, but there is no indication as to which direction a rider should take for the safest (preferred) crossing. The intersection warning sign (#5) should have an add-on arrow which directs riders to the preferred crossing point[5-22-08/_________/2/1/1/_______]
Intersections (Cars): Every intersection should be posted with a bicycle crossing sign. Perhaps an enhancement could be added that says (“Do not block crosswalk”) [5-22-08/_________/1/1/1/_______]
Specific: Mile___ (North of Red Road Intersection). Contact FPL and insist that the low-hanging guy wire, which could cause serious injury, be removed and relocated[5-22-08/_________/1/1/1/_______]
Specific: Douglas Rd Station. The short section between the new circle at Ponce de Leon and the station has extensive broken pavement. The Path should be resurfaced in this area [5-22-08/_________/1/2/1/_______]
Specific: Viscaya Station. Resurface the concrete section of the Path between the station and South Dixie Highway[5-22-08/_________/1/2/1/_______]
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3 comments:
I find the beginning and ending signs so absurdly frustrating that it is comical. How about instead of telling us the path ends at every other intersection, we put signs up that drivers can see that say "Bike Path Here" "Be Aware" Look Both Ways" "$100 Fine for blocking bike path" and we paint a bright green strip across the road.
I would also like to have a police officer on bike patroling the path, and giving tickets to drivers who endanger pedestrians and cyclists.
These are great ideas. I particularly agree with the signage. As it stands, there is next to ZERO signage to warn motorists of bicyclists and pedestrians. We have a suggestion or two in the works, so keep your eye on the blog.
Thanks for the comments!
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