Category: projects

Here’s a List of Organizations that Have Bicycles for People Who Need Them

While the Coalition of Arizona Bicycles doesn’t provide bicycles, there are groups throughout Arizona that refurbish bicycles and provide them to people who need bikes. These groups provide bicycles for adults and children. Some of these groups provide shop space for doing repairs, earn-a-bike programs, repair and maintenance instruction, and more. These groups have opportunities for volunteers and are often looking for donations of bicycles, parts, tools and/or cash. Continue reading Here’s a List of Organizations that Have Bicycles for People Who Need Them

Bicycle/Pedestrian Improvements in Mesa – Opportunity to Comment

Dobson Road Bicycle/Pedestrian Improvements in Mesa – Opportunity to Comment

The Coalition recently received a letter notifying us that the City of Mesa, in association with ADOT and the FHWA, will begin a project in January 2011 to provide accommodation for bicyclists and pedestrians on Dobson Road between Broadway and Main Streets. This project will also improve local non-motorist connectivity to a Metro Light Rail station just to the NE of the project location. The City of Mesa is inviting comment by August 20, 2010 to Johnida Dockens (480-894-5477, jdockens@acstempe.com).
The project will include:

  • Widening of Dobson Road in that area.
  • Creation of five foot width (minimum) bike lanes.
  • Median turn-lanes (which reduce incursions into bike lanes by motorists).
  • Functional and aesthetic improvements (e.g. relocate drainage inlets to facilitate above).

The CAzB apologizes for the short notice (we just received the letter), but is appreciative of Mesa’s attempt to let bicyclists review and comment.
The CAzB does participate in project review of many projects such as this via the Maricopa Association of Governments Bicycle/Pedestrian Committee, and has a role in that process as a non-voting but commenting member of that body. MAG Bicycle/Pedestrian Committee meetings (generally monthly at the MAG offices in Phoenix) are open to the public, and include a period for public comment and questions at the beginning of the meeting.

Bob Beane, President
Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists

Bike Lane installed on 51st Street

The city of Phoenix has recently installed a bike lane on 51st Street in Phoenix (Ahwatukee), between Warner and Elliot roads [area map]. It is approximately one mile in length. The stretch has appeared (incorrectly) as a bike lane on the MAG Regional Bike Map for years and years.

Formerly, an annoying fog line demarcated an approximately two-foot shoulder, causing confusion about where cyclists should ride. The elimination of the fog line, the source of confusion, IS A DEFINITE PLUS. More details and photos here.

Fifteenth Avenue “Lane Diet” completed

The City of Phoenix Street Transportation department just completed a landmark bicycle project. Fifteenth Avenue from McDowell Rd to the Arizona Canal received a “Lane Diet.” The former four lane arterial was reduced to one lane each direction with a center turn lane and bike lanes. Traffic engineer Kerry Wilcoxson credits City Councilman Tom Simplot for getting the project going. Funding for a bike/ped bridge across the canal has been requested. Way to go Phoenix!

This article originally appeared in Sprocketeer V02N04