The final engineering assessment for the proposed Fullerton Pike Corridor improvements was just released here:
This project is divided into three sections, in priority order:
- State Road 37 to Sare Road (this includes connecting the currently disconnected Fullerton Pike and Gordon Pike, which can be seen here)
- State Road 45 to State Road 37
- Sare Road to Snoddy Road
Although there is a lot to discuss about this project, what interests me right now are the two alternatives in the SR37 – Sare Road section with respect to bicycle access. In short, the two alternatives presented (the discussion starts on page 19 of the document) are:
- Sidewalk on the south side of the road and multi-use side path on the north side of the road
- Sidewalk on both north and south sides of the road, no multi-use path, but on-road bike lanes on both the north and south sides of the road
So essentially, the tradeoff for bike riders is: multiuse path on one side and nothing on the other, vs. on-road bike lanes in both directions.
To all bike riders out there — I ask which alternative do you prefer?
In general, my preference is for a dedicated multi-use sidepath, even if it is only on one side of the road, because I am frequently riding with one or both of my kids, and riding for recreation. The multi-use definitely feels safer while pulling my daughter in the trailer, and I think it is more comfortable for my son to ride as well. However, if I were a frequent commuter along that corridor, I would probably prefer the on-streek bike lane in both directions.
I would like to hear others’ thoughts on this issue.
Incidentally, there will be a public meeting on the Fullerton Pike project at 5 p.m. Wednesday at Jackson Creek Middle School. Anyone interested in this project is encouraged to attend.