Local Govt. FINALLY getting it right!

[Pax]

Our local government is finally putting a plan in place to make safe cycling a priority! I'm willing to bet a bunch of the thanks should be going to TE's own Geonz, thanks for putting in the time and effort Sue.
News story here (http://www.news-gazette.com/news/transportation/2008/03/21/extensive_bike_plan_proposed)

[Geonz]

Snork... I'm a bit player. Helps a ton that we've got city council folks who are cycling commuters, and Cynthia Hoyle at CUMTD who backs up what we say with facts, facts, facts and how-to-do-it for the planners... and timing is EVERYTHING 'cause people are sorta kinda ready to think maybe bicycles are a good idea.
when we presented the plan, the plannign guy doiong the pres talked about the major shifts in approach since the process had been done - especially the part about "bike paths are no longer the priority" - but bike *routes.* Since that is tons and tons cheaper, it got lots of attention. I was impressed that the non-riders up there expressed ideas like that maybe the changes in striping and more cyclists would act as traffic calmers, and that we *did* want to keep cyclists from terrifying stroller-bearing mums so maybe the street wasn't such a bad place.
It's the citizens like you that are out doing more riding that do the most good, IMHO :)

[Pax]

We were set on house hunting only in Champaign, but since Urbana popped up with this we're adding them back into the search. I love riding to work but will enjoy it a whole lot more when it involves less "combat zone" road sections.

[Geonz]

Oooh! Move near me! Move near me! :D :D

[Pax]

Oooh! Move near me! Move near me! :D :D

We're looking at an Urbana house (on Pond between Philo and Anderson) tomorrow after work! WOOT!