Sidewalks again...

[shootingstar]

Champaign & Urbana are two side-by-side cities. I'm in the affectionately designated "people's republic of Urbana" -- where I am on the Bicycling & Pedestrian Advisory Commission that reports to the city council and is often attended by planners, some of whom are amazing advocates for cycling (one of whom is moving away soon, AAARRGGH!!!) The Champaign council is not interested in such an entity and prefers to have loose "plans" that don't inconvenience the business entities with things like providing bicycle parking.

However, I think it's worse when the "cyclist" on the council is broadcasting misinformation that endangers our lives. Makes us all look like we don't know what we're talking about.

Hopefully over time, the Commission will continue to exist. Does the organization have its own internet blog to keep locals updated? Otherwise people are not aware of the good work that you do or maybe that's already well-covered via a different mechanism for marketing/public relations?

Politics is such annoyance when cycling politicians shoot themselves in the foot, so to speak or hit on each other for political reasons.

The Vancouver city council is politicized, which does not help solving municipal problems and issues more quickly at times. There are several politicians that bike to work regularily, including the mayor himself.

One of the politicians for several years had been openly supportive of various major bike planning initiatives, recently did a nearly 330 degree turn..against a cycling initiative that she supported. Only because she belonged to another political party. There's no other compelling reason since she herself is a regular cyclist and cycling tourer.

The Bicycle Advisory Committee is made up of 10 members (i think) which does include a range of different folks with different backgrounds. Recently it did become abit of a competition to apply in writing, be reviewed and to be selected to become a member. Not all applicants are successful. This is the level of cycling advocacy interest in Vancouver, compared to several years ago.

I hear bits and pieces of developments because my partner is a member. But I must admit, I like more fun stuff. Well, at least, maybe getting some background history behind the 'fun stuff'.

I wish I wasn't so tired last night at the council meeting. Otherwise, I would have really blasted the bike UN-FRIENDLY council members. The proposed bike master plan was approved. It still needs fixin' cause they have designated a MUT as a class 1 bike path. Technicallity.

smilingcat

Congrats. smilingcat on approval of bike master plan. What is the best part of the plan that you like?