Comments on: Bike Friendly Norfolk: The Map & Explanation

By: Joanna--MFA

Joanna--MFA — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:00:53 +0000

Like Jesse says — let’s do it. Where should we start? Letters to the mayor? Boycotts? Protests? I’m in. I’ve often wanted to wear a shirt that says IF NORFOLK HAD BIKE PATHS I WOULDN’T BE RIDING ON THE SIDEWALK. I am saddened when I resort to this.

By: Jesse Scaccia

Jesse Scaccia — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:22:19 +0000

There are enough of us (thousands) who want to see this city safer for bikers that we can make a difference.

As a biking community we need to figure out what our goals should be, then make a plan. Then f’ing do it.

I’m hoping Wes can continue to be one of our leaders, and that this becomes a forum for his leadership.

By: Bruce

Bruce — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:06:25 +0000

As much as I love this city, Bike Friendly Norfolk is a contradiction in terms. In the end it comes down to police enforcing speed limits and other traffic laws that enable everyone to co-exist on the road. This the police do not do to an adequate extent. Secondly, that the map is so unknown to so many people speaks volumes about how important the city thinks a bicycle culture is. There are many things to love about Norfolk, but bike friendliness is not one of them.

By: Scott

Scott — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:46:37 +0000

Great to hear the history of “the Map”. Also good to spread the word on basic cycling skill tips. So many people end up learning by trial and error. I too have been seeing more folks on bikes lately, so maybe there is hope for our little burg yet. Keep watering those grassroots. You and Liz are great inspirations for everyone. So when’s the next Urban Cycling Seminar

By: wghent

wghent — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:45:09 +0000

This is a strange city – flat as a pool table, lots of ‘dead’ rail lines waiting to be converted into bike trails, largest # of households without cars of any large city in VA – and a really lousy bike presence.

Cities here do not talk so the 50-mile intercity bike route from Suffolk to the Beach that VDOT talks about is a distant dream. Suffolk gets $$ for a trail that leads to … Pinners Point Bridge has a bike lane built into it (only bridge in region with one) but it leads to… Light Rail line could have allowed a bike lane alongside from Norfolk to the Beachfront but…

Moved down here from NOVA ten years ago and went from heaven to…well purgatory at least. We are where most progressive cities were ten years ago in getting bike routes up and running.

By: Liz

Liz — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:38:26 +0000

Great piece, Wes! I linked this to my blog!

By: Wesley Cheney

Wesley Cheney — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:13:14 +0000

grant, a detailed downtown map is a great idea. Given the fluidity of construction though, I think I’ll wait until The Tide is almost finished. I’d like to include bike parking in the next iteration, as well as Tide stops.

Wes

By: Grant

Grant — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:38:04 +0000

Terrific map. I’d like to see a detailed Downtown Bike Map, as well.
I would completely get behind a movement to build upon the strengths and start connecting those cyan areas, for example the 21st Street corridor.

By: bob young

bob young — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:35:39 +0000

nice article, Wes, and a great website. I’m an old guy and seldom bike more than the 1/2 mile from my house to the ocean, but I love the consciousness raising about sharing the roads with our pedal pushing friends

By: Lucien

Lucien — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:52:52 +0000

I’m in full support of more bike paths. I will even pick up a shovel and bring a hundred friends. I think we are well on our way to a more cycle friendly city!