There's another election coming up, this time, it is to elect a new mayor and city council. This Election will be held on May 9th, 2015 and early voting is From April 27 to May 5. But who to vote for is the question we're all asking in the bicycling community for I my self don't want to elected anybody who would act like Rob Ford of Toronto and remove perfectly good bicycle lanes especially where they're needed the most.. Now I'm not going to endorse any candidate, I will however say ya or nay to their ideals. I will however remind everyone who voted against bicycling last year on May 29, specifically voted to remove the bicycle lanes on S Flores. they are....
Acting Mayor Ivy Taylor then council Lady for District 2
District 3 Rebecca J. Viagran
District 4 Rey Saldana
District 6 Ray Lopez
District 7 Cris Medina
District 8 Ron Nirenberg
District 9 Joe Krier
District 10 Mike Gallagher
So my Advice is don't vote for anyone on this list. They're stuck in 20th century anyway and I don't know about you, but I want a better bicycling San Antonio for the 21st century.
Now I decided to ask all the mayoral candidates except Ivy Taylor and asked them five questions. Those Questions are...
1. Would you have voted to remove the S Flores Bike Lanes?
2. What are your plans to improve Bicycling as a form of transportation in the City?
3. Are you a supporter of Uber and Lyft?
4. What are your plans to improve VIA?
5. 5. Anything Else you would want to add?
Now if they failed to get into contact with me and I worked hard to contact every candidate, I'll be criticizing what they wrote on their campaign site concerning the five questions I've asked. The Candidates are listed in the order that they'll appear on the ballot according the Rivard Report. To find their website, just click on the candidate's name. Now on to the Mayors....
Paul A. Martinez
1. Would you have voted to remove the S Flores Bike Lanes?
Answer: No…bike lanes are an important part of our city and are vital to the public safety of our citizens who choose to ride bikes as an alternate means of transportation.
2. What are your plans to improve Bicycling as a form of transportation in the City?
Answer: As we move our city into the future we need to plan bike lanes so that there is no reason to shut them in the future as our city grows.
3. Are you a supporter of Uber and Lyft?
Answer: Yes I am a supporter of Uber & Lyft however while I welcome free enterprise they must adhere to public safety ordinances. I do not agree with all of the ordinances that our city placed on the ride-share public safety is non-negotiable.
4. What are your plans to improve VIA?
Answer: My plan to improve Via is to bring in change management specialist that would identify the eight (8) types of waste going on in Via. I would also make sure that their leadership are qualified to actually run Via.
5. Anything Else you would want to add?
Answer: It is critical that “We the People” have a voice in our city government but in order to do that we must stop electing career politicians and start electing career leaders. We need to elect a leader with vision, a leader who will listen to everyone and not a special interest group.
Douglas S. Emmett
No Answer, No Website
Michael Idrogo
This is probably the most retarted idea I have heard to improve our economy which is to build a Canal from here to the Coast. Now if your asking why this is such a terrible idea, the answer for that is that we don't have the water to build a canal. You see during the founding of our city, the San Antonio river was used for commerce for it was wider and deeper than it is today. As more and more people moved to San Antonio, the Edwards Aquifer was tapped more and more thus less water was going to the river. Today the City of San Antonio has to pump water into the river to create the famed Riverwalk and you can see this pump which has been on more and more since the building the Museum Reach right behind the Witte. The good news is that we have railroads for bulk items which is normally what is sent on barges these days because if we still had to use rivers to bring all our cheap goods, then San Antonio wouldn't be a big city it is today.
Mr Idrogo idea isn't limited to San Antonio for once upon a time, Dallas was talking about actually building a port. If it was dumb ideal for Dallas, then it's also dumb ideal for San Antonio and Roman Mars of 99% Invisible illustrates it better than I could. Listen to the story right here.
Raymond Zavala
No Answer, No Website.
Mike Villarreal
I'm for one is drooling over this, Making San Antonio one of the best bikable places in the USA. If you read my blog regularly, this is what I've been wanting in San Antonio and it is the reason why I write this blog. Here's the thing, He will not have enough time to make San Antonio a great bicycling city during his term. He might be able to get San Antonio to move it's ranking on Bicycling Magazine from 48 to probably 40. To really become on Bicycling Magazine Top 10 List he would have to divert at least 50% of the roadway maintenance fund to do it and knowing how long it takes just to repair a stroad in San Antonio, will be lucky that we get like 3 or 4 of them. His other ideas are also long term solutions so don't expect them to be implemented with in a 4 year period. Again I am drooling over this, but I'm grounded in reality and I realize that this just ain't really possible because Unlike Austin which has groups like BikeAustin.org and the headquarters of BikeTexas, San Antonio lacks an organized bicycling community that is politically involved to really make San Antonio bikeable.
Tommy Adkisson
1. Would you have voted to remove the South Flores bike lanes?
Answer: I would not have voted to remove the South Flores bike lanes. To make our city both more walkable and bikeable, it’s imperative that we evaluate the way our streets are designed and constructed. Emphasizing our urban corridors (including making them friendly to non-drivers) would have a profound impact on our community- as a mechanism to relieve congestion on our expressways and also to encourage neighborhood interface, especially traffic to mom and pop business!
2. What are your plans to improve bicycling as a form of transportation in the city?
Answer: The focus of my campaign is a commitment to sustainable neighborhoods. I believe the experience of bicycling in San Antonio will be drastically improved when we put our resources into the getting our city government back to basics- repairing our streets, curbs & sidewalks and removing dangerous stray animals from our neighborhoods.
3. Are you a supporter of Uber and Lyft?
Answer: Yes, I am in favor of new technologies and the competition they bring to our marketplace. I support the ride-hailing concept, so long as all necessary public safety precautions have been taken into consideration.
4. What are your plans to improve VIA?
Answer: I am a big believer in public transportation. I think we need a comprehensive transportation plan that includes multi-modal transportation and rail services- if they have the support of the majority of the citizens of San Antonio. Offering more hubs around the city would make it a more practical system to use and could also ease our traffic congestion. When I was on Commissioners Court, we gave every Bexar County employee a free bus pass and encouraged the top 100 area employers to do the same.
Leticia Van de Putte
As you go to her site and click on the Policies, you come across Infrastructure. Nothing on bicycles here just making sure we have sidewalks. She said something about putting barriers along the sidewalks. Don't really know what's she's talking about, but to me it sounds like a fence of sorts, like the ones you see in Tokyo to keep people out of the roadway. From the looks of it, this person will continue the policies that Keep San Antonio Lame.
Rhett Rosenquest Smith
No Website, No Answer.
Julie Iris Oldham
Just a Facebook page, No Answer.
Cynthia T. Cavazos\
1. Would you have voted to remove the S Flores Bike Lanes?
Answer: They recently put in these green bike decals on our cities west side...i
see the need for the lines. They look nice. I used to ride a bike...i
tried to stay on the sidewalk...if there was noone around ...i went for
it. The bike rule is
a mopad or some if them Vespas...a line to the left side and right side
of the street would be good...next to cyclist a hopeful road for min
speed vespa riders.
2. What are your plans to improve Bicycling as a form of transportation in the City?
Answer: The same as above
3. Are you a supporter of Uber and Lyft?
Answer: I am not sure why they have to go through the city...they have assume business names, they have a license....insurance? I think they
need insurance without the city anyway.
4. What are your plans to improve VIA?
Answer: Well...if i am elected the next Texas mayor, VIA will still be in
business for a while...for a while they have been talking about a train.
We have a set railroad...and because of that road..it might be hard to
keep trains from collision. I think if Via
can think of a safety plan...it could be possible to add train but,
much deliberation is as soon as prints are drawn.
I love the train in Austin...The ride is beautiful, but...no hills or
overpasses. My main concern regarding trains is safety and speed. I Will
not fund the train. I love the idea, but I will not fund.
Gerard Ponce
Just a Facebook page, no Response.
Pogo Mochello Reese
Just a Facebook Page. No Response.
Cynthia Brehm
1. Would you have voted to remove the S Flores Bike Lanes?
Answer: I would have voted no to remove the S Flores Biking lanes. I'm a huge proponent of biking. I want to create more biking trails, hiking trails, parks, swimming pools, and basketball courts for families to enjoy- everything doesn't have to be bricks and concrete.
2. What are your plans to improve Bicycling as a form of transportation in the City?
Answer: Absolutely, biking, walking, and some other quick mode of transportation yet to be decided by the voters are the way of the future.
3. Are you a supporter of Uber and Lyft?
Answer: I'm a big supporter of free enterprise. I believe Uber and Lyft need to improve their background checks on their employees. Two recent incidences occurred because of their failure to properly screen their employees.
4. What are your plans to improve VIA?
Answer: To improve VIA, we must change the City By-Laws regarding lifetime appointments. Appointments should be a two -four year term. They have a monopoly and do as they please instead of doing the will of the people representation.
5. Anything Else you would want to add?.
Answer: We need transparency, trust, and accountability within our City government. City officials are elected to represent the people, not special interest groups, not political parties, but the will of the people and how they want to be governed. We must put an end to wasteful spending, corruption within our government, and oppression of the people. It must end for a better San Antonio.
Now they're are also 3 propositions on the ballot, but due to time and space issues, you'll see that posting next week. Until then, Enjoy Fiesta and make sure you vote.
Showing posts with label Texas.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Texas.. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Monday, May 19, 2014
BikeBeat/ S Flores Meeting
If Walk And Roll started out a terrible National Bike Month with bicycle accidents, then BikeBeat Brought out the best of San Antonio. Keep San Antonio REAL. It was not just the ramp with BMX jumping high, but it was the food trucks and people that work on keeping San Antonio REAL. Some offered bike repair, others artwork and most of all, for friends just to hang out and get together. I only had a short time, but what I saw made me want to stay, but obligations kept me away.
I think the best thing I saw was this cargo bike with the two little kids. (Image 6.1)
How to behave at the up coming meeting on S Flores.....
After seeing this on Facebook, I'm a little worried, but for the most part, I'm actually happy that people will be showing up. All who wish to speak, make yourself heard, but please don't act rude, angry and look dumb. I don't mean wear a suit, although that would help, I mean look and act intelligent and to show what not to do Please watch this from the VIA board meeting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJC9ZZJ2aCs
Just look at her, she looks dumb and you simply won't want her on any bus, let alone a small Viatrans van. She came unprepared, angry and belittling. Please folks, don't act like this. It's not helping her case, and it's not helping those who depend on VIAtrans.
This is what you should do and how to act.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGvGKzNivPk
I've seen this guy speak several times. He's legally blind and he has points that make sense. If you didn't notice, he's reading out loud what he wants to share with the VIA Board. Before speaking, he wrote down what he wanted to say and perhaps practice it. His points make sense and how could VIA not institute some of those ideals is beyond me. This gentleman just goes to show you how good behavior pays off.
So follow these simple points.
One, act civil. Always remember he who raises his voice, lost the argument.
Two, before you speak write down what you want to say so you just don't sound rude and stupid.
And three, explain that these people who want the bicycle lane removed also don't want to share the road. Also if you can, please share this flyer.(Image 6.9) If you want the word file of this picture, please email me. There will also be a ride to this meeting if you want to attend from Blue Star so be there at 5PM.
P.S.
Please hold up a sign that say's "Removing the bicycle lanes Keeps San Antonio LAME."
S. Flores Street Improvement Community Meeting
When: Monday May 19, 2014 6pm to 7pm
Where: Cafeteria of Morrill Elementary School, 5200 S. Flores, San Antonio, TX
Description: City of San Antonio’s TCI Department will present the alternate bicycle route as a result of community feedback from public meetings held in December, March and April.
What Should you Say? Let them know that they don't need to have alternative bicycle routes and in fact that what they did was a pretty good job and the bicycle lane is making it safe for everyone, not just those who ride bicycles. You can also hand out this flyer to all those who think getting rid of the bicycle lane is a good ideal. Contact Jeanette Morin at 207-5011 or Jeanette.Morin@sanantonio.gov
Another important meeting people should be attending is City's Budget Meetings for fiscal year 2015. I don't know about you, but we could sure use a lot more money than just a lousy million dollars to bike lanes and sidewalks.
Community Budget Work Sessions
When: Tuesday, May 20, 2014 6:00pm
Where: St Bonaventure Catholic Church 1918 Palo Alto Rd, San Antonio, TX
When: Tuesday, May 20, 2014 6:00pm
Where: University United Methodist Church 5084 DeZavala Rd, San Antonio, TX
When: Wednesday May 21, 2014 6:00pm
Where: Northeast Service Center Tool Yard 10303 Tool Yard, San Antoni, TX
When: Thrusday, May 22, 2014 6:00pm
Where: TriPoint Grantham Center 3233 N St Mary's St, San Antonio, TX
What Should You Say? Demand that the city provide more money for bicycle lanes, cycletracks, reducing speeds through neighborhoods, sweeping bicycle lanes and sidewalks.
Image 6.1: The coolest cargo bike out there @ BikeBeat.
Images 6.2 thru 6.8: Various images from BikeBeat.
Image 6.9: My Word File of the Flyer I want people to hand out at the S Flores Meeting to people who are against the bicycle lane.
Image 6.10: The Facebook Event Photo for people to come out and save these lanes.
Image 6.11: The City of San Antonio Flyer for the upcoming Budget meetings.
Up Coming Bicycle Events
Ride of Silence
When: Thursday, May 21, 2014 6:30pm
Where: Halcyon/BlueStar Art Complex
Description: A Bicycle ride honoring those who lost their lives.
Cycle In-Cinema .
When: Every Thursday, June-August at Dusk, 8:45pm
Where: Main Plaza, 115 N Main Ave, 78205
Description: Out Door Movie.
If you have any event you want me to post about, please email me.
Up Coming Important Meetings
If you want to make a difference, please attend.
VIA’s South/West Corridor Study Public Meeting
When: Tuesday May 20, 2014 6:00PM
Where: Harlandale Community Center, 301 Sussex, 78221
When: Thursday May 22, 2014 6:00PM
Where: The Neighborhood Place 3014 Rivas St, 78228
When: Wednesday, May 21, 2014 3pm to 6pm
Where: Madla Transit Center
When Wednesday, May 21, 2014 6AM To 9AM
Where Crossroads Park & Ride
Description: VIA is conducting a study to identify transit improvements along the South/West Connector Corridor in the San Antonio region. The corridor study area includes Military Drive from IH-37 on the east to General McMullen on the west; and General McMullen and Zarzamora from Military drive on the south to Fredericksburg Road on the north. More info can be found here: http://www.viainfo.net/Planning/Corridor.aspx
What Should You Say? You should ask for more frequency on the crosstown routes and bicycle racks called bikelids at bus stops to provide safe places to park your bicycle. If you want an example what I'm talking about, look at the image to your right or visit Dallas Area Rapid Transit Bicycle Information page . Also ask that via look into creating bus islands so the bike lane can go around a busy stop. Via has only one of these lids at Medical Center Transit Center.
Open House: Improvements to I-35 (I might be able to attend this meeting.)
Where: Central Catholic High School Elizondo Center (corner of Wilmington Avenue and Dallas Street) 1403 St. Mary’s St. San Antonio, TX 78215
When: Wednesday, May 21, 2014 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Description: TxDOT invites you to an open house on proposed improvements for Interstate 35. The project staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide information. No formal presentation will be given. Attendees are invited to come and go at their convenience.
TxDOT proposes improving I-35 between North Flores and New Braunfels Ave. and between AT&T Parkway and Binz-Engelman Road. The proposed project includes auxiliary lanes, ramp adjustments and other improvements to improve mobility and enhance the operation and safety of I-35 in this area
What Should you say? Ask for Bicycle lanes along the the frontage roads or mix use sidewalks and make sure they use the City of San Antonio Bicycle Master Plan when making improvements. Also ask for these types intersections called "Protected Intersections" so they can become safer for all users. https://vimeo.com/86721046
Open House - Improvements to US 90 from Loop 1604 to I-410
Where: Mary Lou Fisher Elementary School Cafeteria, 3430 Barrel Pass, San Antonio, TX 78245
When: Tuesday, May 27, 2014, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Description: TxDOT invites you to an open house on proposed improvements for US 90 From Loop 1604 to I-410. The project staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide information. No formal presentation will be given. Attendees are invited to come and go at their convenience.
Proposed improvements along US 90 from LP 1604 to I-410 on the west side of San Antonio are designed to improve operations and safety along this section of US 90. The proposed improvements include:
Bronco Lane Bridge Project Public Meeting
When: Tuesday, May 20, 2014 6:30 PM
Where: Virginia Gill Community Center, 7902 Westshire Drive, San Antonio, TX
What Should You Say? Ask that the Bridge has a minimum 6ft width sidewalks across with 25mph speed limits. No need for bicycle lanes. contact: Peter Rodriguez at 207-8154
Shaenfield Road Bridge Public Meeting
When: Wednesday, May 28, 2014 6:00 PM
Where: Burke Elementary School Cafeteria, 10111 Terra Oak, San Antonio, TX
When: Tuesday, June 3, 2014 7:00PM
Where: Burke Elementary School Cafeteria, 10111 Terra Oak, San Antonio, TX
What Should you Say? Ask that the Bridge Contain 6ft bicycle lanes on either side with extra stripping between the bicycle lane and the traffic as well as 6ft sidewalks. Also ask them to remove the Turn Center lane and add that space to the sides of the rd for bicycle lanes. Also Ask that they abide by the Bicycle Master Plan as well. contact: Peter Rodriguez@ 207-8154
Frio City Sidewalks Public Meeting
When: Thursday, May 29, 2014 6:00 PM
Where: Collins Garden Branch Library 200 N. Park, San Antonio, TX
What Should you Say? Ask that the Sidewalks are at least 6ft wide with neckdowns at every intersection on the streets that connect with Frio City Rd. Demand that a protected Bicycle lane is also added and that they abide by the Bicycle Master Plan. If parking is added, demand that they put in the parking as a barr.ier so that the bicycle lane is along the curb, and the parking is a natural barrier to the bicycle and sidewalks.
Also ask for these types intersections called "Protected Intersections" so they can become safer for all users. https://vimeo.com/86721046 contact: Peter Rodriguez at 207-8154
West Huisache Project Public Meeting
When: Monday, June 02, 2014 6:00 PM
Where: Young Women's Leadership Academy 2123 W. Huisache, San Antonio, TX
Bandera & Eckhert and Bandera & Tezel/Prue Public Meeting
When: June 5, 2014 6:30 PM
Where: Maverick Branch Library, 8700 Mystic Park, San Antonio, TX
What Should you Say? Demand that the city follows the guidelines that were lay down in the Bicycle Master plan. Also demand that they build the "Protected Intersections" at protectedintersections.com so this area can become safe for all road users. https://vimeo.com/86721046 And ask for sidewalks too. contact: Peter Rodriguez at 207-8154
I think the best thing I saw was this cargo bike with the two little kids. (Image 6.1)
 |
| 6.1 |
 |
| 6.2 |
 |
| 6.4 |
 |
| 6.3 |
 |
| 6.5 |
 |
| 6.6 |
 |
| 6.7 |
 |
| 6.8 |
How to behave at the up coming meeting on S Flores.....
After seeing this on Facebook, I'm a little worried, but for the most part, I'm actually happy that people will be showing up. All who wish to speak, make yourself heard, but please don't act rude, angry and look dumb. I don't mean wear a suit, although that would help, I mean look and act intelligent and to show what not to do Please watch this from the VIA board meeting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJC9ZZJ2aCs
Just look at her, she looks dumb and you simply won't want her on any bus, let alone a small Viatrans van. She came unprepared, angry and belittling. Please folks, don't act like this. It's not helping her case, and it's not helping those who depend on VIAtrans.
 |
| 6.9 |
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGvGKzNivPk
I've seen this guy speak several times. He's legally blind and he has points that make sense. If you didn't notice, he's reading out loud what he wants to share with the VIA Board. Before speaking, he wrote down what he wanted to say and perhaps practice it. His points make sense and how could VIA not institute some of those ideals is beyond me. This gentleman just goes to show you how good behavior pays off.
So follow these simple points.
One, act civil. Always remember he who raises his voice, lost the argument.
Two, before you speak write down what you want to say so you just don't sound rude and stupid.
And three, explain that these people who want the bicycle lane removed also don't want to share the road. Also if you can, please share this flyer.(Image 6.9) If you want the word file of this picture, please email me. There will also be a ride to this meeting if you want to attend from Blue Star so be there at 5PM.
P.S.
Please hold up a sign that say's "Removing the bicycle lanes Keeps San Antonio LAME."
 |
| 6.10 |
S. Flores Street Improvement Community Meeting
When: Monday May 19, 2014 6pm to 7pm
Where: Cafeteria of Morrill Elementary School, 5200 S. Flores, San Antonio, TX
Description: City of San Antonio’s TCI Department will present the alternate bicycle route as a result of community feedback from public meetings held in December, March and April.
What Should you Say? Let them know that they don't need to have alternative bicycle routes and in fact that what they did was a pretty good job and the bicycle lane is making it safe for everyone, not just those who ride bicycles. You can also hand out this flyer to all those who think getting rid of the bicycle lane is a good ideal. Contact Jeanette Morin at 207-5011 or Jeanette.Morin@sanantonio.gov
 |
| 6.11 |
Community Budget Work Sessions
When: Tuesday, May 20, 2014 6:00pm
Where: St Bonaventure Catholic Church 1918 Palo Alto Rd, San Antonio, TX
When: Tuesday, May 20, 2014 6:00pm
Where: University United Methodist Church 5084 DeZavala Rd, San Antonio, TX
When: Wednesday May 21, 2014 6:00pm
Where: Northeast Service Center Tool Yard 10303 Tool Yard, San Antoni, TX
When: Thrusday, May 22, 2014 6:00pm
Where: TriPoint Grantham Center 3233 N St Mary's St, San Antonio, TX
What Should You Say? Demand that the city provide more money for bicycle lanes, cycletracks, reducing speeds through neighborhoods, sweeping bicycle lanes and sidewalks.
Image 6.1: The coolest cargo bike out there @ BikeBeat.
Images 6.2 thru 6.8: Various images from BikeBeat.
Image 6.9: My Word File of the Flyer I want people to hand out at the S Flores Meeting to people who are against the bicycle lane.
Image 6.10: The Facebook Event Photo for people to come out and save these lanes.
Image 6.11: The City of San Antonio Flyer for the upcoming Budget meetings.
Up Coming Bicycle Events
Ride of Silence
When: Thursday, May 21, 2014 6:30pm
Where: Halcyon/BlueStar Art Complex
Description: A Bicycle ride honoring those who lost their lives.
When: Every Thursday, June-August at Dusk, 8:45pm
Where: Main Plaza, 115 N Main Ave, 78205
Description: Out Door Movie.
If you have any event you want me to post about, please email me.
Up Coming Important Meetings
If you want to make a difference, please attend.
When: Tuesday May 20, 2014 6:00PM
Where: Harlandale Community Center, 301 Sussex, 78221
When: Thursday May 22, 2014 6:00PM
Where: The Neighborhood Place 3014 Rivas St, 78228
When: Wednesday, May 21, 2014 3pm to 6pm
Where: Madla Transit Center
When Wednesday, May 21, 2014 6AM To 9AM
Where Crossroads Park & Ride
Description: VIA is conducting a study to identify transit improvements along the South/West Connector Corridor in the San Antonio region. The corridor study area includes Military Drive from IH-37 on the east to General McMullen on the west; and General McMullen and Zarzamora from Military drive on the south to Fredericksburg Road on the north. More info can be found here: http://www.viainfo.net/Planning/Corridor.aspx
What Should You Say? You should ask for more frequency on the crosstown routes and bicycle racks called bikelids at bus stops to provide safe places to park your bicycle. If you want an example what I'm talking about, look at the image to your right or visit Dallas Area Rapid Transit Bicycle Information page . Also ask that via look into creating bus islands so the bike lane can go around a busy stop. Via has only one of these lids at Medical Center Transit Center.
Open House: Improvements to I-35 (I might be able to attend this meeting.)
Where: Central Catholic High School Elizondo Center (corner of Wilmington Avenue and Dallas Street) 1403 St. Mary’s St. San Antonio, TX 78215
When: Wednesday, May 21, 2014 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Description: TxDOT invites you to an open house on proposed improvements for Interstate 35. The project staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide information. No formal presentation will be given. Attendees are invited to come and go at their convenience.
TxDOT proposes improving I-35 between North Flores and New Braunfels Ave. and between AT&T Parkway and Binz-Engelman Road. The proposed project includes auxiliary lanes, ramp adjustments and other improvements to improve mobility and enhance the operation and safety of I-35 in this area
What Should you say? Ask for Bicycle lanes along the the frontage roads or mix use sidewalks and make sure they use the City of San Antonio Bicycle Master Plan when making improvements. Also ask for these types intersections called "Protected Intersections" so they can become safer for all users. https://vimeo.com/86721046
Open House - Improvements to US 90 from Loop 1604 to I-410
Where: Mary Lou Fisher Elementary School Cafeteria, 3430 Barrel Pass, San Antonio, TX 78245
When: Tuesday, May 27, 2014, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Description: TxDOT invites you to an open house on proposed improvements for US 90 From Loop 1604 to I-410. The project staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide information. No formal presentation will be given. Attendees are invited to come and go at their convenience.
Proposed improvements along US 90 from LP 1604 to I-410 on the west side of San Antonio are designed to improve operations and safety along this section of US 90. The proposed improvements include:
- Conversion of the two-way frontage roads to one-way operations
- Relocation of entrance and exit ramps
- Intersection improvements
Bronco Lane Bridge Project Public Meeting
When: Tuesday, May 20, 2014 6:30 PM
Where: Virginia Gill Community Center, 7902 Westshire Drive, San Antonio, TX
What Should You Say? Ask that the Bridge has a minimum 6ft width sidewalks across with 25mph speed limits. No need for bicycle lanes. contact: Peter Rodriguez at 207-8154
Shaenfield Road Bridge Public Meeting
When: Wednesday, May 28, 2014 6:00 PM
Where: Burke Elementary School Cafeteria, 10111 Terra Oak, San Antonio, TX
When: Tuesday, June 3, 2014 7:00PM
Where: Burke Elementary School Cafeteria, 10111 Terra Oak, San Antonio, TX
What Should you Say? Ask that the Bridge Contain 6ft bicycle lanes on either side with extra stripping between the bicycle lane and the traffic as well as 6ft sidewalks. Also ask them to remove the Turn Center lane and add that space to the sides of the rd for bicycle lanes. Also Ask that they abide by the Bicycle Master Plan as well. contact: Peter Rodriguez@ 207-8154
Frio City Sidewalks Public Meeting
When: Thursday, May 29, 2014 6:00 PM
Where: Collins Garden Branch Library 200 N. Park, San Antonio, TX
What Should you Say? Ask that the Sidewalks are at least 6ft wide with neckdowns at every intersection on the streets that connect with Frio City Rd. Demand that a protected Bicycle lane is also added and that they abide by the Bicycle Master Plan. If parking is added, demand that they put in the parking as a barr.ier so that the bicycle lane is along the curb, and the parking is a natural barrier to the bicycle and sidewalks.
Also ask for these types intersections called "Protected Intersections" so they can become safer for all users. https://vimeo.com/86721046 contact: Peter Rodriguez at 207-8154
West Huisache Project Public Meeting
When: Monday, June 02, 2014 6:00 PM
Where: Young Women's Leadership Academy 2123 W. Huisache, San Antonio, TX
What Shold you Say?
This time, no bike lanes, this is a neighborhood street. It should
have neckdowns to keep traffic flowing slow with islands and speed
humps. It should also have 25MPH on this street. Putting a bicycle
lane down this street is just a waste of paint. Also ask for these types intersections called "Protected Intersections" so they can become safer for all users. https://vimeo.com/86721046
Contact: Peter Rodriguez@ 207-8154 or David Pulido @ 207-8128
Contact: Peter Rodriguez@ 207-8154 or David Pulido @ 207-8128
Bandera & Eckhert and Bandera & Tezel/Prue Public Meeting
When: June 5, 2014 6:30 PM
Where: Maverick Branch Library, 8700 Mystic Park, San Antonio, TX
What Should you Say? Demand that the city follows the guidelines that were lay down in the Bicycle Master plan. Also demand that they build the "Protected Intersections" at protectedintersections.com so this area can become safe for all road users. https://vimeo.com/86721046 And ask for sidewalks too. contact: Peter Rodriguez at 207-8154
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Keep San Antonio Lame
I don't think you have heard, but the City of San Antonio is planning to use money that is set aside for bicycle lanes and other cool bicycle related infrastructure to remove the best job that they ever did, the S Flores Bike Lanes.
Stuff like this goes to the saying I've used over and over again, Keep San Antonio Lame (Image 4.1) because I know of no other way to express my disgust at the stupidity this city does to something that's real cool. There's tons and tons of examples that I have yet to write about on how lousy this city is when it was comes to providing pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. But the blame should not go entirely to the government organizations that built the infrastructure, but the people who use the sidewalks and bicycle lanes on not speaking out against this travesty that has been built for you.
Over the years, I've attended a number of planning meetings ranging from parks to highway to general MPO long range planning meetings. Most of the time, I've been the only one showing up by bicycle and the Via bus thus been your de-facto voice for these issues, but no longer. Now being ever present and punctual to these meetings have come to a end. My job at the airport prevents me from attending these meetings that normally take place at 6pm. It is up to the people reading this blog. to take my place and represent those who walk, use Via, and ride bicycle in this city. If you don't think you have the power to make a difference, think again. I've seen the changes and a lot of time it was because I attended these meetings.
The S Flores meeting will take place on May 19th at 6 pm at Morrill Elementary cafeteria. 5200 S Flores St, San Antonio, TX 78214 The CoSA is Presenting an Alternative to the existing bicycle lane which I guarantee you has nothing to do with a cycletrack down S Flores but useless sharrows. (Image 4.2)
 |
| 4.1 |
Stuff like this goes to the saying I've used over and over again, Keep San Antonio Lame (Image 4.1) because I know of no other way to express my disgust at the stupidity this city does to something that's real cool. There's tons and tons of examples that I have yet to write about on how lousy this city is when it was comes to providing pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. But the blame should not go entirely to the government organizations that built the infrastructure, but the people who use the sidewalks and bicycle lanes on not speaking out against this travesty that has been built for you.
Over the years, I've attended a number of planning meetings ranging from parks to highway to general MPO long range planning meetings. Most of the time, I've been the only one showing up by bicycle and the Via bus thus been your de-facto voice for these issues, but no longer. Now being ever present and punctual to these meetings have come to a end. My job at the airport prevents me from attending these meetings that normally take place at 6pm. It is up to the people reading this blog. to take my place and represent those who walk, use Via, and ride bicycle in this city. If you don't think you have the power to make a difference, think again. I've seen the changes and a lot of time it was because I attended these meetings.
The S Flores meeting will take place on May 19th at 6 pm at Morrill Elementary cafeteria. 5200 S Flores St, San Antonio, TX 78214 The CoSA is Presenting an Alternative to the existing bicycle lane which I guarantee you has nothing to do with a cycletrack down S Flores but useless sharrows. (Image 4.2)
 |
| 4.2 |
When you go to these meetings do the following....
- Be courteous and polite
- When speaking to the meeting holders keep it short and sweet. Do not go off on tangents and stick to the points. The last thing you want to look is dumb, stupid and angry.
- Also bring handouts of pictures and facts to more clearly get your message out. A good example of this is what the Toll Party hands out at Streetcar planning meetings
- Just follow these simple rules and your message will be heard. And be patient for the results.
I also need people to go to these meetings to take pictures and get me information on what is going on. With your help, I can write the stories and provide you with a point of view that you'll not hear anywhere else unless you live in a place New York or any where else Streetblog is representing a community because I am your streetblog here in San Antonio, TX. This blog is my way of being that voice for cyclist and pedestrians.
Image 4.1: The Classic Keep San Antonio Lame Sticker from Flight Gallery
Image 4.2: A car parked over a Sharrow on Ashby next to the Temple Beth-El.
Up Coming Bicycle Events
Ride of SilenceWhen: Thursday, May 15, 2014 6:30pm
Where: Halcyon/BlueStar Art Complex
Description: A Bicycle ride honoring those who lost their lives.
Frankenbike #48
When: May 17, 2014 10am to 4pm
Where: Red-D Bikes~ 120 Playmoor Suite B ~ 78210
Description: FrankenBike (n) A free bike swap meet held once a month in San Antonio, Texas that is open to anyone who wants to buy, sell or trade bicycles and bicycle related gear or parts.
Bike Beat Festival
When: Sat, May 17, 3pm – 11pm
| ||
| Where: Main Plaza, San Antonio, TX Description: The 2nd Annual BIKE|BEAT features bike demos, live music, roller races, food trucks, giveaways and much more! | ||
Up Coming Important Meetings
If you want to make a difference, please attend.
Walk & Roll Night (BMAC & PMAC joint meeting)
Where: VIA Metro Centre, 1021 San Pedro Avenue, San Antonio, TX
When: Wed, May 14, 5:30pm – 8pm
Description: The MPO Bicycle Mobility Advisory Committee and the Pedistrain Mobility Advisory Committee talking about the current projects related to pedestriand bicycle related.
Open House - Improvements to US 90 from Loop 1604 to I-410
Where: Mary Lou Fisher Elementary School Cafeteria, 3430 Barrel Pass, San Antonio, TX 78245
When: Tuesday, May 27, 2014, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Description: TxDOT invites you to an open house on proposed improvements for US 90 From Loop 1604 to I-410. The project staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide information. No formal presentation will be given. Attendees are invited to come and go at their convenience.
Proposed improvements along US 90 from LP 1604 to I-410 on the west side of San Antonio are designed to improve operations and safety along this section of US 90. The proposed improvements include:
- Conversion of the two-way frontage roads to one-way operations
- Relocation of entrance and exit ramps
- Intersection improvements
Open House: Improvements to I-35 (I might be able to attend this meeting.)
Where: Central Catholic High School Elizondo Center (corner of Wilmington Avenue and Dallas Street) 1403 St. Mary’s St. San Antonio, TX 78215
When: Wednesday, May 21, 2014 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Description: TxDOT invites you to an open house on proposed improvements for Interstate 35. The project staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide information. No formal presentation will be given. Attendees are invited to come and go at their convenience.
TxDOT proposes improving I-35 between North Flores and New Braunfels Ave. and between AT&T Parkway and Binz-Engelman Road. The proposed project includes auxiliary lanes, ramp adjustments and other improvements to improve mobility and enhance the operation and safety of I-35 in this area
What Should you say? Ask for Bicycle lanes along the the frontage roads and make sure they use the City of San Antonio Bicycle Master Plan when making improvements.
Upper Woodlawn Drainage Project Public Meeting
When: Tuesday, May 13, 2014 6:00 PM
Where: Joe Ward Community Center 435 E. Sunshine, San Antonio, TX
What Should you Say? Ask for a hike and bike trail along the drainage all the way too Woodlawn lake as well as any increase size in the sidewalks that cross over the drainage.... Contact: Peter Rodriguez at 207-8154
Skyplace Boulevard Extension Project Public Meeting
When: Thursday, May 15, 2014 6:00 PM
Where: Northeast Service Center, 10303 Toolyard, 78233
What Should You Say? Ask that the city makes sure that there is sufficient access to the Salado Creek Trail and 6 ft bicycle lanes on each side of this street. Contact: David McBeth at 210-207-6342 or david.mcbeth@sanantonio.gov.
Bronco Lane Bridge Project Public Meeting
When: Tuesday, May 20, 2014 6:30 PM
Where: Virginia Gill Community Center, 7902 Westshire Drive, San Antonio, TX
What Should You Say? Ask that the Bridge has a minimum 6ft width sidewalks across with 25mph speed limits. contact: Peter Rodriguez at 207-8154
Shaenfield Road Bridge Public Meeting
When: Wednesday, May 28, 2014 6:00 PM
Where: Burke Elementary School Cafeteria, 10111 Terra Oak, San Antonio, TX
What Should you Say? Ask that the Bridge Contain 6ft bicycle lanes on either side with extra stripping between the bicycle lane and the traffic as well as 6ft sidewalks. Also ask them to remove the Turn Center lane and add that space to the sides of the rd for bicycle lanes. Also Ask that they abide by the Bicycle Master Plan as well. contact: Peter Rodriguez@ 207-8154
Frio City Sidewalks Public Meeting
When: Thursday, May 29, 2014 6:00 PM
Where: Collins Garden Branch Library 200 N. Park, San Antonio, TX
What Should you Say? Ask that the Sidewalks are at least 6ft wide with neckdowns at every intersection on the streets that connect with Frio City Rd. Demand that a protected Bicycle lane is also added and that they abide by the Bicycle Master Plan. If parking is added, demand that they put in the parking as a barr.ier so that the bicycle lane is along the curb, and the parking is a natural barrier to the bicycle and sidewalks
contact: Peter Rodriguez at 207-8154
West Huisache Project Public Meeting
When: Monday, June 02, 2014 6:00 PM
Where: Young Women's Leadership Academy 2123 W. Huisache, San Antonio, TX
What Shold you Say? This time, no bike lanes, this is a neighborhood street. It should have neckdowns to keep traffic flowing slow with islands and speed humps. It should also have 25MPH on this street. Putting a bicycle lane down this street is just a waste of paint.
Contact: Peter Rodriguez@ 207-8154 or David Pulido @ 207-8128
Contact: Peter Rodriguez@ 207-8154 or David Pulido @ 207-8128
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)