Bike path concept back on track
South Ontario region viewed as likely area for blueprint
By Katie Pizza
Argus Observer
Wednesday, May 28, 2008 10:11 AM PDT
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| This area (above) could be a possible location of a proposed bike-friendly boulevard in south Ontario. Ontario Planning and Zoning Administrator Evan MacKenzie said he plans to bring up the idea at the Ontario City Council’s next work session this week. MacKenzie said the idea will involve installing new sidewalks, crosswalks and either signs or road paint that would show a safe area for bicycles to travel. |
Ontario — The wheels may begin to turn regarding a proposed bicycle boulevard in south Ontario at the City Council’s next workshop meeting.
Ontario Planning and Zoning Administrator Evan MacKenzie said he plans once again to bring the idea to the attention of elected leaders at the workshop at noon Thursday.
“We need to get council support in order to even proceed,” he said.
MacKenzie said the idea will involve installing new sidewalks, crosswalks and either signs or road paint that would show a safe area for bicycles to travel.
“It’s a new concept for Ontario,” he said. “We would be using existing streets. You specifically install improvements to let drivers know this is a shared area — which is what streets are.”
However, one hurdle for the idea is where to put the proposed improvements.
Two areas currently considered are Southwest Second Avenue and Southwest Third Avenue from the old depot to 13th Street. MacKenzie said both areas boast advantages and disadvantages.
He said Second Avenue’s low traffic makes the area a good location for the proposed path. A disadvantage is Second Avenue runs directly through Ontario Middle School’s property.
However, Third Avenue is not without its own disadvantages.
“When it goes past the hospital, there is a little bit of traffic, but not a lot,” MacKenzie said.
MacKenzie also said a positive aspect of Third Avenue is its close proximity to Fourth Avenue and commercial destinations. However, no matter where the proposed bike boulevard is created, MacKenzie said it is important to keep in mind the primary function of roads.
“All roads are meant for transportation,” he said. “Some roads are just less conducive for bicycle and pedestrian transportation.”
He cited Fourth Avenue as an example of that type of an area.
“If we gave people a place to feel comfortable walking, they will be thinking ‘maybe I can get some exercise instead of using all that gas,’” he said.
He also cited the importance of safety.
“If people do not feel safe walking or biking, they aren’t going to let their kids do it,” MacKenzie said.
He also said the proposed area could cause some to recall times in the past.
“Some people might hear about this and think ‘When I was a kid we walked everywhere,’” he said. “Hopefully this will open the door for people to do that.”
MacKenzie said the funding for the project would come from the Oregon Department of Transportation. He also said he believed the project was a fairly simple improvement that would require little city expense. He also said the fact that the avenue revamp could easily be completed would help to place Ontario at the top of ODOT’s list for this particular project.
Ontario Mayor Joe Dominick said he supported the idea of a bike path.
“Anything that can be done to enhance Ontario is a good idea,” he said. “The little bit I’ve heard from Evan makes it seem like a good idea, as long as we can sustain it.”
Ontario City Councilmember Bruce Tuttle also spoke on the issue.
“It’s fine,” he said. “I think with the high cost of fuel, everyone should ride one.”
However, he said he would not make a final decision until he had more specific information about where the improvements would be located.
“I’m not against it or for it until I have studied all the issues,” he said.
