Sheriff Clarke makes it clear: no bike lane on the Hoan Bridge
In talking about the death of a man on the Hoan Bridge Tuesday, Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr. staked out his position on the proposal to add a bike lane on the elevated roadway: an emphatic no.
Clarke called it the "dumbest thing I ever heard" during a news conference.
"Bikes in heavy traffic is not a good mix," he said. "I don't care what kind of safety barrier you're going to put up."
State Sen. Chris Larson (D-Milwaukee) said the sheriff is wrong.
"He should probably get that foot-in-mouth disease checked out soon," Larson said. "He's commenting on something he doesn't know about."
Larson said there are numerous examples of safe routes, separated by barriers, on similar bridges. The Wonders Way Bike Path on the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge in South Carolina is one of them.
Neither Clarke nor a sheriff's representative spoke in August at the town hall meeting organized by elected officials and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to gather input on the prospects of a bike and pedestrian route on the bridge. The DOT is studying the cost and feasibility as part of its planning for a reconstruction of the bridge deck, expected to cost $275 million to $350 million.
A consultant's report on the bike lane is expected to be completed this fall.
Larson said he expects the report will say a bike and pedestrian path could be added to the Hoan safely and affordably.
Clarke made his comments about the bike lane proposal while discussing the death of Bobby E. Jiles, 39, who was hit by a car while tending to his disabled vehicle in a southbound traffic lane. The collision knocked Jiles off the bridge.
The roadway on the Hoan has been severely restricted during work to repair crumbling concrete on the roadway. With the emergency lane closed and the traffic tightened, motorists have little room to maneuver or check their vehicles if necessary.
48 Comments for "Sheriff Clarke makes it clear: no bike lane on the Hoan Bridge"
This needs to be addressed, where are the construction signs? reduced speed traffic signs? normal speed limit
signs are 50 mph,construction speeds should be posted at 40-45 max.Also who is determining the lane widths and configuration during the renovation maybe a few of the on ramps need to be closed to reduce congestion during renovation.And where are the squad cars enforcing the speed limits?We just went through a major reconstruction of the downtown loop and changes were made with great hardship to commuters during that
period and we now have a beautiful new highway infrastructure that's a real enhancement to the city .
Lets not put limitations on the future development and use of the Hoan Bridge lets make the prudent adjustments now during the renovation period to enforce laws and protect drivers.
The Hoan Bridge is not only a means to an end.I really wish people would see it as the architectural
lakefront landmark that it is rather than a fast north /south shortcut.Granted its not the Golden Gate or the Brooklyn Bridge but it is a very distinct Milwaukee landmark.Sure its roots are mired in its controversial development as a "bridge to nowhere" but it stands now as a wonderful opportunity for not just bridging the harbor and downtown with the south but as a Lakefront landmark structure that can be improved and developed for everyone's enjoyment.Adding night time lighting of the arches, a pedestrian and bike lane or walkway would only enhance this lakefront feature and allow for more enjoyment and appreciation of the bridge and lake views.Lets not be short sited,there are ways to have a safe multipurpose/use Lakefront bridge that could be enjoyed by riders,pedestrians and drivers,enhance the city's lakefront and give us a bridge to somewhere.
Responsive Oct 09, 2011 4:03 PM
Padraig Oct 14, 2011 12:16 PM
steveroberson54 Oct 28, 2011 2:41 PM