University Parks Trail Extension

Submitted by keith.webb on


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Check out the great progress being made on the University Parks Trail extension! This project was started a few years ago and is finally becoming reality with completion scheduled for end of May 2019 (weather permitting). This will take extend the trail westward to Silica Road. Thank you Lucas County and Toledo Metroparks!

To learn more about this project and the plans for further expansion of the U/P trail, CLICK HERE.

Intersection Improvements Benefit Cyclists

Submitted by keith.webb on


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Last August 2018, ODOT was resurfacing Central Avenue from King Road to US 23. During the milling process, a portion of Sequoia Road was included in the process, the "loop wire" that is used to detect vehicles was pulled from the roadway [click for photo]. The loop wire was replaced below the new pavement surface, so you could not see where the wire was located in the road to properly place your bike for detection. We reported this issue to ODOT and originally requested placement a "Bicycle Detector Pavement Marking" and signage.

In conversations with Dylan Foukes at ODOT, he mentioned that there was a project to improve several intersections along Central Avenue and while Sequoia Road was not originally part of the project, Dylan believed that the new technology being deployed would provide a better solution for cyclists and Sequoia was included. This intersection is particularly important to cyclists as it provides a pathway to the University Parks Trailhead.

The new sensors were installed on May 9 and are now fully functional after being programmed on May 15. Now you will not need to guess where to place your bike for the signal crossing, position in the center of the lane like any other vehicle. Many thanks to Dylan Foukes and the ODOT team in thinking forward about bicycle transportation! 

Now if you're a nerd like me, watch this short video to learn how the radar works, very cool!

Right Hook Prevention in Bike Lanes

Submitted by keith.webb on

Dear MOTORIST...this video is for you! If you do not know about right hooks, they are a leading cause of injury and death to cyclists, please watch this video! In the video, you will note dashed lines near the intersection to re-enforce merging into the bike lane. Note that some bike lanes may not have this feature but merging is still allowed. Thanks to ODOT for producing the video along with support from Cycling Savvy!

2019 Commuter Special Use Trail Permit Available

Submitted by keith.webb on

Special Use Permit

Get your 2019 pass today, they're free and allow 24/7 access to the trail for commuting!

Regional trails are used for commuting as well as recreation, fitness and enjoying nature. Because trail hours are the same as the Metroparks - 7 a.m. until dark every day of the year - it limits some commuters' options. For example, someone bicycling to work, school or church during open hours would be unable to return on the same trail after dark.  

For this reason, Metroparks Toledo issues special permits for after hours commuting on the University Parks Trail, Wabash Cannonball Trail and Chessie Cirlcle Trail.

Download an Application Form

Commuter permits can be attached to a bicycle to show that the commuter has received permission to use a trail for transportation during hours when the trail is closed.  The Blade published a story here.
 

Education through Creating Healthy Communities Program

Submitted by keith.webb on

We Are Traffic recently completed a project with the Lucas County Health Department through its' Creating Healthy Communities Program.

We held a Lunch N' Learn at Promedica Ebeid Institute on October 19th with an Educational Bike Ride the following day, with a goal of teaching participants "How to Ride Safely With Traffic". The classroom portion focused on law pertaining to bicyclists and motorist while the bike ride provided exposure to "real-world" examples of both good and bad infrastructure. We also introduced the GOHIO program that provides incentives for bicyclists and other who give up "single-occupancy vehicles".

The project also provided funding for new bike racks and a self-repair or "Fix-It" stand to be installed next to Promedica Market on the Green and Ebeid Institute.

There is a bike share station nearby that provides parking for bike share bikes. We hope to add bike racks near other stations to allow for routine bike parking for those who have their own ride! If you'd like to help as a volunteer or financially, please contact us!

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