Three weeks ago, three bicyclists were fatally injured after being struck by cars while riding on Boise streets. In an article dated June 12, the Idaho Statesman reported that Fairview Avenue was among the worst intersections in Boise for cyclist safety. I took to my Twitter account and asked the Ada County Highway District (@ACHD), “What are you (and my taxes) doing about it?”
Quite frankly, I didn’t expect a response. I posted the tweet as more of a rant to spur discussion among other tweeters. I’ve done it (mostly in vain) to seek responses regarding bullying, role models, and in my personal life – coupons. I rarely receive re-tweets, responses, or any other sign that my tweet has been read by anyone outside of my husband or co-workers.
A few days after the “What are you…doing” tweet, I received a Twitter direct message from Robbie Johnson, the ACHD public relations spokesperson, saying, “Hi, I do plan to get back to you on this. A little complex for Twitter.”
Here’s the gem of this story (and a bit of a digression from cycling itself).
About six years ago, I sold shoes at a local boutique to make money while in college. I vividly remember helping Robbie Johnson choose a comfortable pair of shoes that would help her in her job as news anchor for Fox 12. I was star struck, I’m afraid. At the time, I thought people in the media must have been the most intellectual human beings on earth (I’ll have to share my views on that in another blog entry) so understandably, I was in awe of her incredibly down-to-earth, off-screen personality. I never forgot the opportunity I had to sell her the two pairs of practical lace-up shoes in black and brown leather. In short, she gave me some hope that even normal people could work for a news agency. I later went to work for the Idaho Statesman.
Needless to say, after receiving her reply, I felt a bit sheepish for calling out ACHD in my tweet. But I sent her my email address anyway. A few days later she emailed me. I am attaching the letter for anyone who cares to read it because it explains in great detail why cycling along Fairview is a bad idea. You’ll notice that Robbie took the time to contact someone within her organization to offer an alternate route for me.
I believe in customer service. And I believe that Robbie has gone above and beyond in her willingness to not only set the record straight with regard to Fairview Avenue, but to be a truly genuine human being. I hope this serves as an example to everyone who reads this – first impressions can truly make a difference. After all – the person who is selling shoes, or ringing up groceries, or offering any other service, well, they just might end up blogging about you one day.
The text from Robbie’s email is below:
Thanks for contacting me by email. We also had an ACHD Commissioner recently wonder about Fairview also.
You are right, it is not very bike friendly along Fairview. As you have surely noticed, there is a high number of access points (driveways), turning conflicts and high street volume (the number of motor vehicles) on Fairview. This does not make it conducive for encouraging bicycling at this time, which is why there are no bike lanes.
However, ACHD traffic staff analyzed Fairview for bike lanes and concluded that there is room for bike lanes on Fairview between Orchard and Milwaukee except at the Milwaukee and Curtis intersections. However, adding bike lanes is more complicated than simply painting the bike lanes, so there are no immediate plans for this.
However, long term, because Fairview Avenue between Orchard Street in Boise and Linder Road in Meridian has some of the top accident locations in Idaho and hundreds of those driveway accesses to businesses, ACHD is looking to help improve the road by considering access management measures.
ACHD is considering raised medians, half-mile signal spacing, and the relocating of some driveways. Over time left turns may be limited on Fairview after medians are constructed. Motorists will be allowed to make u-turns at signals and between median openings when possible, making it safer and quicker to access businesses. Redesigning, combining and relocating some driveways will also improve traffic flow and safety, plus create easier access. Changes will happen as needed for safety and as redevelopment occurs. This could also make it safer for bicyclists, and looking at bike lanes is part of the access management process.
In the meantime, our traffic department recommends that you use Emerald and Pine and Milwaukee to get to and from work by bike. It is a little out of the way, but these roads do have bike lanes for the most part. The map link below shows the bike lanes. Pine does connect through now to where you need to go. Let me know if this helps and if you have questions.
Bike map: http://www.achd.ada.id.us/PDF/BikewayFacilitiesMapJan09.pdf
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