The first thing to know about the Woodmont Ave cycle track is that it is a pilot project. This means that the City of Montgomery is testing out this new type of bicycle infrastructure on a small section of Woodmont Avenue to see if it is something that could be implemented on a larger scale in the future. The cycle track is located on the south side of Woodmont Avenue, between Dexter Avenue and Perry Street. It is a two-way facility that is separated from traffic by curbs, planters, and parked cars. The cycle track is open to all bicyclists, but it is especially beneficial for those who are new to bicycling or are not comfortable riding in traffic.
The second thing to know about the Woodmont Ave cycle track is that it is not yet complete. The City of Montgomery still has some work to do before the track can open to the public. Once finished, the Woodmont Ave cycle track will be a great addition to the city’s bicycle infrastructure and will provide bicyclists with a safe and convenient way to get around Montgomery.
Benefits of Installing a Cycle Track
A cycle track is a designated lane for cyclists that is separated from vehicle traffic by a physical barrier. Cycle tracks can provide many benefits to cyclists, including a feeling of safety and security while cycling. Additionally, cycle tracks can help to reduce the number of cyclist-vehicle collisions, as well as the severity of such collisions. Moreover, cycle tracks can increase the visibility of cyclists to other road users and can therefore help to make cycling a more appealing mode of transportation.
Options for Designing a Cycle Track on Woodmont Ave
The Woodmont Avenue cycle track is a proposed on-street, two-way protected bike lane that would run along the eastern side of Woodmont Avenue between Battery Lane and East-West Highway. The cycle track would be approximately 5 feet wide and would be separated from traffic by a 2-foot buffer zone. There would also be a 5-foot wide sidewalk on the east side of Woodmont Avenue.
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) has released three options for the design of the cycle track. Option 1 would maintain on-street parking along the entire length of the cycle track. Option 2 would remove on-street parking on the northbound side of Woodmont Avenue between East West Highway andBattery Lane, and would shift southbound parking to the west side of Woodmont Avenue between those two streets. Under Option 3, on-street parking would be removed on both sides of Woodmont Avenue between East West Highway and Battery Lane.
MCDOT is currently seeking public input on these three options. Visit their website to learn more and take their survey:
Maintaining On-Street Parking
Under this option, on-street parking would be maintained along the entire length of the proposed cycle track. This option would require narrowing travel lanes to 10 feet in order to accommodate the 5-foot wide bike lane and 2-foot buffer zone. Some cyclists may feel unsafe riding next to fast moving traffic, especially since there would
Potential Challenges to Installing a Cycle Track
There are a few potential challenges that come with installing a cycle track. First, it can be expensive. The cost of building and maintaining a cycle track can be significant, and there is always the possibility that it may not be used as much as hoped. Second, there is the issue of right-of-way. In order to install a cycle track, some space must be taken away from cars, buses, or other vehicles. This can often be difficult to do, especially in urban areas where space is limited. Finally, there is the question of safety. Although cycle tracks are designed to be safe for cyclists, there is always the chance that something could go wrong.
Existing Examples of Cycle Tracks Around the World
There are many examples of successful cycle tracks around the world that have been implemented in a variety of different ways. One such example is the Hovenring in Eindhoven, Netherlands. The Hovenring is a suspended cycle track that goes over a busy intersection, providing safe passage for cyclists while also freeing up space on the ground for other vehicles. Another example is the Cykelslangen, or “bike snake”, in Copenhagen, Denmark. This elevated cycle track weaves in and out of buildings, providing a direct and convenient route for cyclists while keeping them separated from pedestrians.
These are just two examples of many innovative and effective cycle tracks that have been built in cities around the world. By looking at these existing examples, it is clear that there are numerous ways to design and build cycle tracks that can be tailored to fit the needs of any given city.
Cost Estimates for Building a Cycle Track on Woodmont Ave
The cost of building a cycle track on Woodmont Ave will vary depending on the materials used and the length of the track. A rough estimate for a basic track would be between $50,000 and $100,000. For a more elaborate track with features such as lighting and signage, the cost could rise to $250,000 or more. Funding for such projects can come from a variety of sources, including government grants, private donations, and corporate sponsorships.
Conclusion
The Woodmont Ave cycle track is an essential resource for cyclists and pedestrians alike, providing a safe and convenient method of travel throughout the neighbourhood. With three different options to choose from, there is sure to be something that works for everyone’s needs. Whether you are looking to increase safety on your daily commute or just want more recreational cycling opportunities, the Woodmont Ave cycle track has it all! We hope this article has provided some insight into the various options available and helped you make an informed decision about which cycle track best suits your needs.
Pingback: Cycle Tracks: A Sustainable Transportation Solution - Cycle Moco