Category: Uncategorized

If you have suggestions or ideas on how to improve the bikeway (trails, paths, lanes, routes, etc.) system in Grand Forks/East Grand Forks, you can make these suggestions online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ggfbikeway.  I have copied the form below so you can see the questions, but you need to go to the link to fill out the real one.

It appears that you can only fill in the form once on the same computer, but maybe clearing your cookies will allow you to make additional suggestions.  I believe you can also contact Kim Greendahl (Greenway Specialist for the city of Grand Forks) with your thoughts.

Meeting on Kennedy Bridge set for July 17

From the Grand Forks/East Grand Forks Metropolitan Planning Organization: Plans are now set for the first round of Kennedy Bridge public information meetings. The meetings will be from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17, at two locations:

   

     Grand Forks City Hall (Council Chambers)

     255 N 4th Street, Grand Forks, ND

     East Grand Forks Campbell Library (Tech Room)

     422 4th Street NW, East Grand Forks, MN

This is a change from prior information, which proposed July 16.  The format will be open house style with display boards and project staff to answer questions. There will also be two short presentations during the evening: one at 5:30 and again at 6:30 p.m. —  

Earl T. Haugen, Executive Director, GF-EGF MPO, 701.746.2660

via Jan Orvik

So much for riding your bicycle to the fair:

Bicycle Trail Closure Notice: The bicycle trail behind Gateway Drive will be closed from North Columbia Road to South Washington Street June 24 – 30. This closure is to accommodate events being held at the Grand Forks County Fair.

Bicycle and pedestrian traffic will be rerouted to the sidewalks on either side of Gateway Drive.

 Furthermore, why are we routing bicycle traffic onto the sidewalks?

Just took a moment to Google my one peer-reviewed article, and learned that it was cited in the Supplementary Online Material to Chapter 3 of Knaust and Bromley’s (2012) “Trace Fossils as Indicators of Sedimentary Environments.”  It really is the little things in life that keep you going sometimes.

(Unfortunately, neither Knaust nor Bromley are on ResearchGate, which means I can’t tag their book as citing mine, but I’ll survive.)

If you’re interested in having input into the future of rail in Grand Forks and how it will affect complete streets, please check out these topics at Engage the Forks:
– While planning for future freight rail access in the Grand Forks and East Grand Forks area, what are the key issues you believe should be considered?
– Along existing railroad tracks, where do you think the best site or sites would be for improved freight rail access in the Grand Forks and East Grand Forks area?

Hope to have more updates on this.

UPDATE:  Jason has an idea at http://www.engagetheforks.com/key-issues-in-freight-railway-access-planning/move-rail-yard-to-industrial-park

It’s been a while since I’ve put out an explicit call for other bloggers, so here it is!  This blog needs some fresh blood, new insights, and careful commentary on the state of the streets in the Grand Forks area.

To be clear:  You do not have to agree with me, with the complete streets movement, or with anything that has been previously posted.  If you live here, you have a valid viewpoint.

Drop a comment if you’re interested.  You’ll need a Gmail address to be able to post.  Post once or several times a week, it’s up to you.

-Matt

source

If you predominantly drive, you might take offense at stickers that say “One Less Car,” but that shouldn’t be the case.  “One Less Car” isn’t a comment on whether you should drive or not, or whether cars are good or bad.  Although reeking of smugness (and it is smug), it’s not being smug at your expense; think of it rather as someone saying “I’m doing my part, how about helping me out?”

For drivers, “One Less Car” means:

• One less car between you and your destination
• One less car to wait for at the next stoplight
• One less car circling the parking lot and slowing you down
• One less car using fuel and driving up the price for everyone else
• One less car that can hit your kids as they cross the street

What makes me most sad about unthinking motorists is… If only they would think.

When I ride my bike, they’re not stuck behind a car. And when I divest of my car, because options like public transit, car sharing, Citi Bike and better biking/walking infrastructure… Well, that’s one fewer car competing for the alternate side free parking.

If only they would think.

If I were car dependent, I’d be falling all over myself to get my neighbors out of cars. More parking and less traffic for me!

Fewer cars on the road means happier people.  “One Less Car” means a better community.