This is a reprint of an Email the Dyson’s sent to City Manager Dave Kennedy and Loveland Magazine after they read our Editorial: No public input sought on new one-lane asphalt road that will cozy within feet of the front doors of homes and businesses in the W. Loveland Historic District and L. Madeira Rd. The Dyson’s own a home and business on West Loveland Avenue.
by Deirdre and Richard Dyson,
The concept of taking a 12ft swath off of North side of West Loveland Avenue is totally appalling and preposterous! As long-time residents of Loveland we have touted for years the following “solution” to the traffic flow and cyclist problems on West Loveland Avenue, but never had any feedback.
In desperation again, please consider the following:
West Loveland Avenue, between Loveland Madeira Road and the bridge over the Little Miami is currently 4-lanes wide. It could easily be three lanes wide with the center lane being used for a much needed left turn lane at Riverside Drive and also at Wall Street. That would open up the width of an entire lane for bicycles. All that would be needed then is re-striping: with a half lane on the curbside (in each direction ) which would serve as the dedicated bike lanes on the north and south sides of West Loveland Avenue and continuing over the bridge.
Benefits: NO CONSTRUCTION required. NO claiming of property from owners. Confusing and Often dangerous last-minute lane changes, particularly at Wall Street, would be eliminated. Traffic on West Loveland Avenue would calm down (Drivers really hit the gas pedal pulling away from the bridge and West Loveland Avenue intersection.) Pedestrians would be further away from traffic. Congestion at the West Loveland Avenue and Riverside Drive intersection would be relieved.
For the Loveland Madeira Road section, a similar approach could be adopted. We suggest an analytic viewing of and study of traffic patterns developed on Montgomery Road, South of Bethesda North Hospital. It could apply in a similar manner all down Loveland Madeira Road, and EVEN accommodate a pretty landscaped center strip between left turn areas.!! Think how THAT would upgrade L/M Rd!!
Note: As drivers, we are always surprised how well the Montgomery traffic plan works, ie: that one lane with turn signals flows better than two. Please give these ideas serious consideration. They are offered up with genuine concern for the betterment of the city.
Sincerely Deirdre and Richard Dyson
Put a parking lot off of 48 near the tracks. Get on bike trail the back way that runs along the river. I don’t know the name of the street . It is between the tracks and Butterworth off of 48
Thank you Dierdre and Richard for presenting such a well thought out option! I don’t agree with all aspects of it, but I think it is critical that the city take advantage of as many different perspectives and ideas from the people who should count as most important – the residents of Loveland!!
I would like to suggest that the city take a “time out” from jumping to solutions. Instead, council needs to back up and establish what, exactly, is the problem that needs to be solved. Then they should tell us the process for brainstorming possible solutions and why a proposal was developed for some but not others. They also need to explain how exactly the proposed “solution” will actually mitigate the problem they perceive to exist.
Kim, I understand what you are saying, but the reality is that bicyclists have the right to share the road with motor vehicles. They also have the responsibility to follow all the laws that we follow. As someone who lives at the edge of town I can tell you that riding the back roads is NOT safer. Many back roads are narrow (no shoulder), winding, and hilly, and the speed limits are much higher. This all contributes to reduced visibility and increased stopping times. It’s not really an either/or, though; bicyclists who want to get to the bike trail are not going to toodle around on scenic back roads. They need to take city streets if they don’t park right near the trail.
See what can happen when there’s public input?
Sure hope the decision makers are listening.
Good on ya, Deirdre and Richard.
IMO For the safety of bicyclists & motorists, Bicyclist’s need to stay off the main roads as much as possible.
Riding the back roads is not only safer but more scenic as well. NO new construction needed.