Flashing bike trail lights installed
Driving down the steep hill on Trafalgar between lakes Ann and Brittany a few days ago, Shawki Al-Madhoun was shocked to see the newly installed bike trail crossing warning lights start flashing.
The flashing lights — installed around Bella Vista as part of the mountain bike trail system — are designed to warn motorists someone may be crossing the street.
“It flashed and scared the hell out of me,” Al-Madhoun told city staff and fellow members of the Planning Commission during a work session on Thursday. “When it started flashing I start- ed to panic. I was hoping to God that a cyclist decided to not cross right in front of me.”
Chris Suneson, director of Community Development Services, noted that cars coming down the hill can reach 50 mph.
He added that the cyclists are supposed to stop at the crossings
to ensure it’s safe.
“I was right on it. That’s why I panicked,” Al-Madhoun said. “I really hoped they didn’t cross in front of me.”
Asked by Suneson if someone crossed after he went past, Al-Madhoun said he had no idea because it happened so fast.
Planning Commission Chairman Daniel Ellis suggested that installing a tunnel crossing would be appropriate at that location.
Suneson said others have been talking about a tunnel crossing for Riordan Road, too.
Planners also discussed maintenance of the trail system.
Over time, Suneson said, the trails will become wider because of use. Two groups have been riding the newly installed trails to perform maintenance, including keeping the weeds whacked down. He noted that the trails are for walking, too. Walkers need to be aware of riders approaching and move off the trail, which are typically narrow.
Commissioner Don Robinson said that on most trails there’s no way two bikes could pass in opposite directions. That's why there are one-way signs, Suneson said.
“I don’t think people will want to hike into some of those areas,” Suneson said. “I would have difficulty riding my bike through there — I could barely fit a tire on (tiny lips of rock). I can’t imagine trying to hike that.”
He noted there are beautiful areas that few people have ever seen before because residents rarely venture onto the common-property ravines behind their homes. He predicted they going to be amazed.
City communications director Cassi Lapp said that one area of remarkable beauty is a bluff by Lake Ann.
“That’s going to be a popular place,” Lapp said. “It’s a family-friendly loop. It’ll be day hike, have lunch under the bluff. It’s beautiful.”
In official business, commissioners:
• Examined a proposed lot split for land between Commonwealth Road and Jack Crabtree Road. The owners want to split the parcel into two tracts — one with frontage only on Commonwealth, the other only on Jack Crabtree. This item has been previously reviewed by commissioners.
• Heard Suneson’s proposal to expand the city Street Department building by 700 feet to allow for indoor storage of new tires, erection of a 4,500-square-foot, three-sided and roofed structure for equipment storage, construction of a 7,200-square-foot building to hold sand and salt, a 2,000-square-foot building for use as evidence storage for police, and a 1,000-square-foot fenced area for use as an impound area for the Police Department.
The next Planning Commission meeting is at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 8 in City Hall.
The next Board of Construction Appeals meeting is at 3 p.m. Aug. 9 in City Hall.
The next Board of Zoning Adjustment meeting is on Aug. 26, with location and time to be determined.
The next work session is at 4:30 p.m. Sept. 1 in City Hall.