Jones Point

[Bruce Dwyer]

A lot of folks have been involved in the Jones Point design.  Ruth has
replaced Chan (who has moved to the Telegraph Rd. Panel) on the Jones Point
Panel.  The city staff has been heavily involved in the design, thus Bruce
has been involved as a Park and Rec. Commissioner.  This Monday, the city
side of the equation is having a meeting to review the 65% design.  Ruth and
I would like to hear from you with respect to the bicycle aspects. Our last
position was that we favored a major route for the path to go through the
woods at the end of Union street to connect to a decking that would go over
the wetlands before skirting Hunting Towers around where South St. is now.
I  heard in May that the Park Service had changed their position to favor
the current route for the bike path.  We had said that of most importance
was that the if the path went along the river that it had to be very wide or
that bikes had to be separated from walkers.  This is the reason that we
favored the path through the woods.  My personal opinion is that the our
position should be that we believe strongly that bikes and pedestrians need
to be separated in this area where there will be a lot of conflict if the
park is heavily used.  This could be on a path through the woods or on by a
well designed path along the river.  While I do not agree with the local
residents that the path through the woods would intrude on their privacy, I
do not think that this is an issue of importance to the bike community. We
should just be in favor of safety and convenience for bicyclists and
pedestrians, which could be accommodated be either path.  Please let Ruth
and I know what you thoughts are on this issue.  Anything you can provide
prior to Monday evening would be appreciated.
Thanks