… they are grudgingly providing paths and signs for pedestrians and cyclists.
East end of Columbia Pike: Last Thursday (19 September), the detour from Joyce St to Southgate up to Orme and thus Columbia Pike (by the Sheraton) was stopped (Jersey barriers) and I rode up the south sidewalk along the newly routed Columbia Pike from Joyce. At least part of the way. Around the Air Force memorial, the side walk disappeared and a lane with Jersey barriers was in place for a bit, then back to a sidewalk. There were no signs of any kind. At Orme, it was completely unclear what was the preferred (and safe?) route to head west on Columbia Pike. On Tuesday (24 September) it was mildly improved in that some of the lumpy asphalt areas were replaced with cement and a region with a sudden drop-off got a fence to avoid a fall. Still not clear that the sidewalk by the Sheraton was closed off until one cross Columbia pike and went over there and then had to cross back. There are fewer signs heading east bound on Columbia Pike – I ended up crossing the pike this morning (based on what I saw last night – not because any signs told me to do it) and taking the lane at the Queen intersection. So, progress made, but, as per usual, poorly signed and not smooth the whole way (including wooden ramps over water lines).
Army-Navy Drive: Slowly the protected bike lane is being installed (none yet open for use). The whole process with the new intersections has been poorly handled for pedestrians and cyclists using the sidewalks – corners suddenly closed and there may or may not be signs as to the safe way to cross and often that was very far out of the way; extremely lumpy and narrow temporary asphalt or dirt areas (wheel chairs and strollers cannot easily traverse). I am curious how the crossings for cars leaving the parking structures or other lots will be handled when done. I can already see cars just pulling into the bike lanes to wait for a turn and do not imagine that improving significantly later given how I see cars ignore bike lanes all over the county (or worse – enter the bike lane like it is an access road – or park in it, as I have seen done in Ballston).
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