ScaleDown Radio, January 26, 2009
Have you ever wondered exactly why it is that you can’t ride your bike from Windsor to Detroit? Ever think of the financial implications of this void in our transportation strategy?
So did we!
Today, Andrew and I welcomed Todd Scott, Detroit Greenways Coordinator with the Michigan Trails and Greenway Alliance and on-line Michigan cycling resource m-bike.org to discuss the what is happening north of the border when it comes to cycling and how their plans can integrate with ours closer to home. His group recently got together with our own Windsor Bicycling Commitee to discuss these possibilities, and we were joined by Ward 3 councillor Alan Halberstadt in the second half of the show to discuss these opportunities. Todd also alluded to the Non-Motorized Masterplan recently adopted by Detroit city council (click here for a video). To say this piqued our interest would be an understatement.
Could you imagine hopping on your bike and heading off to Baker’s Keyboard Lounge in the D for an evening of great jazz? Hopefully this dream comes closer to fruition after this conversation, because how much more attractive would the city of Windsor be if this were to come true?.
So tune in and join this conversation!
PS: I mentioned the Witold Rybczynski event hosted by the Humanities Research Group on the air today. Click here for details of what promises to be a great evening.
Music:
Enjoy!
Want to download it instead and listen to it at your leisure? Click here.
ScaleDown Radio is broadcast live every Monday from noon until 1:00 on CJAM 91.5 FM, redefining radio in Windsor and Detroit.
Tags: Alternative Transportation, commuting, detroit, place making, ScaleDown Radio
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Peace Bridge Pedestrian/Bicyclist Crossing Information
Pedestrians and bicyclists may cross the
Peace Bridge at any time toll free
The Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority strives to make your pedestrian and bicycle crossing experience safe and efficient. Therefore, there are several guidelines that you should follow:
-Pedestrians and bicyclists are required to carry the same identification as if you were traveling by automobile. Canadian and U.S. residents should carry a valid passport or in the absence of a passport a driver’s license or other picture identification issued by a federal, state, provincial, county, territory, or municipal authority together with a birth certificate. Travelers other than Canadian and U.S. citizens click here for identification requirements or for admissibility into Canada read the fact sheet called Managing Access to Canada.
-Whether traveling to Canada or to the United States you must use the south (closest to the lake) sidewalk.
-Bicycles must be walked across the bridge.
-From Canada to the United States:
You can access the bridge south sidewalk from Mather Arch Park. After crossing the bridge it is mandatory that you proceed to Door #1 (follow the sidewalk) for inspection. At that time you will be asked to present your identification and declare any goods you are bringing into the country
-From the United States to Canada:
To get to the south sidewalk you should cross the traffic plaza from the U.S. Duty Free parking lot using the crosswalk in front of the automobile inspection lanes. There is a pedestrian crossing button for your use to control the traffic signal. After crossing the bridge into Canada, at the end of the sidewalk follow the signs and use the tunnel to cross to the north sidewalk – DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CROSS TRAFFIC. Proceed down the sidewalk to the building entrance marked “Pedestrians/Bicycles” for inspection. At that time you will be asked to present your identification and declare any goods you are bringing into the country.
Chris, I think, the economic impacts are bigger than just cycling tourism. Integrating our transportation system with Detroit (and yes this includes pedestrian/cycling/and public transit) is critical to our greater economic success.
If we ignore borders and look at Windsor and Detroit as one; besides Windsor being Ontario’s other major metropolis and Canada’s most important gateway, we are also Canada’s only affordable metropolitan area.
METRO AREAPOPULATION (MIL) AFFORDABILITY HOUSE PRICE INCOME
Vancouver, BC 2.1 Severely Unaffordable (8.4) $492,600 $58,400
Toronto, ON 5.1 Seriously Unaffordable (4.8) $324,700 $67,100
Calgary, AB 1.1 Seriously Unaffordable (4.8) $366,200 $75,800
Montreal, QC 3.6 Seriously Unaffordable (4.6) $229,900 $49,800
Edmonton, AB 1.0 Seriously Unaffordable (4.2) $292,100 $69,700
Ottawa-Gatineau, ON-QC 1.1 Moderately Unaffordable (3.4) $236,700 $69,500
Windsor, ON 1.1* Affordable (2.3) $143,600 $62,300
* (Population includes City of Detroit and City of Windsor)
So, let’s continue to communicate this point to potential new businesses and residents but let’s also not repeat the errors of Detroit. Let’s discourage inefficient sprawl and adopt smart growth strategies.
If we our trying to position our city as a metropolitan city it is absolutely unacceptable that there is no pedestrian/cyclist crossing to Detroit.
Opps here is the figures.
METRO AREA(POP) AFFORDABILITY HOUSE PRICE INCOME
Vancouver (2.1mil) Severely Unaffordable (8.4) $492,600 $58,400
Toronto (5.1mil) Seriously Unaffordable (4.8) $324,700 $67,100
Calgary (1.1mil) Seriously Unaffordable (4.8) $366,200 $75,800
Montreal (3.6mil) Seriously Unaffordable (4.6) $229,900 $49,800
Edmonton (1.0mil) Seriously Unaffordable (4.2) $292,100 $69,700
Ottawa-Gat. (1.1mil) Moderately Unaffordable (3.4) $236,700 $69,500
Windsor (1.1mil*) Affordable (2.3) $143,600 $62,300
* (Population includes City of Detroit and City of Windsor)