Statements on Mt. Royal bike lane from Fred Lazarus (MICA) and Jamie Kendrick (DOT)

Full text of the statement The Brew received Feb. 1 from MICA president Fred Lazarus IV:

Thank you for your email concerning designated bike lanes on Mt. Royal Avenue.
For many years, MICA has been working to make changes on Mount Royal Avenue to reduce traffic, reduce the speed of traffic, and enhance the safety of pedestrians. In recent years as the use of bikes has increased, we have made bike safety one of our top priorities. In fact, the safety of everyone who uses Mount Royal is one of our highest concerns. Unfortunately, MICA faculty and students have been hit by cars; in fact, one of our students was killed by a speeding driver. In addition, cyclists have also been victims. Our goal is to find solutions that result in the increased safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

From your email, there seems to be misperceptions about MICA’s position and my role in the effort to change the traffic patterns on Mount Royal. A few years ago we began working with the City of Baltimore’s Transportation Department to make a number of changes that would address all of our concerns on Mount Royal. For instance, some of the changes in the design of the intersections have already been completed, and these changes already are making the pedestrians crossings safer.

From the start, we have asked the City and traffic engineers about bike safety issues. They, like MICA, are working for solutions that make the street safer for pedestrians and cyclists. Michael Molla, our Vice President for Operations, a major advocate for cyclists, has been leading this dialog with the City and will be working with the Student Voice Association (SVA) on campus at MICA, which has also raised this issue. The SVA is scheduling a meeting with all who are concerned. We would like to discuss the issues regarding a bike share lane and hear the thoughts of all who are concerned.

I have also attached a statement from the City on these issues so you are aware of their perspective, as well.

Thanks for taking time to raise this issue with me.

Sincerely,
Fred Lazarus
______________________________________________________________

The email we received from Lazarus included a copy of this emailed statement from Jamie Kendrick, deputy director, Baltimore Department of Transportation:

From: “Kendrick, Jamie”
To: “Cole, William” , “Fred Lazarus”
Cc: “Ngongang, Theo” Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:07:36 -0500
Subject: DOT Response, re: Mt. Royal Avenue
Please feel free to share with those who inquire of you…

Thank you for your inquiry and comments regarding the Midtown (Mt. Royal Avenue) Roadway Improvement Project. This project is currently in the engineering phase where final decisions are being made regarding the number of traffic lanes, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, parking availability, street trees and furniture, etc. We value the input of all stakeholders and have been working closely with a committee representing the University of Baltimore, Maryland Institute College of Art, the Lyric, affected community organizations and others to develop the best plan that meets the needs of all roadway users.

The adopted Resolution of the Mayor and City Council requires that the Department of Transportation “plan for, design, and construct all new City transportation improvement projects to provide appropriate accommodations for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, motorists, and persons of all abilities, while promoting safe operation for all users. This can be accomplished through the incorporation of construction elements such as special bus lanes, transit stops, improved pedestrian street crossings, median islands, accessible pedestrian signals, curb extensions, sidewalks, ADA compliant ramps, and bike lanes.”

We further look to industry guidance such as that of the National Safe Streets Coalition which provides that “there is no singular design prescription for Complete Streets; each one is unique and responds to its community context.” Given the many competing interests from various users of and along Mt. Royal Avenue, the Department of Transportation must gauge these interests. We agree that there is a strong need to incorporate bicycle facilities in the project. MICA and University of Baltimore, in particular, generate significant bicycle traffic. These destinations will also be part of the initial Charm City Bikeshare system. When the final design is completed, we are confident that appropriate bicycle accommodations will be included which will encourage more residents and commuters to choose cycling as a safe transportation option.

– Jamie Kendrick, deputy director, Baltimore City Department of Transportation