The purpose of this blog is to document events and compile information related to the Patuxent Branch Trail Extension, T7107.

The Patuxent Branch Trail Extension is a proposed initiative to install a 10 foot wide multi-use pathway along the sewer line adjacent to the Little Patxuent River from downtown Columbia to Savage Park. This 2.8 mile paved trail will travel through the neighborhood of Allview Estates.

The trail extension is part of the Connecting Columbia Action Agenda and is coordinated by the Columbia Association in partnership with the County's Master Bicycle Plan initiative.

Friday, February 8, 2013

An alternative to the proposed trail



 ALTERNATIVE
PATUXENT TRAIL EXTENSION

AN ALTERNATIVE TO BUILDING A PATH ON THE EXISTING SEWER LINE BEHIND THE HOMES OF ALLVIEW ESTATES

MATTHEW HOFFMAN
AACA PRESIDENT
(ALLVIEW AREA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION)

WHY THIS ALTERNATIVE?

  1.  It would be cheaper and easier to build.
  2.  It would be more visible for Columbia.
  3.  It would be less likely to traffic crime.
  4.  It would not infringe upon the privacy of Allview Estates residents.
 Click on photos below to enlarge.
 


...And Columbia will have a less costly, more visible, direct path that runs adjacent to the lakes, the libraries, and this would already have existing trails leading directly to Columbia villages.
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2 comments:

  1. Ian KennedyFebruary 22, 2013 at 9:46 AM

    Can you substantiate any of the claims you make above? I'm open to improving pedestrian and cycling access along Broken Land Parkway, but before you push this alternative, I'd recommend taking a walk along the existing sidewalk/pathway that runs along Broken Land from Cradlerock to Stevens Forest. It's narrow and there is no buffer between walkers/riders and the cars going 50+ mph. It's not exactly the most welcoming pathway (and I say this as someone who doesn't mind cycling in traffic).

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    Replies
    1. Emily @ The Diligent OneFebruary 22, 2013 at 10:07 AM

      Ian, thank you so much for your comment. As I am sure you noticed, the presentation above was prepared by Matt Hoffman, so while I might not be the best person to substantiate the claims, I am certainly willing. 1- Cheaper/easier to build: this is pretty obvious. We're talking about widening an existing pathway vs constructing a new one in a FEMA high risk flood plain. 2- More visible: a pathway running adjacent to a major roadway is more visible than one running through the woods. 3- Less likely to traffic crime: I guess time would tell on this one, but I imagine that crime and visibility are probably associated. 4- Not infringing upon the privacy of Allview residents: again, this is pretty self explanatory.

      Ian, I think you and I share concern for the safety of cyclists along Brokenland Parkway. Please remember that neither I nor Matt proposed to leave the existing sidewalk as is. We agree that it can and should be enhanced to meet the goals of the initiative! Thanks again for visiting!

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