Jones Beach bike path extension
09-29-20, 05:55 AM
#26
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You know, maybe if someone invented, you know, "a thing", to make the numbnut on the aero bar slow down at the crossing point........like, some hump or irregularity in the pavement, something a bit bump-ish......I wonder if that's ever been done before, anywhere where excessive speed might be an issue. Hmmm. You know, a thing.
09-29-20, 06:10 AM
#27
Full Member
You know, maybe if someone invented, you know, "a thing", to make the numbnut on the aero bar slow down at the crossing point........like, some hump or irregularity in the pavement, something a bit bump-ish......I wonder if that's ever been done before, anywhere where excessive speed might be an issue. Hmmm. You know, a thing.
09-29-20, 06:44 AM
#28
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You know, maybe if someone invented, you know, "a thing", to make the numbnut on the aero bar slow down at the crossing point........like, some hump or irregularity in the pavement, something a bit bump-ish......I wonder if that's ever been done before, anywhere where excessive speed might be an issue. Hmmm. You know, a thing.
The only problem with your suggestion is that they'll put in those narrow rubber ones without thinking about it and those are rough to hit at any speed rather then a gentle one that is nice at anything below 10mph.
09-29-20, 03:36 PM
#29
Senior Member
They didn't just start holding it up now. They've been holding it up for months. As we approach Election Day without a newsworthy "incident" so far, the stakes become even greater.
Last edited by Papa Tom; 09-29-20 at 03:39 PM.
09-29-20, 03:39 PM
#30
Senior Member
You know, maybe if someone invented, you know, "a thing", to make the numbnut on the aero bar slow down at the crossing point........like, some hump or irregularity in the pavement, something a bit bump-ish......I wonder if that's ever been done before, anywhere where excessive speed might be an issue. Hmmm. You know, a thing.
09-29-20, 05:01 PM
#31
Senior Member
I've never heard of an election influenced by a theoretical traffic "incident". I'm not seeing those "stakes".
09-29-20, 05:05 PM
#32
Senior Member
09-29-20, 05:41 PM
#33
Senior Member
In this particular case, I think the Town has a valid concern, although you and I know that it will probably only take one season for cyclists and drivers to get used to the new traffic flow at TOBAY's entrance. Every elected official, however, is keenly aware of how little it takes to destroy a political reputation and nobody wants to risk losing an election because one cyclist gets his or her Tour De France on, blows through the crossway, and ends up in the hospital or in a box. That's just how it is. You don't have to like it (I sure don't), but it's the system we have come to accept over many generations.
I think your idea of a speed bump is an excellent one, and my guess is that none of the members of the Town Board are even aware that speed bumps CAN be installed on bike paths. They are not cyclists, do not understand cycling, and are understandably concerned with protecting their livelihoods against reckless behavior, which you and I also know "happens" among some bicyclists.
09-30-20, 04:34 PM
#34
Senior Member
It's good to know you have such a keen feel for the inner workings of Town politics after working "in government". Let me ask, how exactly is the Town holding up the opening of this path, as it is a NY State project? Have they asked for an injunction, or filed a lawsuit? Pardon me if my legal terms are inappropriate, as I'm neither a lawyer or politician.
09-30-20, 05:47 PM
#35
Senior Member
It's good to know you have such a keen feel for the inner workings of Town politics after working "in government". Let me ask, how exactly is the Town holding up the opening of this path, as it is a NY State project? Have they asked for an injunction, or filed a lawsuit? Pardon me if my legal terms are inappropriate, as I'm neither a lawyer or politician.
My "keen feel for the inner workings of town politics" comes from being around these people every day for the past ten years, including working side-by-side with them as a sound man, sitting in on meetings with them, working on their campaigns, and yes, sanitizing their toilets. I can tell you with absolute certainty that not all people in politics are in it to make sure you and I have an awesome bike path - and those who are also have to expend a lot of energy making sure they keep their elected positions so that they can finish the projects they start.
While I am often frustrated by the actions of the people I work for, in this case, I can understand their concerns about the crossing at TOBAY and, particularly, how it might affect them in an election year. I want to ride to Captree before COVID or a civil war kills me, too, but I can tell you from experience and unofficial hearsay that there's an excellent chance the supervisors of Oyster Bay and Babylon have asked the governor of NY State (or whichever NYS official has the final call on the bikeway extension) to hold off on the opening until after the elections. And I would guess that the governor, who has enjoyed several months of being a hero to many, didn't need to have his arm twisted. I do not believe there was an injunction or a lawsuit, just a handshake.
Now, whether any further modifications will be considered before opening, I don't know. We are in a pandemic and the townships and the state are bleeding money right now, so I wouldn't expect any major structural changes anytime soon. What you will probably have is a soft opening much later in the fall so that the extension isn't in full use until April or May of next year. At that point, it will be old news and the average person will assume it has been there as long as Ocean Parkway itself. Then, once the extension is no longer front-page worthy, if, God forbid, someone gets injured, it will be pretty well ignored and the papers will deflect the fault to the cyclist, as they usually do. But that's another conversation.
Have I clarified my initial comments yet, or do you just want to keep bashing me?
10-01-20, 05:44 AM
#36
Senior Member
[QUOTE=Papa Tom;21721763.....Have I clarified my initial comments yet, or do you just want to keep bashing me?[/QUOTE]
Not bashing you. Bashing the Town. You've said you have an insiders knowledge of what's going on there, so I asked.
Not bashing you. Bashing the Town. You've said you have an insiders knowledge of what's going on there, so I asked.
10-01-20, 09:20 AM
#37
Full Member
I made a few calls to the NYS Dept of Transportation Wednesday. I got a call back today,one of the holdups is awaiting for railings to be put in, due to Covid, progress has been slowed down in that regard. Also signage and pavement markings have to be put in then a inspection of the completed project. When I mentioned the possible concerns regarding the TOBAY& Gilgo entrances, he said he was aware of the concern but that wast holding the project up. I mentioned the Kaos Joe’s idea of speed bumps and pointed out the approximately half dozen crossings by the Massapequa Bike path, where cars and cyclists meet and as far has I knew there have been no issues. He said the contractual completion date is 3/28/21& he hoped it would be completed earlier. The Dept of Trans. web site lists the Estimated Substantial Completion Date as 12/28/20. (That means when the public would have use of the project.
10-01-20, 11:11 AM
#38
Senior Member
Justtrying,
Thank you for taking the time and effort to get some actual facts into this discussion. It appears my "bashing" of the Town of Oyster Bay might have been uncalled for as it was based on hearsay, innuendo, rumor and assumption.
Thank you for taking the time and effort to get some actual facts into this discussion. It appears my "bashing" of the Town of Oyster Bay might have been uncalled for as it was based on hearsay, innuendo, rumor and assumption.
10-01-20, 11:33 AM
#39
Full Member
👍Glad to do it. I was pleasantly surprised when I got a call back this morning
10-01-20, 11:59 AM
#40
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Joe: I am certainly not bragging about my job "in government," as I am on the lowest rung of the ladder. Today, I sanitized toilets and tables for three hours. It's not what I was hired for, but I am glad to have a job at this time.
My "keen feel for the inner workings of town politics" comes from being around these people every day for the past ten years, including working side-by-side with them as a sound man, sitting in on meetings with them, working on their campaigns, and yes, sanitizing their toilets. I can tell you with absolute certainty that not all people in politics are in it to make sure you and I have an awesome bike path - and those who are also have to expend a lot of energy making sure they keep their elected positions so that they can finish the projects they start.
While I am often frustrated by the actions of the people I work for, in this case, I can understand their concerns about the crossing at TOBAY and, particularly, how it might affect them in an election year. I want to ride to Captree before COVID or a civil war kills me, too, but I can tell you from experience and unofficial hearsay that there's an excellent chance the supervisors of Oyster Bay and Babylon have asked the governor of NY State (or whichever NYS official has the final call on the bikeway extension) to hold off on the opening until after the elections. And I would guess that the governor, who has enjoyed several months of being a hero to many, didn't need to have his arm twisted. I do not believe there was an injunction or a lawsuit, just a handshake.
Now, whether any further modifications will be considered before opening, I don't know. We are in a pandemic and the townships and the state are bleeding money right now, so I wouldn't expect any major structural changes anytime soon. What you will probably have is a soft opening much later in the fall so that the extension isn't in full use until April or May of next year. At that point, it will be old news and the average person will assume it has been there as long as Ocean Parkway itself. Then, once the extension is no longer front-page worthy, if, God forbid, someone gets injured, it will be pretty well ignored and the papers will deflect the fault to the cyclist, as they usually do. But that's another conversation.
Have I clarified my initial comments yet, or do you just want to keep bashing me?
My "keen feel for the inner workings of town politics" comes from being around these people every day for the past ten years, including working side-by-side with them as a sound man, sitting in on meetings with them, working on their campaigns, and yes, sanitizing their toilets. I can tell you with absolute certainty that not all people in politics are in it to make sure you and I have an awesome bike path - and those who are also have to expend a lot of energy making sure they keep their elected positions so that they can finish the projects they start.
While I am often frustrated by the actions of the people I work for, in this case, I can understand their concerns about the crossing at TOBAY and, particularly, how it might affect them in an election year. I want to ride to Captree before COVID or a civil war kills me, too, but I can tell you from experience and unofficial hearsay that there's an excellent chance the supervisors of Oyster Bay and Babylon have asked the governor of NY State (or whichever NYS official has the final call on the bikeway extension) to hold off on the opening until after the elections. And I would guess that the governor, who has enjoyed several months of being a hero to many, didn't need to have his arm twisted. I do not believe there was an injunction or a lawsuit, just a handshake.
Now, whether any further modifications will be considered before opening, I don't know. We are in a pandemic and the townships and the state are bleeding money right now, so I wouldn't expect any major structural changes anytime soon. What you will probably have is a soft opening much later in the fall so that the extension isn't in full use until April or May of next year. At that point, it will be old news and the average person will assume it has been there as long as Ocean Parkway itself. Then, once the extension is no longer front-page worthy, if, God forbid, someone gets injured, it will be pretty well ignored and the papers will deflect the fault to the cyclist, as they usually do. But that's another conversation.
Have I clarified my initial comments yet, or do you just want to keep bashing me?
10-01-20, 03:05 PM
#41
Senior Member
10-01-20, 03:59 PM
#42
Full Member
I wasn’t criticizing you or doubting your opinion, I simply reported what the representative of the NYS Dept. of Trans. stated to me and what the project progress report stated. Either way the finish date most optimistically from their report is late Dec.
10-01-20, 06:58 PM
#43
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What they need to do is cut the growth back 30-50 feet back so people on the path and cars on the road can see each other with more than a 5 foot warning. They also need speed humps at the Clark crossing and speed humps and 20mph speed limit signs at the circle. Cars come off the Bethpage parkway doing 60+ and make the right to the club house and pass the crossing and never slowing down.
The officials need to go to each crossing on a Saturday and stay there for 30 minutes to see the amount of traffic on the path and the speed cars cross the path at.
10-02-20, 07:26 AM
#44
Full Member
I've seen numerous close calls at Clark and the traffic circle.Last year I notice the addition of 2 cameras mounted on a telephone pole at the Clark crossing and this year noticed a wire mounted camera looking north on the path at Clark.
What they need to do is cut the growth back 30-50 feet back so people on the path and cars on the road can see each other with more than a 5 foot warning. They also need speed humps at the Clark crossing and speed humps and 20mph speed limit signs at the circle. Cars come off the Bethpage parkway doing 60+ and make the right to the club house and pass the crossing and never slowing down.
The officials need to go to each crossing on a Saturday and stay there for 30 minutes to see the amount of traffic on the path and the speed cars cross the path at.
What they need to do is cut the growth back 30-50 feet back so people on the path and cars on the road can see each other with more than a 5 foot warning. They also need speed humps at the Clark crossing and speed humps and 20mph speed limit signs at the circle. Cars come off the Bethpage parkway doing 60+ and make the right to the club house and pass the crossing and never slowing down.
The officials need to go to each crossing on a Saturday and stay there for 30 minutes to see the amount of traffic on the path and the speed cars cross the path at.
10-02-20, 08:53 AM
#45
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And FWIW, I just saw on the CLIMB FB page that an older gentleman on a bike was struck yesterday where the BP path crosses Old Bethpage Rd. Didn’t seem to be too serious and for all we know, cyclists/car collisions are more common than we know at these crossings.
10-02-20, 09:14 AM
#46
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A 30mph sign along with a series of speed humps well before will make it a lot safer.
10-11-20, 05:59 PM
#47
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Great comment! I (allegedly) may or may not have ridden the trail in it's entirety several times recently. They DEFINATELY are putting in railings by Oak Beach, they have about half of them in. The path is cleaned and pre-marked for pavement striping from about Cedar Beach east.
Regarding the Tobay/Gilgo/Cedar crossings, I get asking for bicycle speed bumps - what about car speed bumps as well?
It is a beautiful path, 10.2 miles east from Tobay. It DOES get windy, though!
Regarding the Tobay/Gilgo/Cedar crossings, I get asking for bicycle speed bumps - what about car speed bumps as well?
It is a beautiful path, 10.2 miles east from Tobay. It DOES get windy, though!
06-06-22, 07:16 PM
#48
Senior Member
I thought I'd take a chance and reanimate this old thread to ask the latest news of this bike path. Does anyone know if there are any plans to extend it farther now, say across the bridge to Fire Island?
06-06-22, 07:19 PM
#49
Senior Member
Oh, boy! NOW you've opened a can of worms!!!!
Seriously, EVERY CYCLIST wants this to happen, but it appears motorists and residents of the towns at both ends are set against it for some reason. I'm sure others on this forum can elaborate better than I can, though.
Seriously, EVERY CYCLIST wants this to happen, but it appears motorists and residents of the towns at both ends are set against it for some reason. I'm sure others on this forum can elaborate better than I can, though.
06-06-22, 07:54 PM
#50
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Only noise I've seen from cycling groups is getting a lane built to the mainland. That would essentially either require adding a separate path onto the bridge structure (very unlikely), or changing the northbound 3rd lane to a protected cycling lane. The State DOT has not offered any opinion that I've heard about, so its really off in the future is my guess. Ive heard zip about extending down to the barrier beach, which I understand is problematic as it means the auto traffic would lose one of its two lanes on the Captree to RM bridge and I would seriously doubt the DOT would do that.