Backbone Network, Valley Edition, and Mihai on KPCC

Jeremy Grant, one of the members of the Bike Working Group Steering Committee, just released the Valley Area map for the Backbone Network. I highly recommend going over there and reading his post, because he gives some good visuals of how we put the network together, and has some interesting comments on it.  Also, because he’s posted the map, and I ain’t postin it till later!

Also, my HULK-like co-blogger, Mihai, will be on KPCC tomorrow on the Pat Morrison show, getting interviewed about he Backbone Network.  The show is from 1pm-3pm, but Mihai says he’ll probably be on sometime between 1:20 and 1:40.  Looks like NBC may be in on some interview action for Mihai too.

I really like getting Jeremy’s perspective on the Backbone Network.  I love this part:

Taking a hint from our past transportation history in Los Angeles, a “freeway” system similar to that used by cars should be implemented for bicycles to facilitate longer trips. While motorists are presented with an easy to use and efficient route for longer distances, cyclists have had to deal with a zig-zag, mish-mash of dead-end bike lanes, inadequate lane markings and poor signage.

and I also love how he wrapped up:

The advantage of a powerful system such as this is that it provides transportation improvements for all level of road users. Sure, it will enhance the bicyclist’s experience; but, it will also mitigate the difficulty of sharing the road with motorists and pedestrians resulting in a safer road atmosphere for everyone.

but the real gems are in his recalling how we put these things together (and of course, they’re not final, but they’re finally out there!)  For those comments, and for a look at the map,  you gotta visit his blog.