Extending the Skyway and Bike Share in Jax's Future?

[Metro Jacksonville]

Extending the Skyway and Bike Share in Jax's Future?



A look at the Jacksonville Transportation Authority's (JTA) 2014 TIGER Discretionary Grant application to bring a bike sharing system to the urban core while extending the Skyway to Brooklyn.

Read More: http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2014-may-extending-the-skyway-and-bike-share-in-jaxs-future

[Josh]

So compared to last year's proposal, the extension would be shorter and include a less-extravagant station, but will include a bike-sharing component and trainset overhaul (the largest expense)? I would like to see the extension a block or two deeper into Brooklyn as I'm assuming this extension will forever be the terminus for that line. Does two years of construction time sound about right for that kind of buildout?

I'm not too crazy about the bike-sharing component. What else could you get for $1.5M in regards to improving bikeability in the Brooklyn and Downtown areas?

[thelakelander]

The extension is the same length and plan that was included in last year's TIGER grant application.

[fieldafm]

I would like to see the extension a block or two deeper into Brooklyn

A two block extension would probably almost double the cost with very little benefit.

I'm not too crazy about the bike-sharing component.

The bike sharing extends connectivity into all of the In-Town neighborhoods surrounding downtown. Studying systems in much smaller (and larger) cities with far less bicycle infrastructure than Jax reveals that bike share can be very successful in Jacksonville if implemented properly.  In fact, a system planner from one of the bike share companies that recently visited Jax said quote "Jacksonville has one of the most impressive collections of urban neighborhoods in the entire southeast." 

I think this is taken for granted way too much by Jaxsons.

[Tacachale]

The plan looks solid to me. As with anything, implementation will be key.

[jaxjaguar]

While any sort of extension in that direction will be beneficial, I really hope they allow it to be expandable. A station at the old fire station (end of forest street) and running it up forest and down park a little to 5 Points would greatly benefit from an extension. You would get people willing to ride from crowded 5 points into the core that way.

[thelakelander]

There are no plans to extend the Skyway south of I-95. There, you'll most likely be looking at the implementation of another system, such as streetcar, BRT, etc.

[finehoe]

I think this is taken for granted way too much by Jaxsons.

I don't think it's taken for granted, I think it's ignored.

[thelakelander]

In fact, a system planner from one of the bike share companies that recently visited Jax said quote "Jacksonville has one of the most impressive collections of urban neighborhoods in the entire southeast." 

I think this is taken for granted way too much by Jaxsons.

This was a key factor in my decision to turn down a couple of job offers in other cities, in favor of moving to Jax. The collection of urban neighborhoods reminded me more of older Midwestern and Northeast cities, moreso than the typical sunbelt sprawler.

[JeffreyS]

In fact, a system planner from one of the bike share companies that recently visited Jax said quote "Jacksonville has one of the most impressive collections of urban neighborhoods in the entire southeast." 

I think this is taken for granted way too much by Jaxsons.

Truth!!!, people have no idea that in terms of scale Riverside stands alone in the USA for a historic neighborhood.  I think they get San Marco but are skeptical of Springfield and oblivious to St. Nicholas and Durkeeville.

[cline]

There are no plans to extend the Skyway south of I-95. There, you'll most likely be looking at the implementation of another system, such as streetcar, BRT, etc.

Actually, the TPO's 2040 LRTP Draft Needs Plan has the Skyway being extended into 5 Points.  I have no idea why this was included in the plan- it is not realistic.

[thelakelander]

Yeah, the Needs Plan has a lot of unrealistic ideas thrown into it. Basically, if some entity/individual suggested a project, it got tossed in. Most of that stuff won't be in the actual cost feasible plan.

[cline]

Yeah, the Needs Plan has a lot of unrealistic ideas thrown into it. Basically, if some entity/individual suggested a project, it got tossed in. Most will that stuff won't be in the actual cost feasible plan.

True.  It is concerning though that this extension was thrown in there since streetcar is also in the Plan for that leg so they would be duplicating routes.  Last plan, streetcar was carried through all the way to the cost feasible plan. This draft needs plan was released before any public meetings were held for comment-which is odd. At any rate I hope the application is successful.

*Edit- Actually I just looked and the routes are not duplicated.  Street car picks up in 5 points.  But still, skyway to 5 points is pure fiction.  Street car could be a reality- that needs to be changed I think.

[tufsu1]

^ and not to "de-rail" this thread, but the LRTP Needs Plan has one streetcar line in the Riverside area and another in the San Marco area.  They are not connected, meaning two separate trolley barrns/maintenance facilities will be needed.  Unless of course the big plan is to run the streetcar up onto the Skyway tracks.

[fsujax]

Good grant. Hope it comes through this time. I do remember the guy from one of the bike share vendors saying how impressed he was with Jax. He thought it was better for bike sharing than Orlando or Tampa.