News

April 28, 2010

Cyclist starts drive for city bike lanes

Mayor says city currently planning Rails to Trails program, which may include bike paths.

By Bill O'Boyle boboyle@timesleader.com
Times Leader Staff Writer
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WILKES-BARRE – Bikers want a safe path through the downtown.

Albert Martino, a 25-year-old city resident, rides his bike daily to and from work and he is circulating petitions to have bike/pedestrian lanes throughout the downtown.

“Motorists are extremely impatient with bikers,” Martino said. “They honk their horns and that could create a dangerous situation.”

Martino said establishing bike lanes would be “proactive” and would prevent incidents.

“It’s time to give everyone their space,” Martino said. “I hope people embrace this idea by signing the petitions.”

Martino has posted the petition on his website – bikewb.org – and people can go there and sign.

The petition states: “In addition to curbing environmental pollution and traffic congestion, the implementation of bicycle/pedestrian lanes throughout downtown Wilkes-Barre would help ensure the safety of both motorists and pedestrians alike. Increased foot traffic would help deter crime on city streets, and most importantly, help local businesses generate revenue. We believe this is truly the next step in establishing Wilkes-Barre as a cutting edge city to both live and work. The purpose of this petition is to allow your voice to be heard. Now’s your chance to be counted, and most importantly, help make a difference in our city.”

Martino’s a partner in an Internet marketing company – Inverted Gravity – on Waller Street. The petition was placed online Monday, and so far nearly 20 people have signed it. Martino said he will be distributing the petitions this weekend at local bike stores and in downtown businesses.

“I guess I’ll start out on Public Square and fan out from there,” he said.

Mayor Tom Leighton said Wilkes-Barre is currently in the planning process of a Rails to Trails program with the Pennsylvania Environmental Council that may include bike paths.

“We’re exploring our options, but we are always looking to make our community safer and healthier for our citizens,” Leighton said.

Greg Barrouk, the city’s economic development coordinator, said the PEC plan would include walking and biking paths where feasible.

“The plan should be back to us soon – within the next two months,” Barrouk said. “A lot of roads in the city are just too narrow. We will be labeling certain routes as bike routes and we will install proper signage.”

Barrouk said the city applauds Martino’s efforts.

“It’s definitely a good cause,” Barrouk said. “And we are trying to do what we can to make the city bike and pedestrian friendly.”

Barrouk noted that the city will install bike racks throughout the city as part of Phase IV of the $7.7 million Streetscape Enhancement Project.

Martino said people on bikes are more apt to patronize downtown businesses.

“If you’re in a car, it can be tricky getting around downtown because of the congestion,” he said.

Martino said the main issue is safety – for bikers, pedestrians and drivers.

Rich Adams has owned and operated Around Town Bicycles on North Main Street for six years. He said bike lanes are needed in the city.

Adams, 37, recently wrote a letter to the editor that detailed why he thinks a bike lane is needed.

“All metropolitan areas have bicycle lanes,” Adams wrote. “Most crop up on new construction and in downtown business districts. Other lanes are used in crowded areas or scenic bi-ways.”

Adams recommends a bike lane begin at Academy and South Franklin streets, then head north to King’s College where it would turn right onto Union Street, continue to Washington Street, turn right again and return south, terminating at Ross Street.

“It could connect both colleges – King’s College and Wilkes University – and would be a great first step in creating a bicycle-friendly atmosphere in Wilkes-Barre and the Wyoming Valley,” Adams said. “The problem is roads are narrow and the sides of roads are in poor condition.”

Adams said cyclists, finally able to ride in the recent warm weather, “suddenly feel their lives are in danger as drivers zoom past, honking their horns as their cars’ side-view mirrors brush cyclists wind jackets.”

“Cyclists are just trying to ride their bikes,” he said. “Motorists need to understand it is their right to be on the road. And with this right comes responsibility.”

He said cyclists also need to follow the rules of the road.

Bill O’Boyle, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 829-7218.

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