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(07-21-2016, 06:49 AM)Pheidippides Wrote: [ -> ]Some vegetation was ripped out at the end of York where it meets the Iron Horse, perhaps to make the transition easily, safer, and more visible?

I recall seeing a billboard on that orphan end of York St. for the designer/developer "Neo", adjacent to an apparently small and odd lot presently occupied by a shed. This enterprise has done / is doing some interesting new builds on eccentric lots. Is it possible they are clearing for construction?
(07-21-2016, 07:54 AM)Pheidippides Wrote: [ -> ]Canard, this is where York terminates at the IHT:

Ahh - I ride by that all the time (I love the IHT/SLiT!), but never look right there! Smile
(07-20-2016, 04:12 PM)danbrotherston Wrote: [ -> ]a) What criteria is used to select which trails to repave.  The pavement on that section was in decent shape (although it was in need of a patch or two, which Waterloo seems like they don't do on trails), as compared with the mostly unpaved section to the south, and the very degraded pavement to the north.

Which very degraded pavement to the north? The trail was also recently repaved from Northfield to Benjamin.

I would also like the part through the environmental reserve to remain unpaved, but I don't know how likely that is.

(07-20-2016, 04:12 PM)danbrotherston Wrote: [ -> ]Additionally, it seems as though many trail boulevard aprons are being rebuilt.  Does anyone know if there were designs on this, if the designs will better accommodate cyclists with either crossrides or elimination of curbs?  Or is this just for ADA pads.

I don't know for sure, but it looks like it's just for the pads.
(07-21-2016, 10:18 AM)timc Wrote: [ -> ]
(07-20-2016, 04:12 PM)danbrotherston Wrote: [ -> ]a) What criteria is used to select which trails to repave.  The pavement on that section was in decent shape (although it was in need of a patch or two, which Waterloo seems like they don't do on trails), as compared with the mostly unpaved section to the south, and the very degraded pavement to the north.

Which very degraded pavement to the north? The trail was also recently repaved from Northfield to Benjamin.

I would also like the part through the environmental reserve to remain unpaved, but I don't know how likely that is.

(07-20-2016, 04:12 PM)danbrotherston Wrote: [ -> ]Additionally, it seems as though many trail boulevard aprons are being rebuilt.  Does anyone know if there were designs on this, if the designs will better accommodate cyclists with either crossrides or elimination of curbs?  Or is this just for ADA pads.

I don't know for sure, but it looks like it's just for the pads.


The trail from Northfield to Benjamin is what I was referring to, I'm glad to hear it was also repaved at least, as it was quite degraded.

Generally I think all trails in the city which have any transportation use should be paved, the one through the environmental reserve, I'd make an exception for on account of there are paved alternatives to using it.


I guess point B was most of my disappointment.

As for crossings, that is my guess as well.  As a cyclist, that's disappointing.  But even ignoring that, there are plenty of trails in the city entirely missing curb cuts and aprons.
(07-21-2016, 10:18 AM)timc Wrote: [ -> ]The trail was also recently repaved from Northfield to Benjamin.

As we're talking about this section of trail, I think the stop signs at the entrance to Laurel Creek should be removed. The trail should have priority the same as a sidewalk would. The park exit has a stop sign already and drivers entering the park have enough space between the road and trail to stop if necessary, so they won't be holding up traffic. The trail stop signs are just adding confusion. Am I missing something that makes them necessary?

Who is the best person to contact to ask about this?
(07-21-2016, 11:53 AM)highlander Wrote: [ -> ]
(07-21-2016, 10:18 AM)timc Wrote: [ -> ]The trail was also recently repaved from Northfield to Benjamin.

As we're talking about this section of trail, I think the stop signs at the entrance to Laurel Creek should be removed. The trail should have priority the same as a sidewalk would. The park exit has a stop sign already and drivers entering the park have enough space between the road and trail to stop if necessary, so they won't be holding up traffic. The trail stop signs are just adding confusion. Am I missing something that makes them necessary?

Who is the best person to contact to ask about this?

I entirely agree, but I doubt anyone is willing to make any efforts in this regard.  Quite frankly, there doesn't seem to be a decent design guide adopted by the city for how trails should intersect driveways or roads.  Until there is, seems like this is the type of thing we will be living with.

If you want to press the issue, definitely call the city councilor.
(07-21-2016, 10:06 AM)eizenstriet Wrote: [ -> ]
(07-21-2016, 06:49 AM)Pheidippides Wrote: [ -> ]Some vegetation was ripped out at the end of York where it meets the Iron Horse, perhaps to make the transition easily, safer, and more visible?

I recall seeing a billboard on that orphan end of York St. for the designer/developer "Neo", adjacent to an apparently small and odd lot presently occupied by a shed. This enterprise has done / is doing some interesting new builds on eccentric lots. Is it possible they are clearing for construction?

It looks like just clearing for visibility. As of this afternoon there were just a huge amount angular rocks (much bigger than gravel) dumped where the vegetation was up to the level of the travel (so not fine enough of low enough to be a base for paving).
(07-21-2016, 05:53 AM)Canard Wrote: [ -> ]Trucks? If you mean ion construction vehicles, I've never seen any driving down the Laurel Trail.. The only thing I do see driving with 4 wheels on it is the occasional golf cart from the university.

Yes, I meant the various Ion construction vehicles.
Very surprised to hear they were doing that. But yeah, as they're now "done" and have evacuated the storage lot there at the kink in the road by R&T Park station, I guess they (GrandLinq) were probably the ones who fixed up the trail.
It must be the heat - a 28 year old Waterloo man was arrested yesterday for allegedly attacking and injuring a cyclist with his car.

http://www.570news.com/2016/07/23/road-r...nd-injury/
I think the with the car part is what needs highlighting in that statement.
(07-23-2016, 09:58 AM)danbrotherston Wrote: [ -> ]I think the with the car part is what needs highlighting in that statement.

It is outrageous and bizarre.  Just as bad, assuming he were convicted, he'll eventually be allowed back behind the wheel of a vehicle.
What makes you think they won't be given a lifetime ban on obtaining a driving licence?
(07-23-2016, 10:43 AM)Canard Wrote: [ -> ]What makes you think they won't be given a lifetime ban on obtaining a driving licence?


That is exceedingly rare, is it not? 

By the way, sorry for the off-topic - this story should have gone into the cycling thread.
I don't know if it's rare or not - I'm just saying maybe the news isn't reporting the whole thing. I doubt anyone who does something that severe would get off with a $200 fine and a "don't do that again! Here are your keys, bye!".