Cedar Rapids Transportation open house

 

Outside the hall: Mighty machines

City employees and others highlighted a variety of initiatives at the Corridor MPO's Transportation Open House held Thursday afternoon at New Bo City Market south of downtown. Attendees had opportunities to ask questions and express reactions. 

For the record, I said (1) I was most excited about the completion of the CeMar Trail, which is expected some time this summer. It will dramatically shorten the distance between the two downtowns, and make cycle commuting to and from Marion a reasonable proposition. (2) What is missing is a mix of housing near the city center. With the core surrounded by a ring of emptiness, businesses must rely on customers who may choose to drive there. Accommodating them requires acres of parking that wastes space and kills vibe. 

I've made these points any number of times, but hey, I'm always ready with the answers whenever anyone asks!

Just before the start, the scene at the Market

There was news of upcoming trail initiatives, including the start of a long-anticipated interurban trail to Mount Vernon.

Map showing the planned first stage of Interurban Trail

Veo was there, represented by the affable but camera-shy Tom. 

Veo display, with swag but without Tom

I said I was noticing the Veo trucks around more often of late, and there were fewer scooters seen lying about. He verified that they have improved their operations. While all in on scooters, though, they are working with the city to donate their e-bikes that were rolled out (ha ha!) with great fanfare during Bike to Work Week in 2019. Guess they didn't work out.

There were some pictures of possible green installations at our new elementary schools, related to a grant the city is pursuing.

Options for green schoolyards

I couldn't choose... I like them all! I did notice at Trailside Elementary last fall that while the CeMar Trail runs adjacent to the school, it is difficult to access the school from the trail without crossing auto traffic. I'd like to see some kind of spur that goes directly to this bike rack...

bike rack, Trailside Elementary School

...but I don't care much which kind of spur.

There were displays about anaerobic digesters, the Lightline bridge and other Greenway projects, and even the Police Department. (I got to gripe that on the northwest side, the Greenway will abut the casino complex rather than a neighborhood with homes and shops.) 

There were also informational flyers, including...

...the Bike to Work Week schedule! I am ensured fun will be had by all. Unlike last year, I'll be here for the whole thing, and it's a cause near and dear to my heart.

The upshot of the Open House is that there's a lot going on in the city, and thankfully the energy and flow of ideas have not been constrained by the chaos at the national level. I hope they got lots of good feedback.

Me on a Veo scooter (photo by Tom)