The Missing Link is coming to Uptown Charlotte, and it’s going to change the way you cross the sea of cars on a bike. This missing link isn’t some part of our ancestral past, but an opportunity for YOU to have have a say in the future of a legacy project.
Right now, Uptown has 34 continuous lanes for cars crossing east to west between two major natural “boundaries” — Irwin Creek to the west, and Little Sugar Creek to the east. These two creeks and the ridge in between have been credited (or blamed, depending on whom you talk to) for giving Uptown its crazy diagonal grid of streets, and even its nickname — “Uptown” vs. “Downtown.” Currently, there is no dedicated bike path across that ridge, between the two greenways that follow the creeks.
That’s going to change. After a successful pilot program last year, the city is designing a dedicated bike lane — called a “cycle track” or “separated bike lane” — along 6th Street, and a few blocks of 5th street. This will allow two-way bike traffic to safely cross the ridge and uptown traffic.
“It’s to provide a safe connection through Uptown and connect the greenways,” says Will Washam, Bicycle Program Coordinator for the Charlotte Department of Transportation. Harmonizing the flow of bikes, cars, and pedestrians has been a hot topic at CDOT for the last few years as more and more people look for convenient, efficient, alternative routes to get around. Crossing safely from one commuting route along greenways in and out of Uptown to the other has always been a big question for cyclists — a “Missing Link” in the evolution of bike commuting in Charlotte, so to speak.
Each street through Uptown was evaluated for its potential as a bike route, and 6th Street emerged as the best choice, says Washam. Traffic lanes, sidewalks, and on-street parking were considerations when choosing the route, as well as which street could handle a reduced volume of cars with the least impact. Washam says planners didn’t want to sacrifice sidewalk space, which is heavily used by a high volume of pedestrians in Uptown, as compared to other parts of town. Some on-street parking will go away. But now that planners have decided where, the next consideration is “How?”
“The biggest question will be, “what does the separation look like?'” says Washam about the separated bike lane. “Safety and aesthetics are big considerations.”
Washam says the lane will be protected from traffic with full concrete barriers, often called “Jersey barriers,” in some spots, and permanent plastic pylons in others, depending how much space is available on the street. Decorative concrete planters or concrete parking bumpers could also be incorporated, along with street markings, painted lanes, and special traffic signals just for the bike lanes to keep them safe from cars at intersections.
Here’s where you come in: On July 31st, the city will have “pop-up” stops where you can check out the proposed design for the separated bike lanes. Like a busy bike commuter, the pop-ups will move around to different parts of Uptown during the day so everyone can get a chance to weigh in. Here’s the schedule:
8 – 9:30 a.m. Gateway Village Promenade
10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Trade & Tryon (Marriott side)
2 p.m. – 4 p.m. 4th Ward Park (6th Street near Poplar)
4:30 – 5:30 p.m. 7th Street Market
6 – 7:30 p.m. BB&T Ballpark Centerfield Entrance (4th & Mint)
One more perk: If you ride your bike to the Knights game that night, July 31st, you will get a voucher for $4 off your ticket to the game, and free bike valet from Charlotte BCycle. There’s never been a better reason to ride your bike to the Knights game.
And soon, you won’t find a good reason NOT to break out the bike and ride to — and across — Uptown for work, food, and fun. How’s that for progress?
