Fanno Creek Path where a short connector tees into Bel Aire not far
south of Denney. This barrier that extends almost halfway across the
path is a recently installed wheelchair ramp. The ramp extends 5 feet
into the 12 foot wide path and has no reflective material.
The ramp should have been
built by cutting into rather than extending from the end of the
existing sidewalk. It would have been cut in if it led across a
legitimate road.
Many paths have no curb cut where they intersect roads. This one is 3
inches above road level. Many are 6 inches above road level. This is
meant to add safety by forcing cyclists on paths to stop at roads. It
actually reduces safety by adding to the time it takes to cross the
road or to turn onto the road. It also forces cyclists who want to turn
from the road onto the path to dismount in the road and lift the bike
up the curb. This extra step adds time and reduces safety in the
turning movement.