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— Path OPENED 10/30/2020 —
The South Mountain Freeway, the last and final portion of loop SR202, was constructed atop what was Pecos Road, in the Ahwatukee area of the city of Phoenix.
Although some form of path was seemingly promised as long ago as 2010, that was all seemingly forgotten by 2015 when preparations for the construction of the freeway were reaching final planning stages.
A group of local cyclists banded together, most notably the Pecos Action Group led by Joe Struttman, was well as Bob Beane of the Coalition, along with other stakeholders including elected officials from both the city and state to cause a shared use path to be built; and not just any path but a 20 foot wide asphalt path suitable for higher-speed cycling. Curves, bends, and dips were eliminated, which also has the side-effect of making the path all-weather; it will not flood in low spots during normal storms. Commitments were made finally in 2017 that this path would actually be constructed:
Shared Use Path running along the southern side of the 202- The final design will be completed shortly with direction to make it compatible with high speed bicycle use. This facility will be the first of its kind in the nation and is expected to bring cycling enthusiast from all around the state to our community. This started as an idea and has now transformed into what could be the first cycling park of this kind in the nation thanks to the collaboration of this group.
The path is approximately six miles long, spanning from 40th Street to 17th Avenue. Access the path from any of the following: 40th St, 32nd St, 24th St. Desert Foothills Parkway, or 17th Avenue. The path is runs along the south side of the freeway; to the south of the path lies the Gila River Indian Community; and offers great views of the Estrella Mountains to the west
The freeway connects the communities of Ahwatukee (and the east Valley) to Laveen (and the west Valley). Unfortunately, there are no feasible routes for bicyclists to commute between the two; it’s an effective dead end at 17th Avenue. The Coalition requested ADOT to evaluate a small section (between 17th Ave and Vee Quiva Way) in 2016, years before the freeway was opened. They inexplicably never conducted this evaluation; after over three years of waiting, in 2020 ADOT finally issued a written determination that does not follow their own policy and is arbitrary. We await an actual evaluation and decision based on facts and in keeping with their own policy. Until then, ADOT will continue to deny bicyclists the advantages and economic opportunities that access to this multi-billion dollar project — funded primarily from sales taxes — provides the motoring public.
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See news item: ahwatukee.com: Remaining SM Freeway pieces opening Oct.19
…Both the interchange and the multi-use path have a long history that took a long time to iron out as the former was an off-again on-again component and the multi-use path the result of persistent lobbying by the high-speed bicycling enthusiasts.
For years, bicyclists across the Valley flocked to Pecos Road, which was considered a premiere training facility where they could cruise up and down hills while reaching speeds of up to 40 mph for stretches between traffic lights.
But it was a far from perfect place for cycling, given that motorists reached hit higher speeds. Two cyclists were killed in 2004 and 2014.
Cycling community leader Joe Struttmann saw the imminent disappearance of Pecos Road to make way for the freeway as a perfect opportunity to build a safe path for cyclists that would be the first of its kind in the country – and far safer than Pecos Road…
In late summer of 2010, the Verde Valley Cyclists Coalition celebrated the completion of the “Red Rock Road” project on Highway 179 between Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek. This was a monumental project, in that bicycling advocacy had secured bike lanes and other bicycle-friendly features on this route [editor’s note: the city of Sedona has recently been awarded LAB bicycle friendly silver status]. A small, but vocal and constructive, group of bicycling advocates made a huge impact on the outcome of this roadway re-design. Ian Wickson, Doug Copp, Randy Victory, Daniel Paduchowski, Thomas McGoldrick and a handful of other bicyclists/advocates were responsible for shaping this project in a way that has benefited thousands of bike riders in the years since this roadway was reconfigured and reconstructed.
The Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists was invited to participate in the celebration, and we subsequently co-wrote a cover article for the League of American Bicyclists’ magazine, highlighting this achievement for 30,000+ readers. Our former VP, Dennis Dempsey, captured some of the celebratory riding in a video that we are happy to share with you leading up to the 5th anniversary of the project’s completion…enjoy!!! And, please be an advocate for cycling and/or financially support those who are working on your behalf to make Arizona a more safe and enjoyable place to ride a bike. Every donation of time or financial assistance does matter.
Thank you!
Here’s the 2010 video made for the opening celebration:
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| CAzBike pres. Bob Beane |
Bob is the Coalition’s President.
The Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists began in 1991 with a dream of developing an effective statewide bicycling advocacy organization/network in Arizona. When we consider that meant developing a functioning team across geography the size of New England, with 45% of New England’s population, this was no small task. Early on, the founders expanded the group to include members from metro-Phoenix and metro-Tucson. In more recent years, the CAzB built a leadership team that included advocates from Kingman and the Verde Valley. In 2014, the group expanded further to add board and advisory board members from Yuma and Flagstaff, and we have assisted and/or worked with advocates in Sierra Vista, Green Valley, Prescott and Casa Grande.
As we continue to broaden and strengthen the team, we are finding more ways to make a difference for bicyclists in Arizona. Here are a few examples of programs in progress or on the docket for 2015:
Other projects on the horizon include continued involvement in the ADOT bicycle-related safety plan and ongoing programs where bicyclist input is needed. Also, at least three new bicycle parks are being built between 2014-2015 (Mesa, Sedona and Flagstaff), and the Maricopa Association of Governments is in the design stage of a project to brand and sign the network of canal paths throughout metro-Phoenix. Great strides are being made in Yuma to revitalize bicycling there, including nearly monthly recreational events and a return of the North End Classic road race…Articles for IMBA and the LAB are planned to help promote these positive developments. There are “bicycle friendly” applications to review, infrastructure project rankings to do, and so much more.
So much is going on, and so many opportunities exist, that the CAzB leadership has come to the conclusion that we are primarily constrained by volunteer/member resources. That leads us to the final goal I’ll discuss for 2015: more resources. Please take a few minutes to visit our Facebook page (hopefully, you’ll “like” us while you are there) and our web site at www.cazbike.org. Also, please consider becoming a member and/or making a donation of time or financial assistance. We are a 501 c 3 non-profit organization. All of us are volunteers, and many work long hours for nothing more than the satisfaction of knowing that we are helping Arizona become a better, more safe place to ride a bicycle. Thanks for your time!
Bob Beane, President
Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists
It was a lovely November afternoon on Aunt Chilada’s patio… thanks to all of those who came out for the meeting!
BOARD ELECTIONS
Over the past year, Mary Kay Black, and Sheryl Keeme have resigned their board seats — the Coalition wishes to thank them for their service.
The entire existing slate of directors was re-elected; and in addition two new directors, Lloyd Thomas, and Warren Smock, were elected.
In addition, the following volunteered and were appointed to the Advisory board: Brenda Currier (at-large), Scott Walters (representing T.B.A.G), Gene Dalbey (representing the Yuma and Southwesterern Arizona region), and Sharon Matt (at-large)
Please visit www.cazbike.org/Contact.htm for a current complete list of board and advisors (officer elections have not yet been held; at this time the officers listed are those from previous term)
AGENDA
CAzB President’s Report – 2011 Annual Membership Meeting
Robert A. Beane President
Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists
by Bob Beane, President, Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists
As anyone knows who has crossed over from “simply” being a bicyclist to being a bicycling advocate, there are not enough hours in a day…The more you immerse yourself in this world, the more you find that needs to be done. Possibly, that’s one of the reasons for the high rate of burnout among advocates.
Personally, I’m not there, yet… But, I can see how it can happen. So, from time-to-time I tell myself that one of the CAzB’s biggest priorities should be to increase membership.
In particular, we could benefit from members who can support bicycling advocacy through volunteering time, contributing “above average” donations to fund programs and/or who have connections (political, corporate, large consituencies of a similar mindset, etc.). If you happen to be one of those folks, please contact us and ask the question: “How can I help?” If you know someone who fits that desription, we’d like to get to know him or her.
In the interim, here are are few activities that the CAzB has been or will be involved in in the recent past and future:
I could go on and on, but I’m pretty sure I’ve said enough to give you both a flavor for the opportunities that exist and how increasing the participation in bicycling advocacy opportunities might make a significant difference over time.
So, if you know of someone who is passionate about bicycling (or who commutes or just really enjoys riding), and who has realized that it is time to step up and make some level of contribution to making things better, please send them our way.
Thanks, please ride safely and share the road…
The Coalition works hard all year round to improve conditions for Arizona’s cyclists. Our year conceptually ends in September, President Bob Beane noted these Activities & Accomplishments of the past year
Organizational/Membership:
Fundraising/Events:
Advocacy:
Education:
Media/Public Relations:
Outreach:
Legislative/Legal:
For nearly twenty years CAzBike has been YOUR advocacy and education resource in Arizona. Made up of hundreds of individual and family members, as well as many supporting businesses and clubs, we have represented you across the state and nation.
Our advocates have represented Arizona Arizona at the Bike Education Conference in Austin Texas, The National Bike Summit in Washington DC, and The Pro Bike/Pro Walk symposium in Seattle Washington. Within Arizona our advocates have served….read the rest in .pdf
