Arkansas Blog

Did they start on the LR side or the Dogtownius side?

...sorry, couldn't resist with Dogtownius launching his blog today...

I wish all the nay-sayers would have been there today for the opening. The weather was perfect and the turnout great. More than 1500 people ran/walked in the 5K, with hundreds more biking and walking across the bridge before and after the race. My wife and I rode our bikes over the bridge about 1:45 and there were about 100 people on the bridge at that time. When we drove past again shortly before 4, there were about the same number using the bridge.

The view from the top is spectatular. My only complaint is that it is not wide enough. It should be at least half again as wide as it is and probably twice the width would have been about right. I predict similar friction between bicylists and runners/walkers as there has been on the Litle Rock side of the trail, especially if bicyclists speed down the long ramps.

I ran the 5K. It's a great bridge for biking, walking and running! It was a bit disconcerting at the beginning when the bridge was shaking from the pounding of the 1500 runners.

As far as the width of the bridge, I thought the width of the bridge was just about right for pedestrian/biking bridge.

A big "Thank You!" to those who had the vision to build the bridge!

I ran the 5K. It's a great bridge for biking, walking and running! It was a bit disconcerting at the beginning when the bridge was shaking from the pounding of the 1500 runners.

As far as the width of the bridge, I thought the width of the bridge was just about right for pedestrian/biking bridge. It was definitely not the right size for a race with 1500 people registered, though!

A big "Thank You!" to those who had the vision to build the bridge!

I'll bet all those runners did get that bridge to bouncing. Amazing. Couldn't notice the bouncing during the bicycle ride. That happens on highway bridges too in a car. As as you stop you know how you can feel the other cars moving the bridge?

"I wish all the nay-sayers would have been there today for the opening. Whit E Knight"
Oh, please this is such a wonderful day. Let's not encourage them to crawl out of their dark holes of vision and make a scene.

"I predict similar friction between bicylists and runners/walkers as there has been on the Litle Rock side of the trail, especially if bicyclists speed down the long ramps. - Whit E Knight"

I know it. I was entering the NLR side this afternoon on my bicycle and someone to my left about 20 yards away and closing very fast headed for the ramp screams for me to "Watch out!" So fast was this character going that he was too scared to react - just scream. Did it slow him down? No, not even as he and his partner weaved through the pedestrians up ahead.

Oh man. Don't get me started. Inconsiderate cyclists passing pedestrians dangerously close at too fast a speed is as much a problem as inconsiderate motorists that pass cyclists dangerously close at fast speeds. I think a speed limit of say a moderate run, 6 mph should be observed when passing a pedestrian within 10 feet. There is no reason a cyclist on a 14 foot wide path scattered with other cyclists and pedestrians should not be able to pass someone at a walking speed. That is plenty fast enough to maintain control and balance.

Sounds like they may need lines on the road to designate biking and walking lanes.

I'm thinking about going to LR to check out that bridge. Sounds like fun.

Ron brings up a good point...I am one of the "slow" bicyclists and those guys trying to fly through there are going to get someone hurt...

This bridge if for everyone...the ramps should probably be made for safe pace...

Anyone care to guess how long it will be 'til the first busload of Senior Citizens with walkers, wheelchairs and Rascal scooters going up on the bridge ramp 3 or 4 abreast encounters a squadron of 15 or 20 road bikers in their spandex and dorky helmets going downhill around a curve at 40mph? Now that would make for some good video!

Well, our family is going to be out the door before the butt-crack of dawn in the morning for the Big Dam Bridge 100. I'm concerned about the added weight of the bicycles on the bridge. I'm sure it will be safe, but I'm also worried about the herky-jerky way bike rides/races start. Should be interesting...let's hope nobody gets hurt.

I wish the planners had started the riders at Cook's and had them head east on the NLR side with the bridge crossing happening after the official loop had been made. That seems much safer to me, but, hey, I'm not in charge.

I also hope that next year they take that suggestion into consideration (or something like it) and allow more participants to ride. This could definitely grow into a nationally-renowned race with thousands being involved. But, that many people AND bikes on the bridge at one time might not be the best idea.

Mystery Shopper not all riders are into the spandex, but I would hope that all riders wear the dorky helmet; it might save their brains if they have a crash.

I've been riding for 3 years now and I always wear the dorky helmet. When I crashed a month ago and broke my collarbone, the helmet probably kept me
from breaking my skull.

The conflict between the riders and the walkers on the bridge is something that will have to be worked out. The speedsters are just going to have to slow down.

I read on the bigdambridge web site that next year will accomodate for more riders. Twice as many riders registered as was expected. Even the runners had a double than expected turnout.

For tomorrow do not be suprised if the pace is a controlled one of about 15 mph for the first 15 miles. That will get them to Maumelle Blvd where they'll start going faster and be more agressive.

My dorky helmet had the back right rear 1/4 knocked out when I was rear ended by a car three years ago. Flipped me over and my head hit the concrete curb. So that makes me a living dorky helmet wearing cyclist I guess.

I skipped the opening this morning because I didn't want to be run over by overly enthusiastic road bikers (for non-cyclists, those are the fast guys with curved handlebars). But Ron is right-- the bridge only increases the need for us cyclists to be considerate. It is a multi-use facility, and I expect that it will dramatically increase the number of pedestrians on both sides of the river.

Because I'm not above shameless self-promotion, let me say that I intend to talk about the need for new bike corridors on my new blog in the coming weeks. Ron, I've seen your name on the BACA forum, so I think you may be interested in some of the topics. Yall come.
http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/dogtownius/

Thanks dogtownius. I will visit your forums.

BACA was concerned as was Buddy that there would be bicycle wrecks on the opening as faster riders sped past slower riders. BACA's plan was to set five groups of riders following the Mayors. BACA and ABC members 1st group, Experienced riders second, novice 3rd, under 13 last. Actually, the last group was anyone without a helmet and it was suggested they push rather than ride their bicycles over the bridge. I was the unfortunate bearer of that bad news to a few people. One was an 8 yr old girl and her dad. Neither had a helmet. She started to cry when I told them at 1st they couldn't ride. I felt sad for her, but come on dad, ya'll get a brain bucket please. Then, they went with the suggestion to fall in back. The third person I told this to I thought was going to get physical.

A marshaler spaced three riders at even intervals to start. Then you kept position, did not pass anyone ahead, kept your distance and if you had problems, got to the right and waited or walked the rest of the way. No sight seeing was allowed. Just keep moving. It was pretty well organized. Safer than I thought it would be.

Thanks dogtownius. I will visit your forums.

BACA was concerned as was Buddy that there would be bicycle wrecks on the opening as faster riders sped past slower riders. BACA's plan was to set five groups of riders following the Mayors. BACA and ABC members 1st group, Experienced riders second, novice 3rd, under 13 last. Actually, the last group was anyone without a helmet and it was suggested they push rather than ride their bicycles over the bridge. I was the unfortunate bearer of that bad news to a few people. One was an 8 yr old girl and her dad. Neither had a helmet. She started to cry when I told them at 1st they couldn't ride. I felt sad for her, but come on dad, ya'll get a brain bucket please. Then, they went with the suggestion to fall in back. The third person I told this to I thought was going to get physical.

A marshaler spaced three riders at even intervals to start. Then you kept position, did not pass anyone ahead, kept your distance and if you had problems, got to the right and waited or walked the rest of the way. No sight seeing was allowed. Just keep moving. It was pretty well organized. Safer than I thought it would be.

Glad to see our two mayors holding hands.

Okay...Don? I'll hold your hand if you buy me a cold Sol...or Pacifico...deal?

And I promise to abruptly shed our hand holding for a good conversation and a good laugh...

But you're still buying...

Can I get a little help here from my friends?!

But you're still buying. . .- Posted by: rosso
******
I can handle that - And I can settle for one of those elbow-bumps or other classy contact greetings if that's all right with you . . .

I can't wait for the newness to wear off on the bridge because it is nearly as packed as the midway at the state fair on a Friday night.