Sunday, March 9, 2008
Garden City Greenbelt access
I have called for a protest ride / walk in Garden City, ID. on March 15, 2008 at 10:00 am. Meet at the dirt parking lot at Glenwood and Marigold (across the street from the Garden City Hall). We will ride / walk (your choice) along a recently disputed section of the Boise River Greenbelt to protest the exclusion, by a few, of bicycles from a trail section specifically set aside by the State for that purpose. For the general public in this community, this action by an arrogant and self important city council, is a slap in the face. Repeated intelligent and rational arguments have been ignored and ridiculed by this City Council. The involvement of the Mayor in the development of the subdivision, from which this contrivance arose, is questionable and some have speculated that perhaps there is a conflict of interest (although I have no specific knowledge of or evidence either way). Enough of this problem stinks bad enough that I believe it is time for the citizens of Garden City and the surrounding communities to stand in defiance of what appears to be an unjust action which isn't supported in fact or morality by real argument. If you can invite your friends and families to ride / walk in solidarity with us, we can affect a change! If you know someone who can speak to our group, at the event, invite them. There is no official leadership or control for this event, it is an effort of the community, not one small group! Anyone is welcome but it should be said that best behavior and respect for the community should be the norm. We are trying to change an unjust law not start a riot or sour an already narrow support of bicyclists. Remember...Saturday March 15, 2008: 10:00 am MST, Glenwood and Marigold (across from Garden City, City Hall.
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4 comments:
For me the current setup is perfect. My daily bike commute begins at Glenwood and the route is paved, albeit poorly through Garden City, to my office downtown. In the evening, the gravel <strike>bike</strike> path through Riverside Village is great for a jog with my pup.
But what is convenient for me (or any other individual) is not the issue here.
The state asked Riverside Village to build a bike path for the use of its citizens. They didn't. My tax dollars went to taking Riverside Village to court in 1994 and in the settlement they agreed to build the path, yet bikes remain excluded.
It is clear that Riverside Village and Garden City are not following the agreement that was made with the State. This is a perfect opportunity for the citizens of Garden City and all Idahoans to challenge this decision with non-violent non-cooperation.
I'm in.
But what form should this take? Do we ride the <strike>bike</strike> path? Do we walk hundreds of bikes through? Or do we like the marching band at the alley in Animal House, circle at the end of the current Greenbelt: looping from the parking area to the entrance of Riverside Village, down Glenwood and back up the Greenbelt again?
They are all attractive options. I especially like the later for the bike density it would demonstrate for the media and the fact that we would not be breaking any laws, but if we have enough mass could bring Glenwood to a crawl and completely block Riverside Drive (unfortunately residents have other options for safe egress, unlike bicycles).
I was going to recommend that something similar be included as part of bike week, but the media and the community is listening now. Count me in.
I'm in. Anyone else going to bring their kids? I have a 9-year-old that will be there with me.
Unreal that this is actually happening. We're talking the BOISE RIVER GREENBELT and they're taking it for some NIMBY's.
Let's do it! Garden City should be taken to court, again, for this action.
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