[SUX VR40 Rider]

Originally Posted by ViBiker

If anything, I would think, these "smooth transitions" would encourage bikers to enter intersection at higher speed and with less caution! It would be logical that more recent stats will show sidewalk bicycling, to have become, even more dangerous! ... ?

So which is safer? Riding on I-29 or on the adjacent MUP?

[ViBiker]

Originally Posted by SUX VR40 Rider

So which is safer? Riding on I-29 or on the adjacent MUP?

..................................?..................................

"Question!
What kind of bear is best? .......
False! ... Black Bear!
Fact! ... Bears eat beets!
Black Bear! ..... Beets! ..... Battlestar Galactica!"

[SUX VR40 Rider]

Ok, so vibiker does not understand the question. But I'm not sure how to dumb it down for him. Let's try this. Try to follow along, if you connect the dots you come to the end and figure out what is being asked.

1.
* There is an limited access interstate that runs through Sioux City, Iowa called Interstate 29, or I-29.
* It is 4 lanes divided by a k-rail wall.
* One side is north bound and the other south bound.
* On the north bound side there are railroad tracks and a large bluff.
* On the south bound side there is an Multi Use Path or trail, or MUP parallell to I-29
* The max. posted speed limit is 65 mph, the minimum is 45 mph.
* Parallel to the MUP is the Big Sioux river and the Missouri River.
* The Big Sioux River empties into the Missouri River.
* With me so far?

2.
* I-29 is constructed, controlled and maintained by the Iowa Department of Transportation, or Iowa DOT.
* The MUP is on Iowa DOT property, NOT city property.
* The MUP is considered a side path to I-29.
* The MUP connects the Riverside area of Sioux City to the Chris Larsen Rd area together, also known as the Sioux City River Front.
* The river front also offers a lot of good ammenites.
* Using the MUP people can walk, run, ride their bikes, etc. from the river front to Riverside Park.
* The MUP terminates in Riverside Park.
* From Riverside Park people can easily access the Riverside neighborhood.
* The MUP connects with the Floyd Blvd viaduct which connects, with the Floyd Trail and heads north into the Leeds neighborhood of Sioux City.
* Do you still understand this information which is leading to the question? Or have are you lost yet? Are you getting the point?

And now the question: Which do you think is safer? Riding bicycle on the trail where it parallels I-29 or riding on I-29 itself?

Now the reason: The topic at hand is a debate about sidewalks, paths, etc being more dangerous than riding on the roadways. The general topic is that it is more dangerous no matter where there is a sidewalk, path, etc adjacent to a roadway. Well in my city there is a roadway, I-29 that has a sidepath or MUP along side it. So I ask again whcih do you think is more dangerous to ride on, the interstate or the MUP?

[photosbymark]

It's a moot point and the answer really doesn't matter. Why? Because bicycles are not allowed on interstates or any motor vehicle with less than 125 cc engine IIRC. It will however often get you a ride, but its usually not somewhere you would want to go.

Isn't it about time this thread faded to history??

[ViBiker]

Originally Posted by SUX VR40 Rider

Ok, so vibiker does not understand the question. But I'm not sure how to dumb it down for him. Let's try this. Try to follow along, if you connect the dots you come to the end and figure out what is being asked.

1.
* There is an limited access interstate that runs through Sioux City, Iowa called Interstate 29, or I-29.
* It is 4 lanes divided by a k-rail wall.
* One side is north bound and the other south bound.
* On the north bound side there are railroad tracks and a large bluff.
* On the south bound side there is an Multi Use Path or trail, or MUP parallell to I-29
* The max. posted speed limit is 65 mph, the minimum is 45 mph.
* Parallel to the MUP is the Big Sioux river and the Missouri River.
* The Big Sioux River empties into the Missouri River.
* With me so far?

2.
* I-29 is constructed, controlled and maintained by the Iowa Department of Transportation, or Iowa DOT.
* The MUP is on Iowa DOT property, NOT city property.
* The MUP is considered a side path to I-29.
* The MUP connects the Riverside area of Sioux City to the Chris Larsen Rd area together, also known as the Sioux City River Front.
* The river front also offers a lot of good ammenites.
* Using the MUP people can walk, run, ride their bikes, etc. from the river front to Riverside Park.
* The MUP terminates in Riverside Park.
* From Riverside Park people can easily access the Riverside neighborhood.
* The MUP connects with the Floyd Blvd viaduct which connects, with the Floyd Trail and heads north into the Leeds neighborhood of Sioux City.
* Do you still understand this information which is leading to the question? Or have are you lost yet? Are you getting the point?

And now the question: Which do you think is safer? Riding bicycle on the trail where it parallels I-29 or riding on I-29 itself?

Now the reason: The topic at hand is a debate about sidewalks, paths, etc being more dangerous than riding on the roadways. The general topic is that it is more dangerous no matter where there is a sidewalk, path, etc adjacent to a roadway. Well in my city there is a roadway, I-29 that has a sidepath or MUP along side it. So I ask again whcih do you think is more dangerous to ride on, the interstate or the MUP?

Given a total lack of statistics, it will be tough. However, I shall attempt to "divine" an answer!

I-29!
I-29 will be safer!

Reason:
I-29 is classified an Interstate, (not State), thruway, placing it under Federal authority. Federal Law designates Interstates as being illegal for pedestrian, bicycle, horse etc. traffic. Most likely "Authorities" will find you and transport you or, give you a Police escort!

Can't get much safer than that! ... ;<)