Desolate Jones Falls Bikeway blows opportunity to create a livable Mount Vernon neighborhood (Baltimore InnerSpace)
And the bikeway now under construction combines the worst aspects of bikes on sidewalks and on exclusive bike lanes. It separates the bikes as much as possible, but not at the inevitable intersection conflict points where there are strong opportunities for cars to hook in front of bikes, and for bikes to intimidate the few pedestrians who must walk in this forbidding environment. This can have tragic results.
Pretty scathing criticism of the new Jones Fall cycle infrastructure over at Baltimore InnerSpace. I can appreciate the criticism towards the potential conflict a la cycling on the sidewalk, however I do think the criticism off the mark, on the whole. The fact is, cyclists are reluctant to ride on Baltimore City streets, and this is a good step in the right direction. It also finally connects the Guilford Bike Boulevard to the downtown area, which is an enormous step forward.
Update : Urbanite Baltimore also has a piece on the new trail and other infrastructure improvements coming to Baltimore.