Public excited, skeptical about Hagerstown bicycle plan
By ANDREW SCHOTZ
HAGERSTOWN — Reaction to Hagerstown’s proposed bicycle transportation network Thursday ranged from excitement to skepticism, although most speakers at a hearing liked the idea.
Officials solicited public comments on a plan to create bike lanes in some places, and to have cyclists and motorists share the road in other spots, letting bike riders move safely across the city.
The work and costs would be phased in over several years, in conjunction with road projects.
The plan has been described as a way to cut traffic, ease parking problems, lessen fuel consumption and promote exercise and healthier living.
Ray Quackenbush of Waynesboro, Pa., who works south of Hagerstown, said he’d use the bike network. An increased emphasis on fitness would help combat obesity, he said.
Joe Caha spoke against the plan.
He said many Hagerstown residents don’t work within biking distance, the city could face liability problems for not maintaining bike lanes and it would be wasted money as the city worries about its finances.
City Engineer Rodney Tissue has estimated the long-term cost of the bike network at $173,000, including signs and road markings.
However, city staff could do the work in bits and pieces in coming years and grants could pay for much of it, he said.
[Baltimore Spokes: If these guys are thinking about Federal Grants administered by the State... are they in for a big disappointment. Maryland does not follow Federal Policy and they do not fund projects like this. Is this going to be another bike master plan gathering dust when they find out despite examples all across the country of projects like this getting grants but not in Maryland.]