Getting around Belle Isle: State recommends improvements to mobility on Detroit island

Detroit River, Belle Isle.

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    A 2 year study of Belle Isle led to a list of recommendations for making getting around the island easier.
    
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    Recommendations include creating a dedicated bike lane on the bridge onto Belle Isle, adding wayfinding signs, and more.
    
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    The recommendations will be used to create a strategic plan.
    

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  A 2 year study of Belle Isle led to a list of recommendations for making getting around the island easier.
  
• 
  Recommendations include creating a dedicated bike lane on the bridge onto Belle Isle, adding wayfinding signs, and more.
  
• 
  The recommendations will be used to create a strategic plan.
  

DETROIT (FOX 2):The state wants to make Belle Isle easier to navigate.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Department of Transportation, and Belle Isle Conservancy published a list of recommendations for enhancing public transportation after two years of research on the island.

The backstory

In order to identify areas for improvement, the study examined a variety of island-related factors, such as traffic volumes and air traffic, in addition to public discussions.

A list of potential improvements for the island over the ensuing ten years was the end result. While some of the projects are currently under progress, others will need further money and planning.

Key recommendations:

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  Restriping the MacArthur Bridge with two lanes for cars in each direction and a dedicated two-way bike lane, providing a safe and separated path for cyclists and pedestrians to access the Detroit International RiverWalk.
  
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  Restriping the perimeter loop road to include one-way vehicular traffic and two-way bike lanes.
  
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  Converting Central Avenue, spanning 1.25 miles from the James Scott Memorial Fountain to the woods, creating a people-focused promenade for walkers, bikers, runners and others.
  
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  Installing wayfinding and directional signage to help visitors better understand how to move around the island.
  
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  Partnering with the Detroit Department of Transportation to expand bus routes and stops around the island; MOGO a Detroit-based nonprofit bikeshare organization to expand on-site bike sharing; and others to determine the feasibility of a ferry stop at Belle Isle.
  
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  Completing construction of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Trail, which also serves as the southernmost 6 miles of Michigan’s Iron Belle Trail, for biking, walking and rolling around the island.
  

What they’re saying:

According to Amanda Treadwell, urban field planner for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division, “the creation of a strategic plan for Belle Isle will assist us in examining all the work that needs to be done in a comprehensive way and creating a list of priorities that represent the needs and aspirations of the community.” “Many people contributed their suggestions for enhancing the park during the multimodal mobility research. We’re eager to continue working with our guests and stakeholders in order to expand on the knowledge we’ve already gained.”

Next steps:

A strategic strategy for Belle Isle will be created using the mobility plan. This will include other goals that are in line with community needs, the DNR said in a news release.

Look more closely:

You may read the entire study report below.

The Source: A news release from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources provided the information for this article.