Originally Posted by
KonAaron Snake
I totally disagree with you. The whole point to the Camden path is connecting Philadelphia with Cherry Hill, which goes through Camden. The path would be along an old rail line as I understand it, and we have that going on already with high crime areas in Norristown. That hasn't translated to problems on the bike path. The path isn't going through a slum or anything. Camden also has Rutgers, parks, whatever the Tweeter Center is called now and Adventure Aquarium...there are tourist destinations for cyclists along Camden's waterfront. I ride there frequently in fact. Also let's look at the bigger picture...eventually the water front is going to have the new casinos on it, hopefully finally leading to development. That development should cross to Camden and the bike path will make an excellent connection between the two.
Considering how much money gets wasted in this nation, 6mm for a bike path doesn't seem like the worst thing in the world.
This is the kind of thinking that gets a bike path built that noone will use.
A few points:
Camden is not Norristown. The violent crime rate in Norristown is less than Philly. Camden's violent crime rate is 80% higher than Norristown's.
All of Camden is a slum. There are no 'Nice" areas in Camden. All Camden neighborhoods are in decline.
There are no safe areas in Camden. None!
Of the venues mentioned, most are one and done attractions. How many times can you go to a small Aquarium? Tweeter is a second rate venue for B listers that has yet to earn money for its owners. Thus the revolving door of ownership. And, who is going to ride a bike there at night? The battleship NJ is laying off and cutting hours to stay afloat. Please note the lack of restuarants, convenience stores, gift stores and gas stations serving the waterfront. Why do you suppose that is? Not one restuarant!
As for Rutgers, most of the commuting students take the speed line. A bike path isn't going to change that.
Saving Camden is a pipedream. The allocation of the money was decided by bike advocates with commuting in mind. Yet, the path doesn't link to the bridge, forcing commuters to surface streets. Another link, along Admiral Wilson BLvd is also missing. Ah, what were the deciders thinking? Meanwhile the existing path from Cherry Hill is in need of serious repair.
The money could have been better spent. Go to Florida or DC and there are paths that run between cities. Paths that are safe to use and actually go someplace. Paths that serve both a transportation and a recreation purpose. Money well spent!
Noone other than a few hardy commuters will use this path. It will decline into a six million dollar trash strewn waste of money.