SIDEWALK [DIS]CONNECTIONS

where’s the rest of the sidewalk?

Many of the sidewalks on Belle Isle are incomplete and have frequent gaps. Often, pedestrians are forced to enter the roadway in order to have a paved surface to walk on.

This lack of infrastructure brings up questions of equitable accessibility. People who are differently abled, use mobility devices, or who are pushing children in strollers are disadvantaged when it comes to active modes of getting around the island.

How can you access the whole island without a car?

NOWHERE TO CROSS?

why did the park-goer cross the road?

Because there was no cross walk. Currently, there are at least 21 crosswalks on Belle Isle. The majority of these crosswalks are on the western side of the island. There are few crossing areas on Lakeside Drive and Riverbank Drive where traffic moves quickly. Some of the crosswalks that do exist are inadequate or poorly designed. For example, the crosswalk pictured on the upper left near the entrance of the Oudolf Garden does not have ADA accessible ramps. Who does this disadvantage?

where’s the bus?

#12 Conant is the only bus line that takes people to and from the island. The current level of public transit service on the island doesn’t provide full access to the park. The two bus stops on Belle Isle are both on the western half of the island and don’t provide service to the nature center or beach area.

This lapse in public service may confine those with limited mobility, or without access to a car to a small portion of the island. This has the potential to exclude lower income folks or individuals who are unable or choose not to drive.