. Jalbum 8.6 Photo illustrating conditions of the Franconia Notch bicycle path, New Hampshire, USA slides/IMG0012.End of trail.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 Southern end of trail at parking lot on Route 3. The trail is on a two-way sidewalk which slopes down to road level in the foreground of the picture. The parking-lot entrance is just to the left of the camera. Bicyclists headed north (away from the camera) are directed to cross both lanes of the roadway onto the left sidewalk at the parking-lot entrance where motorists must look away from them for traffic. It would have made more sense to accommodate bicyclists on the roadway, perhaps with shared-lane markings. John Allen photo, 2001. Southern end of trail at parking lot on Route 3. The trail is on a two-way sidewalk which slopes down to road level in the foreground of the picture. The parking-lot entrance is just to the left of the camera. Bicyclists headed north (away from the camera) are directed to cross both lanes of the roadway onto the left sidewalk at the parking-lot entrance where motorists must look away from them for traffic. It would have made more sense to accommodate bicyclists on the roadway, perhaps with shared-lane markings. John Allen photo, 2001. IMG0012.End of trail.jpg slides/DSC00566South trail end.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 The sidewalk enters the photo at the left side, and the path departs from the parking lot. The bollards, unlike others on the path, are flex posts. The bike rack in the foreground is of the "dishdrainer" type which allows only one wheel to be locked, and bends the wheel if the bicycle falls over. The sidewalk enters the photo at the left side, and the path departs from the parking lot. The bollards, unlike others on the path, are flex posts. The bike rack in the foreground is of the "dishdrainer" type which allows only one wheel to be locked, and bends the wheel if the bicycle falls over. DSC00566South trail end.jpg slides/DSC00566South trail end signs.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 Signs at entry to path (enlargement from previous photo). Note bollard in background, apparently intended to prevent motor-vehicle entry, but 100 feet or more up the trail from the parking lot. The bollard, like others on the path, is a steel I-beam set upright, with sharp corners that increase risk of injury if a bicyclist falls over it. This bollard is brightly marked, yet it could be hidden under snow and still cause a snowmobile to crash. Signs at entry to path (enlargement from previous photo). Note bollard in background, apparently intended to prevent motor-vehicle entry, but 100 feet or more up the trail from the parking lot. The bollard, like others on the path, is a steel I-beam set upright, with sharp corners that increase risk of injury if a bicyclist falls over it. This bollard is brightly marked, yet it could be hidden under snow and still cause a snowmobile to crash. DSC00566South trail end signs.jpg slides/DSC00567Crossing.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 Crossing of a very minor roadway at Whitehouse Trailhead. Though the multi-use path carries much more traffic, it has the stop sign. Note the signs in the distant background, to the left of the arrow sign. Crossing of a very minor roadway at Whitehouse Trailhead. Though the multi-use path carries much more traffic, it has the stop sign. Note the signs in the distant background, to the left of the arrow sign. DSC00567Crossing.jpg slides/DSC00568Leaves and signsm.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 A closer look at the signs seen in background of the previous photo. Like the bollard in an earlier photo, the sign prohibiting motor vehicles is too far from the nearest intersection to warn entering traffic. The brown sign is relatively new, as may be determined by the designation "multi-use trail" rather than "bike path". The trail's being open only during daylight hours is contrary to the intentions of the Federal law which led to its funding; an important bicycle route has been severed during the hours the path is closed -- also in the winter and spring, when the trail is snow-covered. Does the motor-vehicle prohibition apply to snowmobiles, and if so, is it enforced? No, in fact special signs and a higher speed limit for snowmobilers have been introduced -- see <a href="../Winter_photos/index.html">Jon Niehof's winter photos in this album</a>. In winter, the low-mounted sign is buried under snow. The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices specifies that ground-mounted signs should be at least 4 feet (1.2 meters) above the ground. Details, details! A closer look at the signs seen in background of the previous photo. Like the bollard in an earlier photo, the sign prohibiting motor vehicles is too far from the nearest intersection to warn entering traffic. The brown sign is relatively new, as may be determined by the designation "multi-use trail" rather than "bike path". The trail's being open only during daylight hours is contrary to the intentions of the Federal law which led to its funding; an important bicycle route has been severed during the hours the path is closed -- also in the winter and spring, when the trail is snow-covered. Does the motor-vehicle prohibition apply to snowmobiles, and if so, is it enforced? No, in fact special signs and a higher speed limit for snowmobilers have been introduced -- see <a href="../Winter_photos/index.html">Jon Niehof's winter photos in this album</a>. In winter, the low-mounted sign is buried under snow. The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices specifies that ground-mounted signs should be at least 4 feet (1.2 meters) above the ground. Details, details! DSC00568Leaves and signsm.jpg slides/DSC00572speed limit and leaves.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 Autumn leaves on the trail -- slippery when wet -- and speed-limit sign. The path does show relatively good maintenance with grassy shoulders here and in many other sections. A tree here, however, is too close to the edge, constituting a hazard, and will eventually heave up the pavement. Autumn leaves on the trail -- slippery when wet -- and speed-limit sign. The path does show relatively good maintenance with grassy shoulders here and in many other sections. A tree here, however, is too close to the edge, constituting a hazard, and will eventually heave up the pavement. DSC00572speed limit and leaves.jpg slides/IMG0010 Walk zone tunnel.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 Underpass under Route 93 south of Basin East. Sight lines are short, and the puddle is persistent, leading southbound bicyclists like the ones in the photo to cross to the left side of the path. The "Bike Walk Zone" sign can fairly be assumed to reflect a history of serious crashes at this location. John Allen photo, 2001. Underpass under Route 93 south of Basin East. Sight lines are short, and the puddle is persistent, leading southbound bicyclists like the ones in the photo to cross to the left side of the path. The "Bike Walk Zone" sign can fairly be assumed to reflect a history of serious crashes at this location. John Allen photo, 2001. IMG0010 Walk zone tunnel.jpg slides/DSC00573tunnel.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 Basin East, same location as previous photo. Note the bollard, with its sharp edges and corners. Most bollards along the path are of this type. The warning sign should be two feet from the edge of the trail, according to AASHTO guidelines. Basin East, same location as previous photo. Note the bollard, with its sharp edges and corners. Most bollards along the path are of this type. The warning sign should be two feet from the edge of the trail, according to AASHTO guidelines. DSC00573tunnel.jpg slides/DSC00574 Above Tunnel.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 The highway above the tunnel in the previous two photos. Bicyclists have been designed out of the highway here by striping of two lanes and a very narrow shoulder for each direction of travel. The highway above the tunnel in the previous two photos. Bicyclists have been designed out of the highway here by striping of two lanes and a very narrow shoulder for each direction of travel. DSC00574 Above Tunnel.jpg slides/DSC00575Bridge.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 Bridge over the Pemigewasset River on the west side of the highway. This bridge has a handlebar rub strip, but the railings are not offset away from the riding surface as recommended in the AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities. There are small reflector dots high on the bridge railings. The wooden plank surface is slippery; the sign was probably added subsequent to the construction of the trail and probably reflects a history of crashes at this location. Bridge over the Pemigewasset River on the west side of the highway. This bridge has a handlebar rub strip, but the railings are not offset away from the riding surface as recommended in the AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities. There are small reflector dots high on the bridge railings. The wooden plank surface is slippery; the sign was probably added subsequent to the construction of the trail and probably reflects a history of crashes at this location. DSC00575Bridge.jpg slides/DSC00582 slippery.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 Another sign warning of slippery conditions and yet another warning of pedestrians. Another sign warning of slippery conditions and yet another warning of pedestrians. DSC00582 slippery.jpg slides/IMG0009 Trail sign.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 Sign where the trail departs the Lafayette Campground parking lot (John Allen photo, 2001, this photo looks toward the south). The accretion of warnings and prohibitions is instructive. The path, though paved, has steep sections unsuitable for inline skating. Dogs, on leashes or off, pose hazards for bicyclists, but in this setting there is probably also an issue of conflict between pets and wild animals. Sign where the trail departs the Lafayette Campground parking lot (John Allen photo, 2001, this photo looks toward the south). The accretion of warnings and prohibitions is instructive. The path, though paved, has steep sections unsuitable for inline skating. Dogs, on leashes or off, pose hazards for bicyclists, but in this setting there is probably also an issue of conflict between pets and wild animals. IMG0009 Trail sign.jpg slides/IMG0008 Bike lane.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 The path passes through the Lafayette Campground parking lot. The roadway here is described as a bike lane though there is no lane striping. The official map shows the path passing adjacent to the parking lot rather than through it. John Allen photo, 2001, looking south. The path passes through the Lafayette Campground parking lot. The roadway here is described as a bike lane though there is no lane striping. The official map shows the path passing adjacent to the parking lot rather than through it. John Allen photo, 2001, looking south. IMG0008 Bike lane.jpg slides/IMG0006.West side parking lot.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 The path enters the Lafayette Campground parking lot area on a sidewalk directly adjacent to parallel parking spaces, where cyclists can collide with the opening doors of motor vehicles or with passengers alighting from them. Note also the bollard -- this one has been extended by bolting on wooden planks subsequent to original installation, probably so it is still visible in winter. This bollard is pointless as well as hazardous; a motorist intending to drive on the path could drive up over the grassy area to the left. Notice also the blind entrance to the hiking trail on the right where a small child could run out onto the bike path too quickly for a bicyclist to avoid. John Allen photo, 2001, looking south. The path enters the Lafayette Campground parking lot area on a sidewalk directly adjacent to parallel parking spaces, where cyclists can collide with the opening doors of motor vehicles or with passengers alighting from them. Note also the bollard -- this one has been extended by bolting on wooden planks subsequent to original installation, probably so it is still visible in winter. This bollard is pointless as well as hazardous; a motorist intending to drive on the path could drive up over the grassy area to the left. Notice also the blind entrance to the hiking trail on the right where a small child could run out onto the bike path too quickly for a bicyclist to avoid. John Allen photo, 2001, looking south. IMG0006.West side parking lot.jpg slides/DSC00584 Prohibition.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 Sign at a ramp to the highway indicating restricted use of the highway Sign at a ramp to the highway indicating restricted use of the highway DSC00584 Prohibition.jpg slides/DSC00586two-lane.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 Looking south at the exit of a turnout on the west side of the highway, just past the bicycle-prohibition sign in the previous photo. This section has a wide shoulder. If there were no prohibition, bicyclists who choose not to cross the entrance and exit ramps could ride the highway, and avoid crossing ramps by following the road through the turnout. Looking south at the exit of a turnout on the west side of the highway, just past the bicycle-prohibition sign in the previous photo. This section has a wide shoulder. If there were no prohibition, bicyclists who choose not to cross the entrance and exit ramps could ride the highway, and avoid crossing ramps by following the road through the turnout. DSC00586two-lane.jpg slides/9708R04R06Franconia.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 This section of highway (just south of the overpass leading to park headquarters) also has a wide shoulder and would be serviceable as a through bicycle route. Whether a citation for bicycling on this highway would hold up in court is an open question, given that the trail is not open at all hours and in all seasons. (John Allen photo, 1997) This section of highway (just south of the overpass leading to park headquarters) also has a wide shoulder and would be serviceable as a through bicycle route. Whether a citation for bicycling on this highway would hold up in court is an open question, given that the trail is not open at all hours and in all seasons. (John Allen photo, 1997) 9708R04R06Franconia.jpg slides/DSC00588Approaching underpass.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 Approaching the west end of the underpass under the highway north of Cannon Cliff Trailhead. Approaching the west end of the underpass under the highway north of Cannon Cliff Trailhead. DSC00588Approaching underpass.jpg slides/DSC00590Underpass.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 The path curves as it approaches an underpass it shares with a stream, which runs in a culvert covered by wooden planks -- slippery when wet. It is usual to think that a curb which prevents wheels from crossing increases safety. That is so with baby strollers and the like, but not with bicycles. The wooden curb at the edge of the path here will sweep the wheels out from under a bicycle which strays into it, causing a hard crash. A railing at least 48 inches high, set back from the edge of the path, would be appropriate. The path curves as it approaches an underpass it shares with a stream, which runs in a culvert covered by wooden planks -- slippery when wet. It is usual to think that a curb which prevents wheels from crossing increases safety. That is so with baby strollers and the like, but not with bicycles. The wooden curb at the edge of the path here will sweep the wheels out from under a bicycle which strays into it, causing a hard crash. A railing at least 48 inches high, set back from the edge of the path, would be appropriate. DSC00590Underpass.jpg slides/DSC00591 underpass.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 The path continues into the culvert. Bicycles lean into turns, and the handlebars extend as much as 12 inches to either side of the front wheel. The railing which separates the path from the stream bed effectively narrows the path by 18 inches or more, and also constitutes a sight obstruction. The railing is not reflectorized or painted in a bright color. A proper railing for a bikeway would be set back from the edge. Setback is practical with upright posts if the area adjacent to the path is level, but here it is a trench. If only bicyclists used the path, the uprights could be angled back. But this path also is used by pedestrians, who would have trouble reaching out to it for a handhold. The stone wall on the left side, too, should in theory be set back from the edge of the pavement, but the available width is constricted by the rectangular cross-section of the culvert and use of part of it for the watercourse. The wooden plank surface might have been carried through the culvert, but it would have the same problem with slipperiness there as outside. It is to be expected that in a time of flood, the water rises above the level of the path surface and the path must be closed. The path continues into the culvert. Bicycles lean into turns, and the handlebars extend as much as 12 inches to either side of the front wheel. The railing which separates the path from the stream bed effectively narrows the path by 18 inches or more, and also constitutes a sight obstruction. The railing is not reflectorized or painted in a bright color. A proper railing for a bikeway would be set back from the edge. Setback is practical with upright posts if the area adjacent to the path is level, but here it is a trench. If only bicyclists used the path, the uprights could be angled back. But this path also is used by pedestrians, who would have trouble reaching out to it for a handhold. The stone wall on the left side, too, should in theory be set back from the edge of the pavement, but the available width is constricted by the rectangular cross-section of the culvert and use of part of it for the watercourse. The wooden plank surface might have been carried through the culvert, but it would have the same problem with slipperiness there as outside. It is to be expected that in a time of flood, the water rises above the level of the path surface and the path must be closed. DSC00591 underpass.jpg slides/IMG_0016curb.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 This is how the curb looks from the underpass (John Allen photo, July, 2007). This is how the curb looks from the underpass (John Allen photo, July, 2007). IMG_0016curb.JPG slides/DSC00592 in underpass.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 View to the east from inside the underpass. A cyclist coming down the steep slope needs to be under control, or else risks a fall, or collision with someone in the underpass. The horizontal planks of the railing are relatively bicyclist-friendly, but the railing comes closer to the edge of the path as it approaches the culvert. View to the east from inside the underpass. A cyclist coming down the steep slope needs to be under control, or else risks a fall, or collision with someone in the underpass. The horizontal planks of the railing are relatively bicyclist-friendly, but the railing comes closer to the edge of the path as it approaches the culvert. DSC00592 in underpass.jpg slides/IMG0005 tunnel.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 Looking at the same tunnel from up the slope at the east end. The Old Man in the Mountain is hidden behind the cloud at the top of the picture. (John Allen photo 2001. Darn cloud, I'll never get a photo of the Old Man now!) Note that the sign is missing from the signpost (lower right); the sign had been replaced by 2004, as the preceding photo shows. There is maintenance work done on this path. Looking at the same tunnel from up the slope at the east end. The Old Man in the Mountain is hidden behind the cloud at the top of the picture. (John Allen photo 2001. Darn cloud, I'll never get a photo of the Old Man now!) Note that the sign is missing from the signpost (lower right); the sign had been replaced by 2004, as the preceding photo shows. There is maintenance work done on this path. IMG0005 tunnel.jpg slides/DSC00593 after underpass small.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 Looking up the slope past the tunnel; notice how the railing comes closer to the edge of the path as it approaches the tunnel. Sight lines for cyclists coming down the slope are restricted by vegetation. This is one of the sections of the path where the slope is too steep for inline skaters or wheelchair users, and where cyclists are at risk when their brakes are not in top condition. Looking up the slope past the tunnel; notice how the railing comes closer to the edge of the path as it approaches the tunnel. Sight lines for cyclists coming down the slope are restricted by vegetation. This is one of the sections of the path where the slope is too steep for inline skaters or wheelchair users, and where cyclists are at risk when their brakes are not in top condition. DSC00593 after underpass small.jpg slides/DSC00594 one lane bridge.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 Another bridge, approaching the Old Man viewing area on the east side of the highway. Note handlebar rub strips, but the railings are not set back, and the bridge has a slippery, arched wooden plank surface. The "ONE LANE BRIDGE" sign is borrowed from the stock used for roadways. This is a narrow bridge but not necessarily a one-lane bridge; bicyclists can pass each other on it, with caution. Another bridge, approaching the Old Man viewing area on the east side of the highway. Note handlebar rub strips, but the railings are not set back, and the bridge has a slippery, arched wooden plank surface. The "ONE LANE BRIDGE" sign is borrowed from the stock used for roadways. This is a narrow bridge but not necessarily a one-lane bridge; bicyclists can pass each other on it, with caution. DSC00594 one lane bridge.jpg slides/DSC00597approaching turnout.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 North of the underpass, approaching the Old Man viewing area: path visible at the right, highway at the left. The off-ramp to the viewing area can be seen through the underbrush. It is especially evident in this photo how the highway takes the most favorable line through the valley and the path has steeper grades and sharper curves. North of the underpass, approaching the Old Man viewing area: path visible at the right, highway at the left. The off-ramp to the viewing area can be seen through the underbrush. It is especially evident in this photo how the highway takes the most favorable line through the valley and the path has steeper grades and sharper curves. DSC00597approaching turnout.jpg slides/IMG0003 tourists on path.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 Tourists on the path at the Old Man viewing area. The highway is visible at the right rear (John Allen photo, 2001, looking south). This kind of facility looks just fine to anti-motoring advocates who identify bicycling as an outdoor social activity like walking, and who have little knowledge of safety research. But bicycling through a gauntlet of pedestrians like this is anti-social. Tourists on the path at the Old Man viewing area. The highway is visible at the right rear (John Allen photo, 2001, looking south). This kind of facility looks just fine to anti-motoring advocates who identify bicycling as an outdoor social activity like walking, and who have little knowledge of safety research. But bicycling through a gauntlet of pedestrians like this is anti-social. IMG0003 tourists on path.jpg slides/DSC00599 barrier curb.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 Curb at the north end of the Old Man viewing area where the path meets the parking lot. The path is immediately adjacent to the roadway in the background, and to the parking lot in the foreground. National design guidelines specify a 5-foot separation. The curb separating the path from the parking lot extends above the level of the surrounding pavement on the path side as well as the parking-lot side. Problems: the raised curb directly at the edge of the path and on the outside of a curve will divert bicycle wheels and slam bicyclists down on their side; a motor vehicle which pulls forward until the wheels stop at the curb will extend most of the way across the path. Imagine a bicyclist coming around the blind curve from behind the boulders at the right rear of the photo, a little bit too fast, and facing either of these situations. Curb at the north end of the Old Man viewing area where the path meets the parking lot. The path is immediately adjacent to the roadway in the background, and to the parking lot in the foreground. National design guidelines specify a 5-foot separation. The curb separating the path from the parking lot extends above the level of the surrounding pavement on the path side as well as the parking-lot side. Problems: the raised curb directly at the edge of the path and on the outside of a curve will divert bicycle wheels and slam bicyclists down on their side; a motor vehicle which pulls forward until the wheels stop at the curb will extend most of the way across the path. Imagine a bicyclist coming around the blind curve from behind the boulders at the right rear of the photo, a little bit too fast, and facing either of these situations. DSC00599 barrier curb.jpg slides/IMG_0015wide.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 This is the curb as encountered by a southbound cyclist (John Allen photo, July, 2007). This is the curb as encountered by a southbound cyclist (John Allen photo, July, 2007). IMG_0015wide.JPG slides/IMG_0015barrier.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 In this enlargement from the photo in the previous slide, tire marks, scrapes and chips are visible on the path side of the curb (John Allen photo, July, 2007). In this enlargement from the photo in the previous slide, tire marks, scrapes and chips are visible on the path side of the curb (John Allen photo, July, 2007). IMG_0015barrier.JPG slides/IMG0002 Path adjacent to road.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 We look back toward the Old Man viewing area. The path runs next to the roadway that leads back to the highway (John Allen photo, 2001, looking south). Here again, there is an unnecessary, useless and hazardous bollard. Just who would choose to drive a motor vehicle up over the curb to use the narrow, hilly path, when the highway is available? But, if someone did want to do it, there would be no problem in driving on the grass to one side or the other of the bollard. This location shows one reason for the prohibition of nighttime use of the path: bicyclists would be blinded, driving into the wrong side of motor-vehicle headlamp beams. We look back toward the Old Man viewing area. The path runs next to the roadway that leads back to the highway (John Allen photo, 2001, looking south). Here again, there is an unnecessary, useless and hazardous bollard. Just who would choose to drive a motor vehicle up over the curb to use the narrow, hilly path, when the highway is available? But, if someone did want to do it, there would be no problem in driving on the grass to one side or the other of the bollard. This location shows one reason for the prohibition of nighttime use of the path: bicyclists would be blinded, driving into the wrong side of motor-vehicle headlamp beams. IMG0002 Path adjacent to road.jpg slides/9708R04R02Franconia.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 Another underpass as the path makes its way back to the west side of the highway in a culvert shared with a watercourse. (John Allen photo, 1997, looking west across the highway, in the northbound direction of the path). Again, this is identified as a bike walk zone, probably reflecting that serious crashes have occurred here. The bicyclists in the photo are not walking. Most don't walk, as walking is slow. Another underpass as the path makes its way back to the west side of the highway in a culvert shared with a watercourse. (John Allen photo, 1997, looking west across the highway, in the northbound direction of the path). Again, this is identified as a bike walk zone, probably reflecting that serious crashes have occurred here. The bicyclists in the photo are not walking. Most don't walk, as walking is slow. 9708R04R02Franconia.jpg slides/DSC00601signs at underpass.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 Sharp corner, railing and wooden plank surface at the west end of the culvert shown in the previous photo. The proliferation of signs, again, suggests that crashes have been common here. Sharp corner, railing and wooden plank surface at the west end of the culvert shown in the previous photo. The proliferation of signs, again, suggests that crashes have been common here. DSC00601signs at underpass.jpg slides/9708R04R03aFranconia.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 The corner at the end of the culvert, looking south (John Allen photo, 1997). One of the two bicyclists is walking as instructed. The park bench at the lower right is directly adjacent to the path so the legs of people sitting on it extend into the right-of-way. The corner at the end of the culvert, looking south (John Allen photo, 1997). One of the two bicyclists is walking as instructed. The park bench at the lower right is directly adjacent to the path so the legs of people sitting on it extend into the right-of-way. 9708R04R03aFranconia.jpg slides/9708R04R01Franconia.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 North of the culvert, the path follows the old route of the highway for approximately 1000 feet (John Allen photo, 1997, looking south). The path is wide, smooth and has open sight lines here, and a gentle downgrade toward the south. Nonetheless, this is identified as a bike walk zone, probably because of the substantial volume of pedestrian traffic from a parking lot (behind the camera position) to an Old Man viewing area past the culvert on the west side of the highway. North of the culvert, the path follows the old route of the highway for approximately 1000 feet (John Allen photo, 1997, looking south). The path is wide, smooth and has open sight lines here, and a gentle downgrade toward the south. Nonetheless, this is identified as a bike walk zone, probably because of the substantial volume of pedestrian traffic from a parking lot (behind the camera position) to an Old Man viewing area past the culvert on the west side of the highway. 9708R04R01Franconia.jpg slides/DSC00602stop sign.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 Stop sign and more hazardous bollards where the path crosses the access road to the park headquarters. Is the diagonal stop sign for the road or the path? Probably the path, judging by the orientation of the stop sign at the other end of the crosswalk. The highway is visible in the background. Stop sign and more hazardous bollards where the path crosses the access road to the park headquarters. Is the diagonal stop sign for the road or the path? Probably the path, judging by the orientation of the stop sign at the other end of the crosswalk. The highway is visible in the background. DSC00602stop sign.jpg slides/IMG0001 Curve with railings.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 Path between railings north of Cannon Mountain access road. John Allen photo looking south, 2001. Path between railings north of Cannon Mountain access road. John Allen photo looking south, 2001. IMG0001 Curve with railings.jpg slides/IMG0098bollard1sm.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 A particularly scary bollard at the end of the path spur which leads to the Cannon Mountain parking lot. John Allen photo looking south, 2001. A particularly scary bollard at the end of the path spur which leads to the Cannon Mountain parking lot. John Allen photo looking south, 2001. IMG0098bollard1sm.jpg slides/IMG0097 old sign.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 This older sign in the Cannon Mountain area naively identifies the facility as a "bike path" rather than as a multi-use trail as with the later signs. The bicyclists look very 1960s -- the boy with his sailor-striped shirt and the girl in her miniskirt, neither with a helmet; low-end 10-speed bicycles with North Road handlebars, typical 20 years before the path actually was constructed. The path curves gracefully away into the background, with gentle slopes, and no other users in sight -- no crowds of pedestrians, no inline skaters. This older sign in the Cannon Mountain area naively identifies the facility as a "bike path" rather than as a multi-use trail as with the later signs. The bicyclists look very 1960s -- the boy with his sailor-striped shirt and the girl in her miniskirt, neither with a helmet; low-end 10-speed bicycles with North Road handlebars, typical 20 years before the path actually was constructed. The path curves gracefully away into the background, with gentle slopes, and no other users in sight -- no crowds of pedestrians, no inline skaters. IMG0097 old sign.jpg slides/IMG0096 branch in path.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 Fork in path north of park headquarters parking lot. John Allen photo 2001, looking south. The branch to the right leads to the parking lot, and the branch to the left continues along the highway towards the south. Fork in path north of park headquarters parking lot. John Allen photo 2001, looking south. The branch to the right leads to the parking lot, and the branch to the left continues along the highway towards the south. IMG0096 branch in path.jpg slides/IMG0095 cannon mtn tunnel.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 IMG0095 cannon mtn tunnel.jpg slides/9708R04R12Franconia.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 Under the highway bridge. The rocky embankment is visible to the right of the path. Under the highway bridge. The rocky embankment is visible to the right of the path. 9708R04R12Franconia.jpg slides/chutepano1.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 chutepano1.jpg slides/9708R04R10Franconia.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 Looking down the "chute" toward the Interstate 93 bridge. A level line of sight extends to the horizon in the distance. We are looking down at the bridge roadway, and the path descends steeply to get underneath it. Notice the skid marks on the path surface. As the path curves to the left under the bridge, a rocky embankment slopes steeply away into the valley at the right. John Allen photo 1997, looking west, in the southern direction of travel along the path. Looking down the "chute" toward the Interstate 93 bridge. A level line of sight extends to the horizon in the distance. We are looking down at the bridge roadway, and the path descends steeply to get underneath it. Notice the skid marks on the path surface. As the path curves to the left under the bridge, a rocky embankment slopes steeply away into the valley at the right. John Allen photo 1997, looking west, in the southern direction of travel along the path. 9708R04R10Franconia.jpg slides/IMG0061chutesigns.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 This enlarge photo shows the entrance to the path from the parking lot. The Bollard holds a small "no inline skating" sign. There is no warning of the steep slope just around the corner. John Allen photo, 2001. This enlarge photo shows the entrance to the path from the parking lot. The Bollard holds a small "no inline skating" sign. There is no warning of the steep slope just around the corner. John Allen photo, 2001. IMG0061chutesigns.jpg slides/IMG0060 Old Rte 3 bridge.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 We look from the parking lot toward the north. The placement of two bollards in the foreground so only a bidirectional center lane is passable is inept. The bollards are spaced only 50 inches apart, though the AASHTO guidelines specify 60 inches for one-way bicycle traffic. The even number of bollards at the end of the old Route 3 bridge creates a center lane with an undefined direction of travel. And why two rows of bollards when one would be enough? John Allen photo, 2001. We look from the parking lot toward the north. The placement of two bollards in the foreground so only a bidirectional center lane is passable is inept. The bollards are spaced only 50 inches apart, though the AASHTO guidelines specify 60 inches for one-way bicycle traffic. The even number of bollards at the end of the old Route 3 bridge creates a center lane with an undefined direction of travel. And why two rows of bollards when one would be enough? John Allen photo, 2001. IMG0060 Old Rte 3 bridge.jpg slides/IMG0062 View from bridge.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 We look south from the old Route 3 bridge to a parking lot, and the exit of the path into the trees behind the partially-hidden sign at the far right in the photo. The pathway continuing around the edge of the parking lot is for pedestrian access to parking. John Allen photo, 2001, looking south. We look south from the old Route 3 bridge to a parking lot, and the exit of the path into the trees behind the partially-hidden sign at the far right in the photo. The pathway continuing around the edge of the parking lot is for pedestrian access to parking. John Allen photo, 2001, looking south. IMG0062 View from bridge.jpg slides/IMG0063 parking lot.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 The parking lot in the background provides access to the path. The bridge in the foreground and the access roadway entering the parking lot from the background are parts of the old Route 3. The path crosses the bridge in the foreground and exits the parking lot at the right side of the picture. John Allen photo, 2001, looking south. There are additional images after this one, outside the area covered by the state park map -- click the right arrow above to view them. The parking lot in the background provides access to the path. The bridge in the foreground and the access roadway entering the parking lot from the background are parts of the old Route 3. The path crosses the bridge in the foreground and exits the parking lot at the right side of the picture. John Allen photo, 2001, looking south. There are additional images after this one, outside the area covered by the state park map -- click the right arrow above to view them. IMG0063 parking lot.jpg slides/IMG0059 crack in trail.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 Path on old Route 3 alignment north of the bridge. This section is unusually wide. It is not heavily used, as it leads only to a parking lot and Route 3 at its north end. The large crack is developing due to shifting of the Route 3 roadway materials underneath. John Allen photo looking south, 2001. Path on old Route 3 alignment north of the bridge. This section is unusually wide. It is not heavily used, as it leads only to a parking lot and Route 3 at its north end. The large crack is developing due to shifting of the Route 3 roadway materials underneath. John Allen photo looking south, 2001. IMG0059 crack in trail.jpg slides/IMG0051 Franconia trail north end.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 Approaching the parking lot at the north end of the path where it rejoins Route 3. John Allen photo looking north, 2001. Approaching the parking lot at the north end of the path where it rejoins Route 3. John Allen photo looking north, 2001. IMG0051 Franconia trail north end.jpg slides/IMG0056 bike trail north end.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 The spacing of the bollards at the north end parking lot is only about 44 inches, but it is nonetheless possible to drive around on the right. Many path users also go around on the right, judging by the wear to the surface -- but bicyclists risk diversion of a wheel by the raised edge of the path. John Allen photo, 2001, looking south. The spacing of the bollards at the north end parking lot is only about 44 inches, but it is nonetheless possible to drive around on the right. Many path users also go around on the right, judging by the wear to the surface -- but bicyclists risk diversion of a wheel by the raised edge of the path. John Allen photo, 2001, looking south. IMG0056 bike trail north end.jpg slides/IMG0054 Franconia trail entry sign.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 Route 3 looking south, with the parking lot and path at the left side of the photo. Note the bike route parking sign at the right side of the photo. The roadway has wide shoulders, though it has rumble strips. John Allen photo, 2001 looking south. Route 3 looking south, with the parking lot and path at the left side of the photo. Note the bike route parking sign at the right side of the photo. The roadway has wide shoulders, though it has rumble strips. John Allen photo, 2001 looking south. IMG0054 Franconia trail entry sign.jpg slides/IMG0055 FRANCONIA BIKE ROUTE SIGN5.htm# Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:51:03 -0500 Continuing south on Route 3, we encounter the first bicycle prohibition, <i>after</i> the parking lot and entrance to the path. Shortly beyond this point, the road joins Route 93. John Allen photo, 2001. Continuing south on Route 3, we encounter the first bicycle prohibition, <i>after</i> the parking lot and entrance to the path. Shortly beyond this point, the road joins Route 93. John Allen photo, 2001. IMG0055 FRANCONIA BIKE ROUTE SIGN5.JPG