Residents protest after expert finds bike path project dangerous

The "North Jerusalem Residents for Safety and Quality of Life Amuta" reports that last Tuesday (the 24th of January 2012), it organized a protest on Lehi street against the continued construction of the Bike Path Project, that was revealed in a preliminary expert opinion to be in violation of the Ministry of Transportation's safety guidelines. Excerpts from this opinion were handed out to passersby during the demonstration (see below).

Update regarding bike path court hearing

From "North Jerusalem Residents for Safety and Quality of Life":

Dear neighborhood residents,

On Wednesday the 14th of December, the first court hearing regarding the claim put forth by the "North Jerusalem for Safety and Quality of Life" Amuta against the Jerusalem Municipality's illegal and dangerous bike path project being implemented in the French-Hill and Mount Scopus Area was held. While the main argument of the case is in regards to the fact that the city is constructing the project without submitting the plans to the "Taba" (תב''ע), and without acquiring a building permit, the Judge drew the attention of those present to his concerns regarding the safety of the bike paths through the course of an informal debate.

A respectable showing of residents attended the hearing, which showed the Judge that neighborhood residents do care and are concerned with the issue. You are all invited to the next hearing on the 29th of February at 8:30 am.

Respectfully,
North Jerusalem Residents for Safety and Quality of Life (Registered Amuta)

Bike path project court hearing

A message from the "North Jerusalem Residents for Safety and Quality of Life" amuta:

Dear neighborhood residents,

Tomorrow (Wednesday the 14th of December) at 15:00, there will be the first (and possibly the final) court hearing regarding the legal claim put forth by the "North Jerusalem for Safety and Quality of Life" Amuta against the Jerusalem Municipality's illegal and dangerous bike path project. This will be presided over by the Judge Yoram Noam at the district court house on Salah Al-Din street no. 40. The hearing is open to the public and you are invited to come in order to hear the proceedings and to make a show of presence on behalf of the neighborhood.

Respectfully,

North Jerusalem Residents for Safety and Quality of Life (Registered Amuta)

News paper articles

Articles on the Bike Path Project and the work of the Amuta "North Jerusalem Residents for Safety and Quality of Life" appear in today's "Kol Ha-Eir" and "Yediot Yerushalaim" newspapers.

Meeting on the subject of the bike path project

The amuta North Jerusalem Residents for Safety and Quality has announced:

תרשמו ביומן:

יום שלישי ה–25 לאוקטובר ב–19:00

אסיפה של תושבי הגבעה הצרפתית, גבעת המבתר, צמרת הבירה, ורמות אשכול

נושא: בטיחות השכונות ופרויקט שבילי האופניים

מקום: המנהל הקהילתי

אנחנו רוצים בטיחות לכל!

פרויקט שבילי האופניים מסכן את כולם!

* הפרויקט דן את תושבי האזור לסכנה מתמדת:

1. הפרויקט תוכנן ומיושם תוך סטייה ניכרת מהנחיות משרד התחבורה
2. מנהל הפרויקט מקדם מדיניות מכוונת להפוך את הנהיגה בכלי רכב למסוכן יותר
3. המבנה הלקוי של שבילי האופניים באזור מהווה מכשול לכל הולכי הרגל אך הוא מסוכן במיוחד לאוכלוסיות היותר פגיעות כגון נכים, קשישים, ילדים והורים עם עגלות תינוקות
4. הפרויקט מסכן ישירות את קהל היעד שלו – רוכבי האופניים; רבים מסרבים לנסוע בשבילים מתוך דאגה לבריאותם

* פרויקט שבילי האופניים בלתי חוקי:

1. תכניות הפרויקט לא הוגשו לתב''ע
2. עבודות הסלילה נעשות ללא היתר בנייה

Another protest against the dangerous and illegal bike path project was held today

The "North Jerusalem Residents for Safety and Quality of Life" Amuta reports:

"The Amuta held a demonstration today at 8:15 in the morning around the traffic circle between Lehi Street and Churchill Boulevard. The demonstration was in order to protest against the renewal of the construction of the sub-standard and illegal bike paths in the French Hill area that have posed a threat and nuisance to the public for months. The protest was a success with a wide range of local residents participating, including students as well as bicycle riders who see the flawed structure of the bike paths a danger for bicyclists and an impediment in encouraging bicycles as an alternative means of transportation. Over 500 flyers were distributed to drivers and pedestrians that passed through the area who expressed overwhelming support for the demonstrator's cause."

The message was posted on the Amuta's new Facebook page. The Amuta also stated that they are planning a protest during the evening hours that will take place at some point during the next few days. Details will follow.

Article in "Yediot Yerushaliam" news paper

An article on the problematic nature of the Illegal Bike Path Project in regards to accessibility and parking for the handicapped appears in today's (23 September) issue of the newspaper "Yediot Yerushaliam". An article on yesterday's demonstration will appear next Friday.