"Walkability" plan for Howell a traffic nightmare

The Ann Arbor News has an article today about Howell and walkability. "The Pied Piper of Walkability", Dan Burden - has these recommendations for Howell to improve walkability. As someone who frequently walks and drives in Downtown Howell, these are my opinions on the matters.

1. Roundabouts

I never liked them. I don't care for them at MSU, cared for them less in Okemos, and really think they are bad for Brighton and Green Oak. The problem with them is that the only ones who know how to use them (and even that's debatable) are MSU students and graduates.

2. Reduce and narrowing lanes

All I have to say about this is to drive on D-19 near Mason around 5PM - Or Grand River near Chilson for that matter. This is a disaster.

3. Back in angle parking

I can go along with this.

4. Bumpouts to reduce parking near intersections

I support this since turning right from the alley between the Courthouse and DQ is a nightmare.

5. Bicycle lanes

I like the old days when bikes were ridden on sidewalks.

6. Pedestrian refuges

We'll see what happens here.

Burden says Howell has the opportunity to become a regional trend-setter with the proposed changes. "I think this is going to be total cutting-edge,'' he says. "You will become a model for the Midwest if developed as planned.''

Forget cutting edge or being cool. I prefer Mayberry. Some of these are good ideas, but reducing lanes and narrowing streets is going to make a traffic problem worse.