River Run

The River Run is a proposed traffic-light synchronization project that will enable cyclists to commute non-stop along the 6 mile Little Econ Greenway trail in 20, 15, and 10 mph pulsed waves. The Little Econ Greenway trail would connect Semoran Boulevard (State Road 436) and the UCF areas, bordering the beautiful Little Econlockhatchee River for several miles. See map below for its location. 

Northeast Orange County Trails

Cyclists could choose any one of eight proposed waves an hour--going at 20, 15, or 10 mph, departing weekday mornings from Semoran Boulevard at the Hanging Moss Road bike/pedestrian highway overpass, and afternoons from Alafaya Trail--or join a wave at any point along the route, as simple as catching a train run on precise schedule. Commute times between Semoran Boulevard and Alafaya Trail would range from about 18 to 36 minutes.

The Hanging Moss Road overpass can be reached (1) by bicycle overpass, coming from Cady Way Trail, which connects to Winter Park, Winter Park Pines, Baldwin Park and Fashion Square Mall; and (2) by car or bus drop-off on Semoran Boulevard. 

In addition to the overpass at Semoran Boulevard, there will be cycling underpasses at two other roadways: Econlockhatchee Trail and Dean Road. At the other five roadways -- Forsythe Road, Goldenrod Road, Hall Road, Rouse Road and Alafaya Trail -- cyclists will be given the right of way in synchronized waves.

The River Run non-stop commuter cycling trip will be facilitated by the following:

1. Personal cycling computers costing about $20 each  

2. A traffic light synchronization system facilitating on a predictable and precise schedule non-stop travel proposed for 8 waves of cyclists per hour catching 20, 15, or 10 mph waves of their choice. Lights would stop traffic for waves of eastbound commuter cyclists from perhaps 7 to 9 each weekday morning and westbound commuter cyclists from 4 to 6.

 3. Trail counters that relay to the traffic light synchronization system the number of cyclists on each passing wave for the purpose of regulating electronically the length of time for each road crossing

4. Yet to be determined means of stopping traffic most effectively and safely while "trains" of cycling commuters crosses the roadway

5. Perhaps, strategically placed trail timers indicating to passing cyclists the mph wave they are on, and the number of minutes and seconds they are ahead or behind schedule for making the next road crossing.  To supplement bicyclists' cycle computers, strategically placed trail timers might also indicate to passing cyclists the number of minutes and seconds they are ahead or behind schedule for making the next road crossing

6. Website and trail postings of the regular, year-round Monday through Friday departure times

7.  Public education programs and materials regarding participation in The River Run, including ways to be a successful commuter. Training and practice will result in smooth trips. 

This project will be the first of its kind in the world.  The only remotely similar project identified is in Odense, Denmark, where low lights posts running alongside a path cycle bordering traffic aid cyclists in pacing themselves so they can avoid red and arrive at green lights.  It is characterized as "the world's first green wave for cyclists" (McClintock 2002:229-230)

Benefits

Commuter cycling on the Little Econ Greenway even without The River Run synchronized light installation offers these benefits among others:

• Getting exercise for improved health and appearance

• Losing weight for improved health and appearance

• Avoiding the experience of road congestion

• Each cyclist is "one less car" on the road

• Saving money on car maintenance costs 

• Avoiding auto accidents

• Parking quickly and near destination buildings

• Having fun

• Enjoying nature and the outdoors--sighting animals and plants

• Protecting local and global air quality

• Protecting local water quality

• Lessening resource depletion that is degrading the global environment

• Slowing global warming

The River Run traffic light synchronization project would add these benefits:

• Taking a leadership role in an innovative transportation project

• 20 and 15 mph options offering less door-to-door travel time than by car

• 10 mph option, offering increased safety for young children and novices

• Getting genuine uninterrupted 20 minute cardiovascular workouts

• Avoiding the hassle of stop-and-go traffic in a car or on bike

• Enjoying freedom and mobility afforded by the cycling "freeway"

• Reveling in the popular American blend of technology and physicality

• Enjoying the camaraderie of travel in waves

• Developing a sense of community with its many benefits

• Gaining recognition and satisfaction for being "part of the sustainability solution"

• Identity with River Run T-shirts for participation

• Minimizing and regularizing the frequency with which car traffic is stopped; timing for eastbound commuters would facilitate 8 waves "stacking" to just 4 crossings at Alafaya Trail

• and more

Not only will cyclists benefit from the system, drivers will too. Stopping vehicular traffic on north/south crossroads in sync with cyclists' crossings will improve vehicular traffic flow because vehicles will not be stopped at random times by individual cyclists pushing crosswalk buttons during high volume commute hours.

UCF will benefit financially, at present constructions costs saving over 1.1 million dollars on parking garage spaces for each one hundred commuter-cyclists.

Most importantly, The River Run will provide fast, safe, healthful, and affordable transportation that is also environmentally sustainable.

Todd Litman, Director of the Victoria Transportation Policy Institute and 2003 recipient of a Transportation Research Board award for outstanding work on non-motorized transportation (www.vtpi.org) wrote that he thought the synchronized, non-stop commuter bike project along the Little Econ Greenway was “GREAT!”

For a complete list of references, click here.