Getting around Belle Isle: State recommends improvements to mobility on Detroit island

Belle Isle, Detroit River.
DETROIT (FOX 2) - The state hopes to make getting around Detroit's Belle Isle easier.
After studying the island for 2 ½ years, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Department of Transportation, and Belle Isle Conservancy released a list of ways to improve how people get around.
The backstory:
The study looked at numerous aspects of the island, including traffic counts and aerial traffic, along with conversations with the public to determine areas of improvement.
The result was a list of ways the island could be improved over the next 10 years. Some of the recommendations will require more funding and planning, while some of the projects are already underway.
Key recommendations:
- Restriping the MacArthur Bridge with two lanes for cars in each direction and a dedicated two-way bike lane, providing a safe and separated path for cyclists and pedestrians to access the Detroit International RiverWalk.
- Restriping the perimeter loop road to include one-way vehicular traffic and two-way bike lanes.
- Converting Central Avenue, spanning 1.25 miles from the James Scott Memorial Fountain to the woods, creating a people-focused promenade for walkers, bikers, runners and others.
- Installing wayfinding and directional signage to help visitors better understand how to move around the island.
- Partnering with the Detroit Department of Transportation to expand bus routes and stops around the island; MOGO – a Detroit-based nonprofit bikeshare organization – to expand on-site bike sharing; and others to determine the feasibility of a ferry stop at Belle Isle.
- Completing construction of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Trail, which also serves as the southernmost 6 miles of Michigan's Iron Belle Trail, for biking, walking and rolling around the island.
What they're saying:
"The development of a strategic plan for Belle Isle will help us look at all the work that needs to be done in a holistic manner and develop a list of priorities that reflect the community’s needs and aspirations," said Amanda Treadwell, urban field planner for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. "Throughout the multimodal mobility study, many people shared their ideas for improving the park. We want to build on what we’ve already learned, and we're excited to continue this collaboration with our visitors and stakeholders."
What's next:
The mobility plan will be used to develop a strategic plan for Belle Isle. According to a press release from the DNR, this will include additional priorities aligned with community needs.
Dig deeper:
The full study report can be read below.
The Source: Information in this story is from a Michigan Department of Natural Resources press release.