Editor’s Note: I’m not posting these for entertainment, but you might find them interesting. They are just a couple of community projects, which may never go anywhere. On the other hand I designed them and worked with local artists to inspire something that could help.
There’s a protective, selfish aspect here. By publishing these on Bikernet.com™ they automatically fall under our copyright and so they are somewhat documented and protected. Enjoy.
–Bandit
U.S. Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Ave. SE
Washington DC, 20590
Re: Infrastructure suggestion
Dear Public Officials,
Our roads are jammed and worn. What if we could create a smart modular road system? The click-together (or bolt together) modules (perhaps carbon fiber) would contain lanes, railing, lights, and electronic connectivity.
I’m suggesting a raised system to carry motorcycles, cars, electric cars, plus an autonomous vehicle dedicated lane. This system could charge electric powered passenger cars.
It would allow drivers the opportunity to get through town above crowded streets. Shoppers could drive on the lower levels along with delivery trucks. Motorcycles would have a safer, more controlled area to travel on.
This modular system would also be available to create raised parking structures with built-in electric vehicle charging systems. The system would be designed to afford folks the ability to travel from one town to the next unencumbered with multiple off-ramps at every intersection.
The modular system would afford a community to construct an infrastructure system without major expense and one that could be altered or removed without major obstructions to life and infrastructure.
Although off-ramps wouldn’t pepper this structure, but parking areas could to allow folks to stop, park and still access community businesses.
Hell, the whole system could be made to be white and the surface would be grated designed to allow the sun to filter through to the street below.
This modular system would be designed for lighter vehicles and could allow traffic to spread out over congested streets. There would be challenges, like onramps and off-ramp locations. Also there would be the challenge to prevent heavy vehicles from driving on these lanes, maybe weight control.
I’m sure there are brilliant transportation engineering minds who could meet these challenges.
A thought in process.
Keith R. Ball
President
5-Ball Inc.
200 Broad Ave.
Wilmington, CA 90744
Commissioner,
I’ve been working for our Wilmington Waterfront completion for about 14 years attending meetings and port commissioner meetings.
When I saw the port’s suggestions for the entrance, I was supportive of progress, but we were only asked to vote on two concepts: the Sundial or the Whimsical approach. I kept thinking there should be something better, more impactful, more historical, more representative of Wilmington, “The Heart of the Harbor,” and the Port of Los Angeles.
It got me thinking. I roughed out some sketches and met with Aubry Sheldon a Wilmington Artist. We worked for several months on a sketch, which I shared with the community, but I still wasn’t dazzled.
I continued to search and then met with Emilio Loza, a Wilmington local, who also works for Disney as a sculpture artist. He made some brilliant suggestions, which I shared with Aubry, and another accomplished muralist from San Pedro, Carlos Canales.
Ultimately, Aubry brought the collective notions to life with this illustration.
Our initial goal included elements from Wilmington and the port such as train track rails for the anchor, the chain and a lighted buoy and a metal sculpted heart for Wilmington. We also included the whimsical notion in the form of waves to pull the story together.
I’m hoping this will inspire something truly magnificent for Wilmington and the Port of Los Angeles.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Keith R. Ball
5-Ball Inc.
200 Broad Ave.
Wilmington, CA 90744
