HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/28/2023 Item 1, Johnson
From:Trent Johnson <
To:Advisory Bodies
Subject:Active Transportation Committee Public Comment
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To whom it may concern:
Per the agenda item 1. BICYCLE RIDING ON SIDEWALKS, I wanted to voice my support of changing this
prohibition. Bicycling on sidewalks can provide a safer and more accessible option for many cyclists, particularly those
who are new or inexperienced riders. For some individuals, sharing the road with motor vehicles can be intimidating or
even dangerous, and riding on the sidewalk can offer a more comfortable alternative. Additionally, many sidewalks have
wider and smoother surfaces than bike lanes, making them more suitable for cyclists with disabilities, parents with
young children, or those riding cargo bikes or other larger bicycles.
Given some of the WELCOME bike infrastructure changes in SLO Have conditioned bicycle users to use the sidewalk
(e.g., LOVR safe route to Laguna, Madonna multi-use path) making it difficult to switch from "bikes allowed" to "bikes
prohibited."
Furthermore, allowing bicycling on sidewalks can help to increase the number of people who choose to ride bikes, which
has numerous benefits for both individuals and communities. Bicycling is a sustainable and healthy mode of
transportation that reduces traffic congestion, improves air quality, and promotes physical activity. By making it easier
and safer for people to ride bikes, we can encourage more individuals to choose this mode of transportation, leading to
a more sustainable and livable community for all.
Indeed, I bike with my three young children and in many locations around town do not feel safe having them in the
street. Under those scenarios, I want them protected on the sidewalk and often need to lead them up there since they
follow my example.
Until car on bike incidents are eliminated from SLO, biking on the sidewalk should be absolutely allowed to protect our
young people and enable all people to feel more comfortable about using alternate modes of transportation.
Many thanks for taking up this important matter,
Trent Johnson
(Laguna Lake Neighborhood)
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