HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/28/2023 Item 1, Flynn
Dave Flynn <
To:Advisory Bodies
Subject:Item 1 Bicycles riding on sidewalks, February 28th Active Transportation Committee
meeting
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Greetings-
While I understand the City’s goal to increase bike trips on the transportation network, I would request that this not be
done at the expense of pedestrian safety on the sidewalks. I’m a retiree in town and walk daily throughout town. Many
of the cyclist I see riding on sidewalks are on one way streets such as Pismo Street or Marsh Street were the riders are
going against traffic. They chose to use the sidewalks as shortcuts. Being that the sidewalks in town are very narrow
and many with imperfections and abrupt driveways, it is challenging as a pedestrian to negotiate around safely with a
bike coming at you or from behind. This is compounded with the increase in electric bikes on the street. Let’s keep the
sidewalks safe for pedestrians including seniors like myself. Cyclist can follow the rules of the road which do not apply
on sidewalks.
I would say that allowing the use of bikes on sidewalks for children 12 and under is a desirable change to the ordinance.
Having grown up on Johnson Avenue in the ‘60’s, the sidewalk was the only safe place for small children to learn to bike
and get around. I would suggest the limit be 12 years old as children tend not to be very fast when going on a sidewalk
and many times accompanied by adults so do not pose the same safety risk as the more regular cyclist seeking shortcuts
and avoidance of street restrictions.
Finally, an observation. I do drive the City bus for First Transit regularly and I am amazed at the high percentage (I’d say
two-thirds) of bicycles traveling at night without any headlights, tail reflectors or reflectors on wheels/pedals. When I
did commute on bike to work back in the ‘80’s, the police regularly stopped me and gave me tickets for out of
compliance equipment at night. Given tragedies like the bike fatality on South Higuera Street a couple weeks ago, it
seems like having bikes with proper equipment at night should be a higher priority when considering the significant bike
trips that are envisioned in the City’s plans or something perhaps your group could look to promote.
Sincerely,
Dave Flynn
1995 Corralitos Avenue
San Luis Obispo
dflynn2095@yahoo.com
(805)215-0813
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