HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/28/2023 Item 1, Smith
carolyn smith <
To:Advisory Bodies
Subject:Active Transportation Committee - Agenda Item #1 - Bicycle Riding on Sidewalks
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Chair Mills and Committee Members,
Please do not recommend that bicycles be able to ride on public sidewalks in the city. I am an avid
walker in my 70's and walk nearly every day in the Laguna Lake area. It's a healthy activity for me
and keeps me active. I have often been startled by bikers riding on the sidewalk coming up behind
me and have had to abruptly move to avoid being hit. Even young riders go fast which doesn't
provide enough warning to get out of the way. I have had to actually walk off the sidewalk and even
off the curb to avoid being hit. Sidewalks have always been safe for us walkers, but allowing bikes to
ride on them as well will change that.
The reason the multi-use paths that I walk on Los Osos Valley Road and Madonna Road are so wide
is to allow both pedestrians and bikers to safely co-use them and they work well. However, standard
sidewalks are much narrower which make it dangerous for us walkers.
Consequently, please do not recommend changing the current public sidewalk use to allow bikes to
ride on them.
Thank you.
Carolyn Smith
San Luis Obispo Resident
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