HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/28/2023 Item 1, Flickinger
Sarah Flickinger <
To:Advisory Bodies
Cc:Fukushima, Adam
Subject:Flickinger Public Comment for ATC Meeting 02282023 Agenda Item 1
Attachments:20230228 Bicycle Riding on Sidewalks Flickinger Comment.pdf
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Good afternoon,
Attached please find a written public comment for this evening’s Active Transportation Committee Meeting.
Thanks,
Sarah Flickinger
1
Sarah Flickinger
1720 Lee Ann Court
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
sarah@flickimc.com
PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING 02/28/2023 ATC COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA ITEM 1: BICYCLE
RIDING ON SIDEWALKS
February 28, 2023
To the members of the City of San Luis Obispo Active Transportation Committee:
Thank you for your service to our City. I am writing as an individual resident of the City to express my
concerns regarding possible changes to the prohibition on bicycle riding on sidewalks (Municipal Code
Ordinance 10.72.100). I do not support any changes to the ordinance, but I am in support of exploring
the reasoning behind any citations and areas where individuals feel it necessary to ride on sidewalks as
opportunities to further support programs focused on cyclist education and expanded cycling and
multiuse pathway facilities.
Beyond the purview of just bicycling and walking, the ATC is responsible for all forms of active
transportation, including accessible use of facilities for people with disabilities and those who may have
different active use needs. These could include individuals using mobility aids such as wheelchairs,
crutches and canes (including those used to support users who are blind or visually impaired) as well as
individuals who are deaf or have hearing impairments. Additionally, some individuals in the City use
guide dogs and other service animals to actively transport in our community. For many users with
disabilities, active transportation is more feasible for daily trips than engaging motor vehicle
transportation—and offers additional benefits as well. This is the case in the downtown core as well as
throughout residential and commercial areas throughout the City, and especially important in areas
between residences, business and public transportation services.
Our sidewalks in some areas fall short of ADA compliance, particularly in residential areas outside of the
downtown core, making them especially difficult to navigate for users with disabilities. Signage,
accessories, light and utility posts and boxes, driveway cuts and lack of maintenance can already present
challenges for navigating sidewalks for many users. Adding bicyclists to this seems an unnecessary
additional burden for our sidewalks to carry and introduces additional potential for conflicts and liability.
Already mentioned in the report prepared by staff are reports on safety versus perceived safety of riding
on sidewalks. As an LCI with the League of American Bicyclists, I agree with the fact that additional
hazards exist for cyclists riding on sidewalks. As a parent of a now 12-year-old, I understand safety
concerns—particularly on arterials lacking adequate facilities and which have had poor prior planning
efforts around multimodal transport in the past—and I sympathize with those who have the perception
of increased safety. Safe cycling is a learned skill. Carte blanche on sidewalks may seem safer and easier
to teach now, but it is worth it to take the time to teach appropriate ridership that is fairly universal
throughout the state and a majority of the country for lifelong safe riding / active transportation use.
Our City does a great job constantly improving and adding active transportation facilities and, in recent
years, has been proactive in focusing on complete streets in areas where development or infrastructure
work is occurring. Yes, there are areas that are still not particularly safe nor improved. We should focus
our energies on developing plans for appropriate facilities at those locations rather than compounding
existing issues with sidewalk facilities by the addition of more unplanned users moving at high speeds.
Active transportation encompasses more than just bicycles, and we should ensure facilities are inclusive,
safe, comfortable and easily accessible for all users.
Sincerely,
Sarah Flickinger