HomeMy WebLinkAbout3/7/2023 Item 6d, Nguyen
Kimmie Nguyen <
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Item 6d: North Chorro Neighborhood Greenway
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Dear Council Members,
I used to live on Chorro, just north of Foothill. This neighborhood used to be my main commute to work, to the dentist,
to see my friends across town. This neighborhood is lovely, but I have had my share of unpleasant experiences due to a
lack of non-vehicle infrastructure and a sense of extreme entitlement by motorists. While I was out on a walk, someone
nearly hit me reversing in their driveway; this individual screamed at me because I had slapped their car's windshield
before it had made contact with my body. While biking, I have been cursed and honked at because I was too slow
pedaling my way up the hill and there was no separated pathway for me. I was going as fast as I could, but I was legally
required to share the same space as cars.
I share this with you to stress that this system of putting cars before people doesn't work. Whether it's people walking,
people on bikes, it doesn't work. 43,000 Americans die every year to traffic violence. That's 117 human lives per day;
people who just went out on a walk to the store or to school and never came back. In 2023, we have already had
multiple SLO residents struck and killed by motorists. All because we can't seem to realize another possible way to
function as a society. We need to learn the lessons that come from putting cars before people.
Undoubtedly, the City Council has a tough decision to make with the sharp increase in project budget. I believe that
crosswalks, over 40 accessible curb ramps, separated bicycle lanes, and improved safety lighting are all well worth the
City's investment.
This greenway isn't the end-all be-all of fixing SLO's transportation problems, but it is one step in the direction of making
us safer and healthier. Let's worry about space for cars once we can make sure our loved ones on foot, bike, wheelchair,
strollers, scooter, skateboard, rollerblade, and walkers will all make it home at the end of the day.
Thank you,
Kimmie Nguyen
Resident of SLO
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