HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/19/2026 Item 6b, Redin
Brian Redin <
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Vision Zero Action Plan
Dear San Luis Obispo City Council:
I've been riding my bike in San Luis Obispo for over 27 years. In that time, I've seen many changes to bike
infrastructure and, more importantly, the habits of drivers and other bike riders, notably the
homeless/unhoused. In recent years, I've watched the development of the new bike lanes around town with
both curiosity and questions. I've also seen similar bike lanes in cities like Denver, CO. So, I'm aware that
these new bike lanes are not unique to SLO.
My viewpoint is also strongly influenced by an accident I had in July of
2025 when I was hit by a car on Tank Farm road as I was commuting home by bike from work. I suffered
broken bones and other injuries that I am still healing from but thankful I am still alive. The driver was a young
man who was reaching for a cell phone on his passenger's lap.
While I am generally in support of protected bike lanes and safer infrastructure, they need to be done
effectively, in the right areas, and easy for people to understand and navigate. I understand the target of the
Vision Zero Action Plan is aimed in some of these directions. I would also strongly caution that special bike
lanes are not enough to prevent accidents unless they are dedicated bikes lanes that no cars enter or use. It is
naive to spend a lot of money and potentially disrupt traffic patterns and flow and expect the outcomes will be
zero.
In addition, you must also address both car and driver behavior as well as the those bike riders who do not
obey basic traffic laws. Sadly, most of the latter are the homeless/unhoused. I know this by experience having
had multiple close calls while riding in SLO over recent years.
Another important factor in developing bike lanes is the general condition of our roads in SLO. I drive and ride
enough of them to know many are in poor condition. This hasn't always been the case and neglecting the
condition of our roads does contribute to overall safety and cannot be ignored. Simply painting over already
poor roads is not a solution, it may look and feel good but is not an answer.
Finally, as the city leans into the Vision Zero Action Plan, I do support the goal but am hesitant on the means.
As stated above, protected bike lanes and safer infrastructure are only part of the solution if done right. Since
we have shared roads, driver and rider behavior MUST also be planned for and addressed proactively.
Thank you for your time and attention to my feedback.
Sincerely,
Brian Redin
57 Los Verdes Dr.
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
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