HomeMy WebLinkAbout6/19/2018 Item 10, Rowley
Meeting Date: 19 June 2018
Subject: Item #10, Laurel Lane Complete Streets
Dear Mayor Harmon and Members of the Council,
I support staff's recommendation for the upgraded pedestrian crossings and traditional (Class ll)
bike lanes in lieu of cycle tracks. My decision was made for the following reasons:
1. Safety of both bicyclists and vehicle passengers.
a. Bicyclists may be injured when passenger doors are opened by an unsuspecting adult or
older child who still uses a car seat.
b. Disabled individuals and the elderly who move slowly would experience increased difficulty
getting from a parked car to the sidewalk and back, as would parents with small children, if the
bike lane were between the vehicle and the sidewalk.
c. As yet there have been no accidents on Laurel Lane involving bicycles; there have, however,
been accidents involving pedestrians.
2. During the May 17, 2018, Active Transportation Committee meeting both bicyclists and
vehicle drivers who spoke to the committee favored the Class ll bike lanes at this location.
3. Due to the slope of the hill on Laurel Lane it is prudent for vehicles on both sides of the street
to curb their tires. If a parked car were to be hit or a parking brake fail, the vehicle would travel
further with no curb to stop/slow its movement.
4. Delaying the project would result in additional expense. At a time when the City has been
taking various actions in order to save money to pay down millions of dollars of debt this is a
necessary consideration.
Recommend you approve staff's recommendation.
Sincerely,
Sandra Rowley
SLO Resident