HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/4/2018 Item 15, Lawrence
Purrington, Teresa
From:Ryan Lawrence <ryanolawrence@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, September 3, 2018 11:06 AM
To:E-mail Council Website
Cc:slostreetsforall@gmail.com
Subject:Support and Comments on Anholm Bikeway Proposal
Dear Madam Mayor, Vice-Mayor, and esteemed Council Members,
My name is Ryan Lawrence and together with my family including wife Maartje, daughters Imke (9) and Fenne (4), and
son Tijmen (6), I am writing today in support of the proposed creation of the Anholm Bikeway.
Originally from the Netherlands where the bicycle is the primary mode of transportation we are eager for changes to be
made to the neighborhood that encourage new ridership as well as ensure increased safety for bicyclists of all ages. As a
family we currently ride from our home on Murray Ave. to Downtown and Bishop Peak Elementary on a regular basis
with my 9 and 6 year olds on their own bikes and my 4 year old riding shotgun in either a handlebar seat or in the tub of
our orange "Bakfiets." The ability to do this is one of the primary reasons for us moving to the neighborhood 3 years ago
from the Arbors, where all trips to town required an automobile.
While as residents of the neighborhood we know that any change will cause minor inconveniences, these are, in our
opinion, far outweighed by the benefits. We believe all efforts should be made to restrict thru-traffic which utilizes the
neighborhood through use of diverters, including the one proposed at Broad, Ramona, and Mienecke. Additionally, we
support the Active Transportation Committee's recommendation of Class IV bike lanes on Chorro, as this is our preferred
route both north and southbound while riding with our family due to its gentler topography, better visualization at
intersections, and minimal curves or turns.
I know that there has been resistance from many of my neighbors, and I have attended the community meetings
regarding the Anholm Bikeway when possible, where I have witnessed saddening amounts of selfishness and
NIMBYism. At this point, and in discussions with my wife, we truly hope that something will be done and I urge you to
be decisive. Traffic in this neighborhood has been a problem since the '80s and I have letters to the the then City Council
from the former owners of my home documenting desires to curb traffic volume and slow traffic speeds. For many
change is difficult, but it is also inevitable, and the creation of the Anholm Bikeway is in concert with both the City's
goals and vision, and in keeping with global need for reduced automobile use.
On a personal and emotional level, I notice that I experience far more of my city and neighborhood when on a bike or
walking, and believe that this leads to a greater connection to nature, our neighborhoods, and the people within
them. The Anholm district is uniquely bike-able and a cherished district of our town. If the desire is to preserve
neighborhoods, I can think of no better way to do this than to implement a plan that reduces daily traffic utilizing it only
a thruway, encourages alternative forms of transportation, and makes our streets safer and enticing to the growing
number of families and young people who like to call our neighborhood and the adjoining Foothill district home.
Best Regards,
Ryan, Maartje, Imke, Tijmen, and Fenne Lawrence
740 Murray Ave,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
(805) 704-2391
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