HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/4/2018 Item 15, Monterrosa-Birdsong
Christian, Kevin
From:Bernadette Monterrosa <bmonterr@calpoly.edu>
Sent:Tuesday, September 4, 2018 5:54 PM
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:In support of protected bike lanes on Chorro St
Dear City Council,
I live in the Anholm neighborhood. I have lived on Chorro St. for 15 years and I want to voice my support for
protected bike lanes on my street, Chorro St. I chose this neighborhood so my family which includes my
husband, 2 kids and myself, could commute via bike to school and work.
Over the past 15 years we have all had many frightening interactions with cars in our neighborhood,
specifically on Broad St. and Chorro St. I have been honked at, shouted at, recently called a CUNT and
threatened to be run over by vehicles just for biking on the "bike avenue." This repetitive driving behavior
clearly demonstrates that drivers do NOT respect nor tolerate that a “bike may use full road”. In addition I
have seen NO evidence of law enforcement support or defence of my “bike may use full road” right.
The current situation on Broad & Chorro St. is unsafe & unprotected for all SLO citizens,
including drivers.
I have been fortunate to Have biked in other cities in the US & around the world where there are clear &
protected paths/ roads for cars only, pedestrians only & bikes only. In my experience, When there are 3 clear
& protected pathways, everyone knows exactly where they are suppose to be and respects each other space.
This creates SAFETY for all 3 (the car driver, the biker & the pedestrians). The protected lane model is proven
to work over and over.
The city MUST PROTECT all its citizens, whether They drive, bike or walk. My family does all 3 and we deserve,
as my friends, family, neighbors, & fellow citizens do, the equal protection no matter which mode (to get from
one point to the other) we/they choose.
I would also like to add, I personally do not own the road that surrounds my property, nor
do my neighbors own the road in front or around their homes. We do not possess any
parking opportunities other than what is on our property(a). Therefore, there should
be no tolerance for claiming what does not rightfully belong to someone, such as
parking.
The SLO City Council needs to move forward with the plan for protected bike lanes on Chorro St. since it is
responsible for the safety of its citizens, including protecting them from harm.
Sincerely,
Bernadette Monterrosa-Birdsong
297 Chorro St., San Luis Obispo, CA
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