Happy to elaborate further!
I am a resident of the Vintage Oaks neighborhood and have a young family who has been in this neighborhood for the past 6 years! This year was my 3 year old’s first experience at Laurel and we’ve been so excited to walk and bike to and from school. Those moments before and after school are critical moments to connect with both of my children (1.5 and 3.5 years old), talk about what we’re excited for in the upcoming day, explore the world around us, and decompress in the afternoons with a snack and a front row seat to day to day life in the neighborhood. In fact, the other day a elderly gentleman was walking with his adult son and gracefully reminded me that these are, in fact, the best years of my life. It brings tears to my eyes to think about my children holding these moments close to their own hearts as core memories to their childhood. That is, of course, if we can find a way to make these commutes more pedestrian/bike friendly. In current state, walking a double stroller down Coleman Avenue is nerve-wracking and dangerous. Driver’s can be distracted or drive above the speed limit which really forces pedestrians to be on high alert and to walk through the brush as much as possible. Even that, however, isn’t the most straight forward option - potholes, curbs, etc. really tests maneuver ability. These things are so much so, that I often opt to drive to and from the school instead which is a mere 0.9 miles from my house. I certainly don’t prefer driving, but if we’re being honest it is the safer route. I do not know the regulations required to build a pilot bike lane but I want to write to advocate in support of this solution as a means to explore the impact this may have on more pedestrians and bikers commuting on Coleman Avenue. I strongly believe that if a safer solution were available, it would be well utilized by myself and my surrounding neighbors while ensuring the safety of our youth as they get to and from school. I sincerely appreciate your consideration.
With gratitude,
Emily Nazerali
> On Apr 27, 2025, at 7:15 PM, Wise, Jennifer N wrote:
>
> Hi Emily,
>
> Thank you for reaching out. You are more than welcome to share your support via an email (if you want to elaborate any further), or by making a public comment via zoom if you are unable to attend the City Council meeting in person.
>
> Best,
> Jennifer
>
>
> Jennifer Wise (she/her)
> City Councilmember
> City Hall - 2nd Floor
> 701 Laurel St.
> tel 650- 313-4848
> https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fmenlopark.gov&c=E,1,LyRSTFM7dyfH7A-HxsWOggV3tXol6UC_22AyuU36aj74OgoSYLg5dshEK7u0AAkEmIYGLDRfkU7Odu2-jCWuRrCxelZ1Hg59DCqjCKF-tJpUGwlsSK00Imc,&typo=1
> *Note our emails have changed to @https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fmenlopark.gov&c=E,1,V7vnbvIjNVqUUPaZ_DNfTqw9FBtyrdKxsShOqzXKJ9RkKRzxawo-ws_TYvrNoCdfDeTb8wA7leaA6ahqwKf9kAUTJTla_5h_Nz36rzHHEyKxmMROlpAlsbJ3iy0,&typo=1
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Emily Dune
> Sent: Friday, April 25, 2025 6:11 AM
> To: _CCIN
> Subject: Upcoming City Council Meeting
>
>
>
> Hello,
>
> My name is Emily, I am a resident of Menlo Park, in vintage oaks neighborhood. I am unable to make the upcoming city council meeting but wanted to express my support for the pilot bike lane on Coleman Avenue. Is there any way to share in my support for this despite being unable to attend?
>
> Thank you,
> Emily
