As a long term Allied Arts resident just a block from Middle Av, a frequent pedestrian, bike and car traveler on Middle Av and as attendee to both recent online and in-person community meetings Id like to provide input to the upcoming decision in favor of Option 1.
Removing seldom used parking in favor of consistent and amply-spaced buffered bike lanes is aligned with the Vision Zero and climate friendly policies that are needed to encourage more biking. While its attractive to compromise and explore whether a time-based parking restriction would address the school based commute time safety needs, we need to aspire to make a safer route for the future - encouraging more midday riders is possible when the parking has been removed during the day which is consistent with Santa Cruz Av. Induced demand with better bike infrastructure works.
In a practical sense, delivery vans already violate No Stopping or Parking signs and park for short durations which forces bikers into the traffic lanes. Heres a short video that shows this happening on University Av. close to Middle Av just last Friday Feb 10th.
Time-based restricted parking would increase the frequency of bikers being forced into traffic and I advocate against time-based restricted parking.
We need to change the car-centric street design paradigm to be bike and pedestrian centered. Bikers and pedestrians are vastly underserved. Heres a recent article highlighting the need for this shift from business as usual and the liability.
Mitigations such as better street lighting, sidewalks, phasing the traffic calming changes already approved asap, side street walkways and parking etc. should be prepared.
I encourage the entire council to prioritize safety over convenience and make the parking removal decision for Option 1.
Thank you for your leadership and change management.
Ken
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Ken Kershner | Co-Founder & CEO
Cell 650-248-9059 | Email ken@triomotors.co
Trio Motors | Menlo Park
