Mayor and Councilmembers,
I write to you as a Safe Routes to School parent volunteer at Laurel Elementary School. Because of our split Laurel campuses, many of our students and families use Coleman as a main transportation route between the campuses. It is even listed on the Menlo Park-produced Safe Routes map for students and families to plan their daily commutes. But it is *not* on that map because it is safe, but because it is the only logical option.
I also write as a Complete Streets Commision. After a robust meeting Coleman, the commissioners were unanimously in favor of the proposed improvements to Coleman. We advised expediting the stop sign placement and traffic calming as well as a temporary physical barrier to both protect users and discourage night-time parking. Adding a yellow center line, marked parking spots, and painting the bike lane green would all support this transition.
The proposed changes will increase safety for all users - pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers of all ages. I look forward to leading a Laurel Bike Bus to Upper Campus this fall with this additional safety infrastructure.
-Meredith Bergin Bailey
