SLO bike boulevard is a good compromise

I am 30-plus year resident and homeowner in San Luis Obispo. I drive, bike and walk regularly in the city.

I am fully in favor of making the Chorro/Broad corridor safer for all types of transportation — whether human-powered or mechanically powered. I bike and drive on Chorro Street regularly for recreation and transportation. My son is a recent homeowner on Chorro, and it is on my usual morning bike route.

Having protections for cyclists will improve safety for all — motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. It will improve the neighborhood, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and encouraging environmentally friend transportation alternatives. It will also provide a safe route to school for Pacheco, Bishop’s Peak and Cal Poly students.

I do not believe that as a regular cyclist, I am a “special interest.” Nor do I believe that as a motorist I am entitled to full use of a public right of way.

And as a homeowner, I do not believe that I have an absolute right to parking in front of my house. In fact, my street front parking was removed for a bus stop and bike lane a few years ago. While I would have preferred to keep the street front parking, I certainly understand that when balancing safety and environmental considerations, that I can make accommodation for the greater good.

I applaud the City Council for moving ahead with making the entire city safer for all those who live and work here.

This story was originally published December 20, 2017 at 8:42 PM with the headline "SLO bike boulevard is a good compromise."