Los Osos bike lanes, parking removal improve safety

Re: “Where did the street parking go in Los Osos?,” Dec. 26:

As a Los Osos resident and cyclist who uses the new bike lanes in Los Osos multiple times a week, I see them as a great improvement to our community. The changes to the on-street parking was not an arbitrary decision by county Public Works. Residents, the business community, all of the local community advisory groups, and bicycle and pedestrian advocacy groups were involved in the discussion and pushed for these changes to LOVR.

County staff and our supervisor responded to the community’s request for a safer roadway for all users, and we now have a more enjoyable section of road for all. The safety provided by the buffered bike lane and narrower vehicle lanes provides slower traffic and much more security for those using the bike lane.

The fact that cars are not parked in the bike lane or just to the right of the lane, as in the previous configuration, takes away the opportunity to have a door opened up while passing. There is more than ample off-street parking for all of businesses, and in most cases these spots are closer to the business doors than parking on the street. I thank all of those involved and look forward to more of this type of change throughout the county where it fits the needs.

This story was originally published January 13, 2016 at 3:28 PM with the headline "Los Osos bike lanes, parking removal improve safety."