Bike lanes generate an endless debate

For drivers, it can be a different story. In too many cases, separate lanes for cyclists frequently involve removing lanes for cars, trucks, buses, etc., sometimes creating traffic problems and delays in the process. Even parking spaces can be removed, aggravating conditions for residents and businesses alike.

The arguments over bike lanes persist. At times, a reasonable person has to wonder if the creation of some bike lanes are necessary at all. A good example can be found in Burlingame.

In that town, between Oak Grove Avenue and Broadway, new north-south bike lanes on California Drive were constructed, removing vehicular lanes in the process, as the pandemic wound down.

But they’re pretty much redundant. That’s because there are already parallel bike lanes just a few dozen yards away on Carolan Avenue. It’s a very similar amenity (though the most recent lanes are better protected from traffic) on the same corridor separated only by the Caltrain rail line.

It may be the most obvious case of bike lane overkill in San Mateo County. At least so far. Never underestimate the desire of municipal planners and social engineers to try to correct defects that don’t actually exist.

The Burlingame duplication is compounded by the closure of the Broadway Caltrain station during the work week, making a direct bike-friendly connection to the rail commute system there impossible.

By the way, it’s worth noting that some fast electric bikes and scooters can be dangerous in two-wheel areas, negating one of the touted values of these asphalt arrangements.

To be transparent, your correspondent uses bike lanes at least twice a week. So mixed feelings are understandable. There doesn’t seem to be a clear-cut answer regarding the purported value of bike lanes. There are arguments on both sides.

Please feel free to chime in on this sensitive topic if you like. We’re always open.   

PLENTY OF PBS OPTIONS HERE: With PBS losing its allocation of federal dollars, one can only speculate about what the impact on our region might be going forward. It’s hard to say. However, one thing is clear: For those with cable-TV packages, there is currently an abundance of public broadcasting options. Comcast, for example, offers no fewer than six PBS channels currently. There is plenty of duplication. If you miss a version of Cook’s Country, Finding Your Roots or American Experience on one channel, don’t fret because it will surely pop up on another in short order. How long will this bounty on the tube last? Who knows? Budgets are tightening. Hence the nonstop barrage of persistent pledge requests.

LIMBER LADIES PUT ON A SHOW: Entertainment at the Little-Big Game is always a treat. The traditional football contest between neighboring Burlingame and San Mateo highs, which began in 1927, typically brings out the best in prep marching bands and riveting displays of cheer demonstrations, particularly at halftime. There is also now a welcome dose of well-choreographed teen dancing. The San Mateo group is especially dynamic and highly regarded. At last weekend’s 98th renewal of the local rivalry, Burlingame got a dance boost from a surprising and unexpected quarter: A gritty gaggle of adult performers, limber ladies who performed a spirited routine for an appreciative audience. Hey, age is just a number.  

BOB LOTTI PASSES AT AGE 88: Sorry to learn of the death of Bob Lotti in Reno last week at age 88. He was a longtime teacher at Terra Nova High School and a fixture in that community. He was also a successful football coach and athletic director at the Pacifica public school; he made a lasting impact on that Coastside campus during his long tenure working in the Jefferson Union High School District. The Terra Nova football field is named in his honor. Rest in peace.

RECALL EFFORT HAS FAILED: Also on the coastside, a citizens’ attempt to recall the Pacifica School District Board of Trustees has failed to qualify for an election ballot, according to a Pacifica Tribune online news note this week. The recall threat came about because of the board’s decision to close two Pacifica elementary schools due to low enrollment.