The relentless push for bike lanes came to San Mateo’s North Central neighborhood like a bludgeon. Parking was removed on half of Humbolt Street, past residences that needed it. They now compete for parking (get there before 5 p.m.!) on North Idaho Street, which was already stressed by parking from two densely packed Amphlett Street apartment buildings. Meanwhile, in three months, I have yet to see a bike on Humbolt on any afternoon. Given how many people now struggle to park with their groceries within 100 feet of their own doors, it would be nice to think that as many people are biking?
During the planning phase, neighbors spoke out on the removal of neighborhood street parking, to no avail. Now we have a deserted “bike lane” and infighting on street cleaning days. This is a daily cloud over our lovely street.
Our City Council has shown little interest in our lowly ‘hood. Maybe North Central isn’t the only neighborhood wishing those we elect won’t brush off their neighbors when courted by the backpacker lobby?
Thanks for your letter, Mr. Riggs, letting us know the consequences of the street diet project. It’s my understanding that "leaders" couldn’t pass up the “use it or lose it” money to subsidize union labor and your area drew the short straw. Remember this treachery during the next few election cycles and oust the folks that voted for the project. If bike lanes can be painted in, they can be painted out. Meanwhile, as expected, the misery has spread to surrounding neighborhoods and has forced those neighborhood residents to park farther away – misery loves company.
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Thanks for your letter, Mr. Riggs, letting us know the consequences of the street diet project. It’s my understanding that "leaders" couldn’t pass up the “use it or lose it” money to subsidize union labor and your area drew the short straw. Remember this treachery during the next few election cycles and oust the folks that voted for the project. If bike lanes can be painted in, they can be painted out. Meanwhile, as expected, the misery has spread to surrounding neighborhoods and has forced those neighborhood residents to park farther away – misery loves company.
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Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.