Keep bike lanes, residential parking permit program will help

The proposals currently before the City Council to remove the bike lane increase the chance of me or my family getting maimed or killed. Tragically, pedestrians have already been killed this year in San Mateo in vehicle accidents due to inadequate infrastructure to protect pedestrians and cyclists.

A solution is needed. I urge the City Council to pursue the unanimous recommendation of the Sustainability and Infrastructure Commission to explore a residential parking permit program for North Central. This is our chance to maintain safety while addressing the parking issue for the whole neighborhood.

The city’s current hands-off approach to street parking in North Central effectively gives that space to the individuals or commercial entities that can park the most vehicles first. This approach does not espouse our shared community values of fairness and equity.

In contrast, an RPPP allows the city to ensure that street parking is available to those who have the greatest need, including those neighbors who live on Humboldt Street, and those neighbors who require a vehicle for their job.

I hope the council chooses to explore an RPPP, a solution that can work for all residents of North Central.

Jacob Chamoun

San Mateo