Save the street parking

Rather, the bike lanes should be along its sidewalks.

Every country I’ve been to where people bike for transport, primary bike networks are alongside sidewalks.

Don’t get me wrong. On-street bike lanes are useful, including locally. E-device and “strong and confident” riders love them. And street parking needs will keep falling as car-share use rises.

But on-street bike lanes won’t draw the “interested but concerned” riders, those eager to ride, just not right next to cars — at least not enough to save our community’s health, sanity and quality of life.

A paved path network along primary routes to schools/community amenities must feel safe enough

• To let my 9-year-old bike independently;

• To get my 70-year old mom on her trike and elderly neighbor on his mobility scooter to the store; 

• For my 14-year-old and her friends to skate together, 

• For my friend’s son with special needs to ride his adaptive bike, and

• For runners with jogging strollers everywhere.

Safe, off-street passage for slower/younger/older riders of bikes and wheels for transportation is a social imperative.

It’s not whether to accommodate bike lanes, it’s where. Poll residents along the route — do they prefer keeping street parking access or the sidewalk easement area as is? It’s one or the other, but their preference matters especially.

The off-street, sidewalk-adjacent, paved paths are usually the better, parking-preserving choice. And I guarantee everyone, eventually, will have reason to use and appreciate them.

Sonia Elkes

San Carlos