September 28, 2015
Mayor Casey Tanaka
Councilmember Bill Sandke
Councilmember Mike Woiwode
Councilmember Carrie Downey
Councilmember Richard Bailey
Dear Honorable Mayor and Councilmembers:
The San Diego County Bicycle Coalition is writing in
response to the action taken by the Council at its September 15, 2015 meeting
and your decision to suspend further bicycle safety markings that were
previously approved. As advocates for bicycle safety throughout the San Diego
Region, we are very concerned about the impact that this decision may have on
not only the residents of Coronado but the hundreds of thousands of visitors
who come to the city and ride their bikes there; whether for transportation or
recreational purposes.
Coronado is a beautiful city that offers a very enjoyable riding
experience for everyone. On any given day, one can witness dozens of families
riding along many of the wide, comfortable bike lanes and paths that have been
in place or were recently implemented as part of the Coronado Bicycle Master
Plan. A plan that seeks to increase ridership and reduce the negative
environmental and traffic impacts of automobiles. The plan will also increase
opportunities for active, healthy living in the city and perhaps most
importantly improve the overall quality of life for residents and
visitors. We believe this is a good plan
and we applauded the city for recently taking action to implement the elements
of the plan.
So why stop now based on the concerns of a few who seemed to
be more concerned with the visual look of bike lanes rather than the actual
safety that they provide? It’s
unimaginable to think that the city would take steps to decrease the safety of
its citizens based on this recent action largely due to the comments that were
presented related to the aesthetics of the safety markings.
The City of Coronado recently applied for and received
funding for a Safe Routes to School outreach and education campaign that we are
very pleased to be partnering with you on. Through this effort, we should be
able to teach bicycle safety to thousands of elementary and middle school
children in Coronado. Ironically, it is estimated that some 60-70% of school
kids are already biking to school. An incredible number that the city should
take pride in; yet this recent decision could compromise any further efforts to
improve safety for those riding to school.
We are asking you to please reconsider your actions of the
September 15th meeting and continue your previous efforts that were
making Coronado a safer, more accessible and bicycle-friendly community which
is deserving of its Silver designation of the League of American Bicyclists.
This recent action could not only damage Coronado’s impression for attracting
bicyclists but other cities across the region. We strive to make San Diego
County one of the safest and best places for anyone to bicycle and we ask you
to join us in helping us achieve that vision. We welcome the opportunity to
work together with you and hope that you understand the value and importance
for the safety of all who live, work and play in Coronado.
Respectfully,
Andy Hanshaw
Executive Director
San Diego County Bicycle Coalition
