City council wrestles with bike lane, sidewalk decision

Last week, the Bloomington city council discussed whether or not to install bike lanes on Southdowns Drive, near Bryan Park. That debate brought out the issue of whether or not bike lanes are a safe, effective means of transportation for citizens who choose to walk or ride rather than use a car.\nCity officials have said they desire to curb traffic in Bloomington by offering quality alternatives to driving. A part of that plan, the city said, is bike lanes.\nThe city defines a bike lane as part of a street partitioned by markings on the pavement. Bike lanes have been installed on many streets, such as Walnut Avenue and Washington Street.\n"I think the public is generally receptive to (bike lanes)," said Justin Wykoff, assistant city engineer.\nBut when the issue is debated, people often confuse bike paths with pedestrian traffic, he said.\n"Ideally, we like to have separate side paths for pedestrians," Wykoff said. "Sidewalks are not for bikes. Bike lanes are good because they provide a separation between bike lanes and vehicular traffic."\nThe proposal currently in front of the council would create a bike lane that would be specified for both pedestrians and bikes. It would change Southdowns Drive into a one-way street to make the it safer for pedestrians and cyclists. \nCity council member L. David Sabbagh has voiced opposition to the plan and voted against it last week.\n"I'm going to be less likely to let a 10, 11 or 12-year-old child walk to Bryan Park unless there is a sidewalk there," Sabbagh said. "I want pedestrians protected from traffic and I think pedestrian safety means sidewalks." \nBut the sidewalks that some residents want come with a price tag. The pavement markings that bike lanes require cost about 85 cents per foot, while sidewalks cost about $25 dollars per foot, Wykoff said. When sidewalks are installed, the rainwater drainage work that accompanies those projects can cost additional time and money.\nFor that reason, some council members think bike lanes are a bargain for what they provide. Three council members voted in favor of the proposal, including council president Chris Gaal.\n"I think these lanes are safer than walking on the street," Gaal said last week.\nSo far, the city has not heard of any accident involving a cyclist or pedestrian in the bike lane, Wykoff said.\n"I'd like to think we're making things safer, not more dangerous," Wykoff said.