City Council Approves Controversial Bike Lane Installation

In a recent public hearing, the city council discussed a proposal to install a bike lane on Concordia Avenue and Rondo Avenue, extending from Pascal Street to Western Avenue. The initiative, presented by David Peterson, a transportation planner from the public works department, is part of a larger roadway resurfacing project scheduled for the fall of 2024.

The proposed bike lane aims to enhance safety and reduce speeding concerns raised by residents. The project will involve reducing the number of travel lanes from two to one, a strategy recognized for its effectiveness in improving road safety. This change will allow for the addition of a one-way buffered bike lane, utilizing space from the removed travel lane. Furthermore, the plan includes improvements for pedestrians, such as curb ramp reconstructions to meet ADA compliance and the infill of a sidewalk gap along Concordia Avenue.

While the bike lane installation will impact parking, with an estimated loss of 47 spaces—approximately 13% of the total available—public works staff believe that the remaining parking supply will adequately meet demand. Currently, between 14% and 35% of the available parking spaces are in use, indicating that the overall parking needs can be satisfied despite the reduction.

The council emphasized that this resolution pertains specifically to the bike lane and associated parking impacts, with a separate public hearing scheduled for the broader mill and overlay project. Community outreach has been conducted, including meetings with local district councils and Concordia University, to gather input and address concerns regarding the project.