Planning commissioners endorse Washington Street bike lanes

Posted on June 15, 2017

 

After a public hearing at City Hall, Bloomington Planning Commissioners backed plans for bike lanes on Washington St.

 

By Howard Packowitz

A plan to add bike lanes to one of Bloomington’s busiest streets won the endorsement Wednesday of the city’s planning commission.

After a two-hour public hearing, commissioners voted 7-3 to send the proposal to the city council. As part of summer resurfacing, the city would add bike lanes on Washington St, from Lee St., near downtown, all the way to St. Joseph Dr,, near State Farm Plaza.

Opponents believe narrower traffic lanes for cars and more bicycles on the road are a dangerous mix and will tie-up traffic.

Backers of the idea say there’s less danger for bike riders when they have designated lanes to travel, and they contend it’s safer for motorists as well because they’ll have to slow down.

In a note to commissioners, Bloomington Fire Chief Brian Mohr (MORE) said he can’t rule out a negative initial impact, but longer-term, Mohr sees motorists adjusting to the change. A bigger problem, according to Mohr, are distracted drivers.

The city council is scheduled to hold a public hearing and vote on the plan July 10th.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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