Dear Mayor and Commissioners,

Thank you all for your excellent work to serve, promote and improve our community. 

I want you to know that as a city resident I strongly support keeping and improving the NW 8th Ave multi-modal bike lane and road safety improvements by Gainesville Public Works.

As a frequent biker, walker, runner, car and motorcycle driver on NW 8th Ave, I highly recommend the City Commission approve, continue, fund and implement the NW 8th Ave lane reduction from 4-lanes to 2-lanes with the inclusion of bike lanes between NW 31st Drive and NW 23rd Street (Segment B).

The data from the Public Works trial shows that while motor vehicles service was little affected when NW 8th Ave. was reduced to two lanes, bike ridership increased substantially. Since the trial has been such a success, I request that the City Commission pass a motion to keep the trial configuration in place until the actual road works commence, and to approve an eventual plan that includes two lanes of traffic and dedicated bike lanes.

We “share the road” to eliminate bicycle and pedestrian injuries or crashes. Bicyclists, walkers, and motorists are all equally responsible for safety. “Share the road” is about showing consideration for your fellow travelers on foot, bike, motorcycle, car, and bus.  These improvements to NW 8th Ave will help us to promote and improve the health and safety of our community, encouraging fun and efficient transportation for everyone.  

My strong desire in the future is that we will consider making similar modifications to NW 16th Ave too. This is another major critical travel route for bikes, pedestrians and vehicles through the city that would be greatly improved by adding bike lanes or other bike safety infrastructure and also reducing vehicle speeds. 

Thank you again and please keep up the great work!

Professional communicator specializing in public & environmental outreach