Letter: Bike lane placement creates unsafe situation

Walk to lunch or an appointment on Third Avenue SE at First and Second streets and one will see placement of the bike lane next to the curb and loss of parking spaces has created a dangerous situation. I have held my breath watching musicians unload large instruments in the loading area in front of the Paramount, which, now with fewer parking spaces, seems to be the only option. In similar circumstances I have witnessed parents en route to a child's music lesson carrying a sizable instrument for their child with at least one young child in tow. With potential for moving traffic on both sides of their vehicle, it doesn't take much to see an unsafe situation has been created for those unloading, their valuable cargo, and bikers alike.

Unorthodox placement of the stop signs leaves one speechless. Traffic lights have been removed here and replaced with stop signs having questionable visibility that protrude into the street between vehicle parking and the bike lane.

Would the city cite studies for this arrangement? If so, safety of those using the area was not considered. Will this arrangement be temporary? That is certainly the hope from those of us who navigate this area. The current arrangement is disconcerting and creates vulnerability. While we applaud the city for including a bike lane, its placement as well as parking and intersection control consistent with surrounding areas would be a safer situation for all concerned.

Linda Norris

Hiawatha