Letter: Bike lanes are confusing, dangerous

I have great idea. Why doesn't the city put at least two bicycle lanes on Interstate 380? (Yes, I am being sarcastic.)

It has been stated that downtown needs to be pedestrian and bicycle friendly. And from all the signs and bike lanes, it is. From First Avenue to 12th Avenue and 10th Street E to Third or Fourth Street W the signs say bikes get the full lanes to travel in. On some streets that means two-way car traffic has to drive in the turning lane. I am not sure what would happen if we tried that. Myself and my partner will no longer be going to the downtown area and will not support the markets, restaurants and other venues.

Bikes do not have to be licensed, carry insurance, obey traffic laws, and can ride drunk. The riders are rude, using foul language and gestures. Some even ride on the sidewalk. The police need to go to NewBo and downtown eateries and stop these riders for public intoxication and failure to have their mode of transportation under control.

The bike lanes and parking are confusing and dangerous. Who will pay for injuries and property damaged when a bike hits a car or a pedestrian? At least we know where the street repair tax is being spent. It is not on the streets. I will not vote for an extension of that tax and have been thinking I should shop out of town so they no longer get my contribution.

Mary Price

Cedar Rapids