Letter: Keep the traffic signals downtown

I was amazed at Matt Myers' statement in the Aug. 30 article 'Goodbye, downtown C.R. traffic lights.”

Essentially he said downtown traffic volumes are down and don't justify traffic signals. Gee, I wonder why? After years of ridiculous traffic patterns no one wants to drive downtown.

The last time I drove Third Avenue through downtown I found the following - first one way, then two way and then back to one way. There were cars parked in the middle of the street. At one point an entire lane was designated for bicycles.

I understand the City Council is trying to fix the traffic patterns. I wonder how much it will cost us to reinstall traffic signals when traffic volumes increase? This could happen with reasonable traffic flow. Or maybe we will all be sitting at those wonderful four-way stop sign intersections trying to figure out who goes next?

I don't want to complain without offering a solution. I invite Myers to call me and we can sit down over coffee and I will explain how things work. The Gazette has my contact information. I will buy the coffee. But, can we meet at Scooters or Panera just not downtown?

Bob Burnes

Cedar Rapids