Safer crossing on 42nd not a priority

To the editor:

I am a bicycle rider and I wish to comment on the plans for a safer crossing on 42nd Street NE by the railroad tracks.

I do not like that crossing, but when I heard the cost of doing what was planned by the city to 'improve” that crossing for bicycles, I about choked. As I recall, the cost was in the thousands of dollars for what was planned. I also drive a car, more than ride my bike. If there was a priority of spending the 'street improvement money,” 42nd Street west of the railroad tracks needs to be repaired as much or more than many streets in Cedar Rapids. Why don't the people who prioritize the streets repairs use the exorbitant amount of money for the bicycle crossing to fix 42nd Street from the tracks to Edgewood Road and install clearly lettered signs that state, 'Be cautious, bicycles crossing”? That crossing has existed a long time and I do not recall one accident there.

I would encourage the streets improvement priority people to take a drive around town and fix the problems that are blaringly terrible and use that 'new money” to start fixing streets.

Phil Saunders

Cedar Rapids