Answers: One-way streets

' Cedar Rapids is continuing to convert many one-way streets to handle two-way traffic, a move they say will make streets more pedestrian-friendly and make downtown more accessible. What do you think of the change?

FROM OUR INBOX

Wasn't the original purpose of the one-way streets to facilitate traffic through the downtown area? Is this no longer a requisite? Two-way streets won't facilitate anything, just like putting up

buildings on the avenues and streets and blocking them off!

Lan N.

Cedar Rapids

Words cannot express my disgust with the Council's decision to convert most of the one way streets to two way traffic. It makes no sense to me.

One way streets have been part of our culture at least since the early ‘50s. Streets are designed to move traffic and one-way streets are more efficient and safer. You don't have to worry about somebody cutting in front of you to turn into a driveway or at an intersection, which happens all the time on two-way streets.

The millions earmarked to implement the conversion could be better spent for more pressing needs in our community.

I also oppose removal of the traffic signals downtown and replacing them with stop signs. Wait ‘til winter comes and watch the increase in rear end accidents.

If the Council had not caved to special interests and allowed the PCI Building to block Second Avenue at 10th Street, we would not be discussing this issue.

Dale B.

Cedar Rapids

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Deborah W.: I hate one-way streets. I'm glad they are converting them to two-way!

Lori M.: It would make more sense if the conversion involved the entire street.

Julie H.: It used to be easy to come into downtown on Second Avenue and out of downtown on Third Avenue, but that was ruined with PCI. Two-way streets will make it even slower, especially if they take the lights out and put stop signs in. Combine that with the bike lanes and people trying to park and it will be a mess. Not sure how this makes it better.

Robert T.: Waste of money.

Michelle S.: I think it should be all or nothing, either convert them all or leave them the way they are.

Richard A.: Author Jeff Speck wrote a book about why a one-way street system not only kills navigation for newcomers (and residents - I never know where I'm going downtown) but also hampers small businesses and walkability. Cedar Rapids is making the right call on this one!

Kurt F.: I don't mind that as much as the bike lanes.

Gary K.: As a mailman, I walk the crosswalks. This should have been done 20 years ago.

Mohamad A.: Two-ways are better for businesses.

Doug D.: Well, it's better than when they converted a one-way street into a medical clinic!