I am not sure what Mr. Claus's objective is when he keeps attacking a person versus engaging in a discussion about policy. But, looking back through his posts on Lakewood Speaks it makes more sense to me as he routinely attacks people versus offering a voice on a particular issue. He frequently attacked ex-councilors who graciously offer their time to serve the community. The same is true here--he chooses to attack me for holding an opinion on a policy matter which has absolutely nothing to do with where I work. That being said, my opinions on protected bike lanes are simply that...my opinions. This opinion has nothing to do with the honorable and fortunate work I get to engage in daily as I do my job to ensure safe and reliable water service to our community. Now, back to the issue. I would just like to point out a few quotes from the article that Mr. Claus offers for his argument why protected bike lanes should be a growing piece of the City's work: 1) The article points out that most of the bike/pedestrian deaths occurred on crosswalks at intersections. I do not see how protected bike lanes would be a solution for this unless every intersection has an aerial or subsurface conveyance designed to route the bicyclists and/or pedestrians over or under the intersection. 2) Colorado State Patrol Master Trooper Gary Cutler stated, "While it's hard to pinpoint exactly what causes each crash, distracted driving is a growing concern." YEP...I agree, and this fits my reasoning that tighter adherence to the already established distracted driving laws would be a better solution for road safety and encouraging bicycling usage. "A 2022 CDOT survey found that more than half of drivers in Colorado use their phone while driving." Again, this is a direct quote from the Colorado Sun article that was offered. And last, "We need a wholesale shift in the way drivers think about safety and sharing the road," Cole (with CDOT) said. "Too many people drive without a consideration to the increasing number of roadway users out there." Again, I concur. Protected bike lanes do not solve the aforementioned issues surrounding roadway safety and urban mobility. I like the 40 West ArtLine Design Standards and Guidelines and urge the City to focus on the intent section under streetscapes to consider how public gathering, viewing of art, shopping, dinning, etc. can be achieved. Placing bollards along the street for "protected bike lanes" does not achieve this. MORE ART, and LESS TO DART :)

Here is another recent data point which shows the talking points coming from Consolidated Mutual's alleged lobbyist don't align with reality: https://coloradosun.com/2024/01/29/colorado-pedestrian-bicyclist-traffic-deaths-2023/

Please focus on connectivity and physical bike lane infrastructure for this project. Steven Buckley made several pertinent comments during the last meeting and cited several up-to-date resources on this subject. It's also interesting that the one dissenting opinion on bike lanes is from a middle manager at Consolidated Mutual Water Company. The last time this person commented regularly was when Lakewood citizens criticized Consolidated Mutual's fence project around Maple Grove Reservoir and the way they recklessly destroyed city/public property. Now this employee claims bike lanes don't work and that people should bicycle with traffic. This suggestion is lunacy. None of the modern research supports this laughable notion. I can't help but wonder if this person is commenting because bike lane infrastructure will cost Consolidated Mutual more money in the future? Please don't listen to the company man from Consolidated Mutual. He cares more for his employer, not the safety of Lakewood's citizens.

No to isolated/separated bike lanes. THEY DON'T WORK! Those of us who bicycle are good with the paint, but not physical barriers that create additional obstacles while navigating this lovely planet. Plus, these physical barriers are just additional maintenance headaches that I do not want my tax dollars being wasted towards installing or maintaining. I am grateful to be allowed to bike on the road and the many years we all have been doing so without any special treatment required. If everyone obeys the traffic laws, life is good...and safe. Check out this video from our neighbors in Denver who are having a terrible experience with these nonsense isolated bike lanes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8fraNj_yoY Let's all share the roadways! Sharing is caring. Plus, segregation is like a 1960's thing...we've moved beyond the "these people here and those people there" ideas long ago. It's now 2024, let's agree that sharing the road is everyone's responsibility.

Love this!! Especially the emphasis on connectivity and place making. One key thing that I'd like to add, is that for safe connectivity for those on foot and on bikes, we should have separated infrastructure from cars for those traveling by other modes. Painted bike lanes are not safe, and many times cars park in them anyway. If we want a safe and inclusive Art Line, we need to make sure that it is safe for kids. The minimum criteria for a pedestrian or bike connected infrastructure installment should be if we would be comfortable letting our kids use it. Paint is not infrastructure. Thank you! And I can't wait to see where this goes.