In my class, Communities 1, we have studied the importance of biking. I have recently learned that the Ordinance 15-271 will reduce Murdock Avenue to three lanes; two going each way, one shared left turn lane, and a five-foot bike lane on each side of the road. Evidence suggests citizens who ride bikes spend seven dollars more on local businesses. Therefore the bike lanes on Murdock Avenue will start to connect Oshkosh together which will positively affect the economy.
I appreciate the city council considering the road reconfiguration on Murdock Avenue. In my past experience on the bike lanes on Sawyer Street, I was able to tell the difference between riding my bike on roads with or without bike lanes. I feel safe riding my bike on a street with bike lanes because cars and cyclists each have their respective lanes to ride in.
According to the article ‘Protected Bike Lanes: Traffic Silver Bullets’ by Dave Schlabowske, traffic flow improves when motor vehicle lanes are removed to create room for protected bike lanes.
Please encourage the members of the Oshkosh City Council on Tuesday to support Ordinance 15-271. Bike lanes on Murdock Avenue would make the Oshkosh economy healthier and will create a safer environment for cyclists.
Kjersten Kleveland
Communities 1 Student
