Atherton gives go-ahead to new bike routes

At last, we are considering bicycle safety on our streets. As a bike commuter, I haven't felt safe in years, and avoid ECR like the plague. A safe north-south route would be most welcome.

i am delighted to see that something is being down about bike safety. so i wonder about the approval of bicycle traffic on Barry Lane. it is so narrow and combined with the even narrower bridge, it is barely safe for automobiles. if i were on my bike, it is the last place i would want to be and i fear a tragedy in the future.

This is a "feel-good" plan that will produce serious negative consequences. How on earth does defacing our quiet streets by painting stripes and posting signs change the fact that these routes will not become wider and safer because most of the listed streets are and will remain barely one lane each way. Couple that with the fact that safety-conscious pedestrians walk on the left facing traffic while bicyclists ride on the right and have always had an "attitude". Many pedestrian have dogs on a leash or are pushing various types of baby carriages. Now they will all acquire a higher degree of false security. Cars, bikes and pedestrians have co-existed for decades on the streets of Atherton without government interference. There have rarely been any accidents except on ECR. This entire foolish, expensive plan is a huge, dangerous mistake! Bam!

The most dangerous parts of walking or riding in Atherton is 1. High car speeds and 2. Heavy traffic during morning and evening commutes. #2 is being exacerbated by an increasing number of folks using Atheton streets to avoid congestion on alameda, el Camino, sand hill, etc.

The town should take a close look at mitigating non-resident traffic and reducing speeds.