For safety and the greater good 

I am a 30-plus-year resident and homeowner in San Luis Obispo. I drive, bike, and walk regularly in the city.

I am fully in favor of making the Chorro/Broad corridor safer for all types of transportation—whether human powered or mechanically powered. I bike and drive on Chorro Street regularly for recreation and transportation. My son is a recent homeowner on Chorro, and it is on my usual my usual morning bike route.

Having protections for cyclists will improve safety for all—motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. It will improve the neighborhood while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and encouraging environmentally friendly transportation alternatives. It will also provide a safe route to school for Pacheco Elementary, Bishop's Peak Elementary, and Cal Poly students.

I do not believe that as a regular cyclist, I am a "special interest." Nor do I believe that as a motorist, I am entitled to full use of a public right of way.

And as a homeowner, I do not believe that I have an absolute right to parking in front of my house. In fact, my street-front parking was removed for a bus stop and bike lane a few years ago. While I would have preferred to keep the street-front parking, I certainly understand that when balancing safety and environmental considerations, I can make accommodation for the greater good.

I applaud the City Council for moving ahead with making the entire city safer for all those who live and work here.

Joel Diringer

Diringer and Associates

San Luis Obispo