The City of Penticton is planning to implement a radical restructuring of South Main Street by installing protected bike lanes ( PBLs) that will damage it and its surrounding neighbourhood irreparably. The City of Penticton and Counsel has exceeded its authority in the implementation and construction of all PBLs and continues in this excessive use of authority in refusing to listen to the people of the City to cease further construction of PBLs on South Main and all planned streets.
South Main Street is a major thoroughfare that moves emergency vehicles, city buses, trucks and cars: the PBLs on this extremely high traffic road will prove to be dangerous and decrease natural logistcial safe travel for autos, bikers and pedestrians alike. It wil also impede the natural access and egress to the dozens of high density housing complexes, the surrounding neighbourhoods, Heritage Hills and Skaha Estates and all other travellers that frequently use this high trafficked road. This is one of the highest trafficked roads in Penticton and these PBLs pose huge safety concerns.
If barriers are added to South Main street, the loss of parking will be extreme. Parking will become an issue for residents living on this street that require parking, the Pickle Ball Court, South Main grocery, the Marina for boat goers, tourists and off flow for those enjoying the beach and the kiddies park.
The current layout on South Main with existing bike access/lanes on both sides of the street have proven to be safe and effective. The city and councel's exxessive use of force in pushing through the construction of the concrete dividers is not neccessary. Current bikers that use these existing lanes have stated that they DO NOT want or require or need the protected concrete structures.
