During a recent government meeting, community member Brian Somerville raised significant concerns regarding the proposed improvements to 4th and 5th Streets. Somerville, who previously communicated his worries via email, expressed skepticism about the project's stated goals of enhancing safety for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians.

According to Somerville, the design appears to prioritize the needs of cyclists over the majority of downtown motorists, potentially leading to increased risks for all road users. He argued that the changes, which include reducing vehicle lanes from two to one and implementing parallel parking, could create hazardous conditions. Somerville highlighted that these modifications might lead to more frequent stops for vehicles, increasing the likelihood of rear-end collisions and complicating the flow of traffic.

Furthermore, he questioned the effectiveness of the design in promoting cycling as a viable commuting option, suggesting that the majority of Grand Junction residents find regular biking impractical. Somerville concluded that the proposed changes could negatively impact downtown commerce by discouraging vehicular traffic, ultimately affecting local businesses.

The discussion reflects ongoing tensions between urban design aimed at accommodating cyclists and the needs of motorists, raising important questions about safety and accessibility in the downtown area.