During a recent government meeting, community concerns were raised regarding the proposed design for the widening of 23100 West, which is set to feature two lanes on either side plus a middle turning lane. Local resident Marshall Gary, representing a group advocating for pedestrian and cyclist-friendly infrastructure, expressed significant apprehension about the safety implications of the design. He highlighted that similar road configurations, such as those on State Street and Redwood Road, have resulted in low pedestrian and cyclist traffic due to safety concerns.

Gary argued that the five-lane design would increase crossing distances, thereby endangering pedestrians and cyclists who would spend more time in the roadway. He referenced Utah State Bill 449, which mandates that developers consider bicycle safety, and noted the absence of bicycle infrastructure in the current proposal. He urged the council to incorporate bike lanes, citing research that demonstrates the economic and environmental benefits of such infrastructure, as well as its potential to reduce congestion.

He further advocated for a three-lane design, which has been shown to maintain similar traffic throughput while enhancing safety for all road users. Gary provided examples from Maumee, Ohio, and Pointon, England, where road diets—reducing the number of lanes—led to improved traffic flow and decreased accident rates.

In response, city officials acknowledged the importance of balancing traffic flow with safety and noted that the current design aligns with the city’s master transportation plan. However, they expressed openness to considering alternative designs, particularly for intersections, to enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

The discussion underscored a growing community desire for infrastructure that prioritizes safety and accessibility for all modes of transportation, as the city moves forward with its development plans.