After resident complaints, Junction City Council votes to remove neighborhood bike lanes

The Junction City Council voted June 11 to remove recently installed bike lanes on West Tenth Avenue in the Rolling Meadows subdivision and West Fifteenth in the Reserve subdivision following multiple resident complaints that the lanes prevent routine on‑street parking.

Public Works staff told council they could not find conditions of approval or planning standards that legally prevent removal and that the lanes appeared to be installed as extensions of a previous transportation plan rather than as a required condition tied to specific subdivisions. Staff estimated the direct cost to remove or cover markings at under $10,000 but said final costs depend on whether grinding and a slurry or overlay are needed; a cheaper short‑term fix (black‑out paint) was discussed as an interim measure.

Two residents called in to describe practical impacts: Andrew Berry told council he is "unable to have visitors at my house without receiving parking violation notices," and Garrett Mason said the dead‑end street does not function as a through bike corridor. Several councilors echoed the neighborhood concerns and said the city should act quickly. Councilor Wishburn moved and Councilor Senninger seconded the motion to remove the bike lanes; the motion passed unanimously.

Staff will notify residents and schedule the removal work. Council and staff noted that removal followed committee review (Public Works) and that a modest capital charge will likely be charged to the streets fund.

The council's action applies specifically to the two neighborhood segments discussed; staff said broader transportation plan decisions remain for future planning work.