Maplewood residents split: parents and cycling advocates support Parker plan; some neighbors urge delay or alternate streets

Public comment at the June 24 meeting highlighted a sharp divide among Maplewood residents over whether Parker Avenue should get painted bike lanes as proposed.

Opponents living on Parker and adjacent side streets raised safety concerns tied to narrow blocks and large vehicles. Robert Marshall, who said he lives near Burr, cited a crash that occurred after a past traffic enhancement and asked, "Can someone who can state that they are considerate and caring about the lives of our kids in this bike lane speak just to that point?" Marshall and others argued that paint-only lanes could invite a false sense of safety without physical separation from traffic.

Supporters — including parents, long-time cyclists and participants in local "bike-bus" programs — emphasized both existing use and potential safety benefits. Alex Pine told the committee he often rides with his two young children and that he is currently forced to use the sidewalk because "Parker Avenue is too dangerous," adding that a clearly delineated bike lane would make him and his children safer. Other supporters said narrowing travel lanes through striping and adding flexible delineators and crosswalk improvements slow drivers and improve outcomes for vulnerable road users.

Multiple commenters asked for more published data: how many cyclists use Parker, the origin routes riders take to the high school, and the consultant documentation that underpins the design choices. Several residents asked that school stakeholders be consulted before a final vote and that the township consider postponing the decision until fall to incorporate additional study and outreach.