The city of Lynnwood’s recent decision to replace on-street parking with bike lanes along three thoroughfares has riled residents living along those streets.
We understand the frustration felt by many in those neighborhoods, but we fully support the decision to place a priority on bicyclists – and in turn, placing a priority on alternate transportation.
Stepping back and taking the long view at the issue, Lynnwood’s decision can be seen as part of the Puget Sound area’s broader goal to relieve congestion on crowded streets and get people out of their cars. Cities across the region are promoting mass transit and other forms of transportation.
On a local scale, there are few east-west arterials in our county line communities. Neighbors along 208th Street in Lynnwood, angered by their loss of parking, point out that the nearby Interurban Trail provides excellent access for bicyclists. True, the well-traveled trail is a safe path for bikers and pedestrians alike, but it runs in a north-south direction. Shouldn’t bikers traveling east-west also have a safe route to follow?
Of course, all the debate on the matter is moot. While many feel the on-street parking in front of their home belongs to them, the fact is that it belongs to the city. If the city – after listening to public comment and holding public discussions – decides to remove that parking, they have every right to do so.
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