Document text
Improve Highway 99 through Medford By Lisa Brill Oct 23, 2022 12:00 AM A A In November, the Medford City Council will consider improvements to the OR 99 corridor through Medford. Part of this corridor has been scheduled for repaving over the next few years and the city recognizes the opportunity this provides to reorganize the space on streets. Under consideration are changes that would vastly improve cycling and walking while maintaining acceptable traffic flow along Riverside, Central, Court and Main Streets. We strongly support these improvements and are asking the general public to endorse these projects by signing a petition. As part of this project, the city hired a consultant to work with city staff and the public to develop options for these improvements. These options were shared with the public and, through a survey, the public was asked to evaluate specific design features. The survey drew almost 700 responses and, at least in our opinion, resulted in a disappointing result — a majority of the responses were against any changes at all. Although it’s not obvious why so many would choose not to make these improvements, we suspect that a lot of people were influenced by concerns that any improvements for bikers and walkers means that car drivers would suffer. But in fact, other cities that have implemented these kinds of improvements report fewer collisions and therefore more resiliency in traffic flow. They also find increased foot traffic, higher spending for downtown businesses, increased property values, and a more vibrant community. Medford citizens deserve a more vibrant downtown — a place motorists can drive to and through with ease, which people can access safely and conveniently on their bikes or by foot, and where businesses can thrive. Please show your support for improving this downtown area by signing the petition through our website . Lisa Brill is president of the Siskiyou Velo Bicycling Club.