Hello there, my name is Patrick Lau and my family and I reside in Menlo Park close to Coleman Avenue. I believe in your next meeting there is a possibility you may discuss a proposal presented by the San Mateo Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee to pilot a one-way path for Coleman Avenue in the unincorporated area. I would like to express my support for this proposal.
We frequently use Coleman as I have 2 children that attend Laurel Elementary lower campus (Kindergarten and 2nd grade). My children love riding their bikes around, however riding to school has been an anxious experience for us as we navigate the tight shoulders amongst automobile commuters to Laurel Elementary and Menlo Atherton High School. The commute works for an adult or older kids as they are more visible to automobiles and also have more control to navigate obstacles. Unfortunately my 2nd grader and Kindergartner do not have that luxury and we have encountered many tight situations when obstacles (such as parked cars, garbage cans, and other obstructions) force them onto the main road where drivers may not be as quick to react. These frequent occurrences tend to discourage my children from wanting to ride their bicycle to school which saddens me because I know they truly do enjoy riding their bikes.
That is why I wanted to express my support for the one-way path pilot as it seems to be the best compromise for all parties (pedestrians, bikers, drivers, and residents). There are quite a few instances that I have witnessed where a driver would need to pass those riding their bikes, forcing them into oncoming traffic, which puts drivers and bikers going in the opposite direction into such a perilous situation. This proposal would eliminate this risk and provide ample room for commuters of all means to safely reach their destination.
I appreciate you taking the time to consider the proposal which I believe would be a huge benefit to the community.
All the best,
Patrick Lau
