The competing priorities of several groups collided for this downtown project, including those of bicycle organizations; environmental advocates, who were concerned about tree removal on Wilson Street, and businesses worried about losing parking for their customers.

With the reconstruction of East Wilson Street coming up in 2020 or 2021 alongside the nearby major Judge Doyle Square redevelopment, city engineers recommend adding bike infrastructure along East and West Wilson streets in the coming years.

Pedestrian/Bicycle/Motor Vehicle Commission member Mark Bennett said he was disappointed in the decision to move ahead without bicycle infrastructure improvements. Citing various reports including the city’s Downtown Plan that recommend these updates, Bennett said it is time for the city to commit.

“At some point, I hope we can stop kicking the can down the road and say, ‘Yes, we agreed this is what needs to be done and we’re going to do it,’” Bennett said.

Commission member and bicycle advocate Grant Foster said pushing off adding bicycle amenities is a “reasonable” solution but encouraged the city to be clear about its commitment to bicycle users.

“It’s sort of a no-brainer we need the facilities,” Foster said. “I think we really need to commit ourselves that when the next Wilson (Street) project comes up that that’s the time to put bike facilities throughout all four blocks.”

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