There was very little support voiced for the city of Savannah's proposal to prohibit bicycling in Forsyth Park during a public meeting that drew more than 100 residents to a Civic Center meeting room Thursday night.

Sporting bicycle pins and "Forsyth for all" flags, opponents dominated the discussion for more than an hour and questioned the need for the ban they said would force riders onto dangerous streets.

While bicycling on the sidewalk around Forsyth is already prohibited by state law, cyclists can currently ride along the path running through the middle of the park, except for a section between the fountain and the southern limits of the old fort area. The proposed ban would apply to all foot-propelled vehicles, including skateboards.

Most speakers called for the creation of more bicycling routes - such as bike lanes on Whitaker and Drayton streets alongside the park - before one was taken away.

The few people who spoke in support of the ban said that they had either witnessed pedestrians colliding with bicyclists or experienced it themselves.

While there were no police reports documenting the incidents, the city has received numerous complaints from residents, said Susan Broker, director of Savannah's Citizen Office.

"It is a real issue for them," Broker said. "When it is an issue for a constituent the government has to react in some way."

Opponents acknowledged that some cyclists may ride in an unsafe manner, but they said such riders were a minority. Instead of an outright ban, they suggested alternatives such as adding dedicated cycling lanes through the middle path of the park.

Broker, as well as Savannah Aldermen Carol Bell, Bill Durrence and Julian Miller, indicated a ban would not likely be coming anytime soon, if at all, stating at the end of the meeting that the feedback would be considered and more meetings would take place before a decision.

Miller said he loved to bicycle, too, and while he does not have a problem using streets while riding, he recognized the concerns of those who showed up.

"I want to thank you for being here," he said. "We're going to try and decide how to best solve this situation."