Bridge needs better bike access

I laud Rep. Andy Billig’s efforts to have bicycle infrastructure included on East Sprague. Rep Billig secured most of the $15 million in state funds to build the Gateway Bridge; now the city declines to include appropriate amenities for safe bicycle traffic. Why would we spend so much money on a bridge to accommodate cyclists and pedestrians and then do nothing beyond the landing on the south end of it?

Mayor Condon pointed out that there are already bike lanes on Sherman Street and the Ben Burr Trail. These are both good options for those traveling south, but they are not helpful for those who head due east, i.e., Sprague Avenue. There are no direct parallel streets through the area on Sprague being rehabilitated. How are cyclists supposed to navigate around Sprague Way (which connects East Sprague to Second Avenue)?

Adding amenities encourages others to ride bikes, thereby reducing wear and tear on our already fragile roadways. As a daily cyclist and former member of the Bicycle Advisory Board, I am asking the city to please reconsider the decision and add the necessary amenities to the East Sprague project.

Tomás Kelley Lynch, Bicycle Advisory Board member 1997-2003

Spokane