If I'm correct, the restriping effort is part of a broader public works initiative to channel moving traffic into three lanes rather than four on roads such as Fairview and Lexington, and now West 7th, leaving two lanes for parking in certain areas. I lived in the Newell Park area right around the time of the Fairview restriping, and I found it helped with the unnerving experience of drivers passing on my right next to parked cars. I liked it there.
I've had a pretty positive experience with Lexington since it was restriped. Again, I don't live in the neighborhoods affected directly, but it's a major thoroughfare to go north from West 7th. My experience has been pretty good, again, because I can now see traffic (five lanes rather than six, if you include the parked cars where they're allowed), and people aren't passing on the right. As a pedestrian, I've almost been clipped a couple of times by people whipping out behind another car or truck on the right side of the street and taking a right turn. As well, my impression is the restriping makes left hand turns at intersections a little less hazardous, because cars are less likely to whip out on the right side behind a car waiting to turn left. So all in all, I welcome the change on West 7th. Five lanes instead of six is an improvement, and should make it less hazardous to park your car, ride your bike, or walk. As for public comment on the change, I read about it in the PiPress sometime in August. I think it was in their public improvements column. I'm not sure what's necessary and sufficient on changes like this, or who gets to make the call. People who use the street everyday? People who live within a certain number of blocks? People who care most? Mike Wassenaar Armstrong and Victoria in the West End _____________________________________________ To Join: St. Paul Issues Forum Rules Discussion Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] _____________________________________________ NEW ADDRESS FOR LIST: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe, modify subscription, or get your password - visit: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/stpaul Archive Address: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/private/stpaul/
