Mailbag: Burbank needs more bicycle lanes

I support the Verdugo Avenue bicycle lanes in Burbank. They increase safety and public health for cyclists and all users of the road.

The Verdugo Avenue bicycle lanes are an important step toward creating a greener environment and more livable Burbank. Please give the public more time to become aware of them. I believe we should at least wait through the next two school semesters as students at John Burroughs High School should be encouraged to get the bikes off the sidewalks (dangerous!) and on the bike lane.

As both a motorist and a cyclist, I see both sides. When the bike lane is empty and traffic is congested, it creates driver frustration. However, if there were more cyclists using it, and I was stuck in traffic, it would create envy and get me on my bike more.

Actually, more bike lanes would help. Some prime areas needing it include the NBC area and the streets leading to Toluca Lake.

We could make the lanes more narrow, though. The Verdugo lane is a bit wider than it needs to be. Bikes ride — or should ride — single file.

David Ross

Burbank

Bike paths will help to ease traffic

I have been a resident in Burbank for the last 31 years. During that time, Burbank has always been a leader in quality-of-life issues, such as the city recycling program, prior to our local neighbors. Other programs include improved parks and neighborhoods, and protection of our way of life from the Bob Hope Airport.

I believe the next serious affront to our city is the increase in traffic congestion. The expansion in volume these days is hampering our small town style. I am generally unhappy with the situation in nearby Glendale, and hope we don't follow them in this respect.

I am very pleased to see the advances Burbank is making in adding bicycle routes to our city roadways. The more residents who leave cars at home, the better our environment will be. I have been especially impressed with the plans to make a continuous safe bicycle path from North Hollywood through Burbank to Glendale and beyond.

I myself have used the Verdugo Avenue and Chandler bike paths and could not be more pleased. They have either not impacted, or very slightly changed, the automobile traffic flow and have allowed the safe passage of cyclists.

I cannot thank Burbank enough for its vision and assistance in this matter, and add my support of these wonderful new bikeways.

Lester Mannos

Burbank

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