Opinion: A Traffic Compromise Rochester Needs

If we've seen it once, we've seen it a thousand times.

Spring, summer, and fall, bring a lot of bikers (to be clear, bicycles and motorcycles) out and about in Minnesota. Some are receptive to them, and some just aren't. We're reminded to look for them while we're driving. Sometimes that's easier said than done.

Don't get me wrong, I'm all about safe situations for all drivers regardless of what they're driving. I just think keeping the "two worlds" (the bike world and car world) safe is a challenge in Rochester.

Some streets have bike lanes that suddenly end and there's nowhere for bikes to go. Some motorcycles can't stop and start in traffic. Some cars are delayed in getting to their destination while working around them. Some cars flat out ignore them and cause accidents.

My solution: We're doing a ton of construction all over the city right now - why not spend the money on expanding these lanes and options? New construction can solve this from the beginning by developing roads that do accommodate all drivers from the get-go. Let Rochester be an example of all-inclusive driving! Re-construction is a challenge, but it's worth having a tough stance on. Expenses are always going to exist. Why not put them toward safer streets? Maybe opening the skyways to bicycles is an option?

Then again, being courteous to each other would solve a lot of this too.

My opinion is simply this: we've got to find a better way to work together on keeping all drivers safe.

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