Common Core 7th Grade ELA Question of the Day
Test your knowledge with a hand-picked multiple-choice question.
Our city should add protected bike lanes on Oak Street. I contend this change will make the road safer and still support businesses. While the Downtown Merchants Association argues the lanes will scare off customers, however, evidence from similar streets suggests the opposite.
By the Numbers (Sidebar)
- 27% fewer crashes after protected lanes on Pine Ave.
- 9% sales increase for stores within two blocks.[1]
The Merchants Association's letter claims, "Losing ten parking spots will cut revenue." I understand their worry, yet crash maps show most injuries happen in the current painted lane, which offers little protection. A curb or post creates clear space. It is not just safer; customers on bikes and on foot tend to stop more often than drivers speeding by.
Critics also argue delivery trucks will have nowhere to unload. However, the plan includes two loading zones around the corners, and the traffic engineer, Ms. Patel, states the schedule can shift by half an hour without slowing service. Admittedly, the paint color and exact post style could be adjusted. But we should not delay the whole project over details that we can test during a pilot.
The other side stresses parking loss. I stress safety and steady foot traffic. When we compare risks and benefits, protected lanes likely reduce injuries and can boost nearby sales.
Footnote [1] City Transportation Report, 2022, retail receipts before and after lane installation.
Which detail shows how the author distinguishes their stance from the Downtown Merchants Association?