I have been witnessing firsthand the immediate impact of high-density housing developments coupled with road diets in San Jose. Every day, I find myself stuck in traffic at a red light, watching the chaos unfold at intersections. Cars proceed, only to find themselves unable to clear the intersection, causing a domino effect of congestion. This once flowed swiftly as a two-lane road is now painfully constricted to a single lane, leading to horrific backups and complete gridlock.

San Jose, a city known for its rapid growth and innovation, is facing a significant challenge with transportation planning. The introduction of road diets is supposed to prioritize pedestrian and cyclist safety, but it's becoming increasingly apparent that the negative impacts outweigh the intended benefits in certain areas. Public transit options are not sufficient to offset the reduced road capacity, leaving many of us stuck in traffic for hours.

Studies indicate that while road diets may work well in some cities, their application in high-growth areas like San Jose requires greater scrutiny and a balanced approach. The Local Government Commission's report on Smart Growth America advises careful consideration of traffic volume data before converting roads, yet in many parts of San Jose, this seems to have been overlooked.

Therefore, it is imperative to reevaluate the current implementation of road diets here in San Jose. Instead, we need comprehensive urban planning that includes upgraded public transport systems and smart traffic management solutions. Creating alternative routes and widening existing ones should also be considered to accommodate the increasing number of vehicles.

Join me in urging the San Jose City Council to halt the implementation of further road diets until a thorough impact assessment is conducted. Our roads should be safe and efficient for everyone, including drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Please sign this petition to help restore balance and functionality to San Jose’s roads.