What’s Happening: 

The Planning Commission of the City of Lakewood has approved a plan to create a 10-foot-wide, shared-use path on the west side of Bunts Rd. The city will make space for this path by reducing the width of tree lawns on the east and west sides of Bunts and narrowing the street.

This plan was passed despite significant, passionate opposition from Lakewood residents and without input from the residents and taxpayers of Bunts Road.  

This plan was also passed despite no evidence (through the city's own studies) that this path is necessary or wanted by Lakewood/Bunts residents. 

What it Means for You: 

o   Traffic moves closer to homes by reducing the width of the tree lawns.

o   No tree shade for years. The city says it must remove nearly all the trees in the tree lawns the entire length of Bunts to complete this project. The city promises to replant saplings. 

o   An unsafe place to walk, run, walk a pet, or push a stroller. The shared-use path will replace the existing sidewalk and be replaced with a path with two lanes to accommodate bicycles, scooters, motorized bicycles, skateboards, etc. People tend to travel very fast on similar shared-use paths in other locations. Studies show that physical contact between bicyclists and pedestrians is common in such spaces. 

o   More difficulty pulling in and out of driveways or turning onto side streets. You could be held liable for injuries. 

o   A busier and more narrow Bunts Rd, which could reduce safety.

We must come together and act now before it is too late! 

We, the residents and users of Bunts Road, firmly oppose the plan to install a 10-foot-wide tar bike lane that would remove the sidewalk. This street functions as an emergency route, and this proposal would exacerbate traffic on an already busy road, jeopardizing the safety of our community. We believe this plan poses serious risks to residents and does not align with our neighborhood’s needs. We call on decision-makers to reconsider this proposal for the safety and well-being of all residents.