The RTC is voting to adopt the 4th Street/Prater Way Corridor Study (4thprater.com) today (12:30 PM - Reno City Hall, Council Chambers) whether to approve or not approve the findings of the corridor study.

If adopted, bike lanes will be included on the entire stretch of 4th Street/Prater Way EXCEPT in downtown between West Street and Lake Street. This is unacceptable because bicyclists need to be considered, especially through a busy segment like 4th Street in downtown Reno.

It is also important to note that the findings of the study only consider bike lanes as the preferred bicycle facility on 4th Street. We like bike lanes, but we would really love cycle tracks on 4th Street. Bike lanes are great, however, they are not perceived to be safe by everyone. A cycle track adds a physical barrier between you and the vehicle (i.e. landscaping) to create a truly safe and inviting environment for all to bicycle on.

Think if you were a family living in Sparks and wanted to ride your bikes to a Reno Aces game, you wouldn't want your kids riding right next to a bus or a truck, separated only by a painted white line on pavement. Given the right treatment like landscaping or even just extra buffer space on the road, that family would feel a lot safer riding to the stadium and back.

Even after the meeting is over, it is important to keep this momentum growing. There is support in this community for more bikes, and we need to demonstrate that to our decision makers. The more vocal and visible we become, the harder it will be for our community leaders to not take notice.

With all that said, I would really appreciate your support in signing this petition to keep the RTC from backing a potential solution that will leave bicyclists high and dry through the most critical part of the corridor. When you bicycle, you save money, you reduce congestion, you show love to your community, the Earth, and it's good for you!

Go the extra mile and contact your representatives to let them know you want to be able to ride your bike safely on 4th Street:

Ask to speak to your representatives after dialing the RTC at: (775) 348-0400

Ron Smith, Chairman, City of Sparks, rsmith@cityofsparks.us
Bob Larkin, Vice-Chair, Washoe County, rlarkin@washoecounty.us
Bonnie Webber, Washoe County, bweber@washoecounty.us
Dan Gustin, City of Reno, gustind@reno.gov
Dave Aiazzi, City of Reno, aiazzi@reno.gov

IMPORTANT - The Board Meeting is TODAY, 12:30 PM at Reno City Hall inside the Council Chambers (One East First Street, Reno, NV). PLEASE come to the meeting to show the Board we are serious about having a safe space on the road for bicyclists to ride on 4th Street.

PUBLIC COMMENT: There will be public comment cards available at the meeting today from Denise Thompson. Just make sure that if you will be speaking on the 4th Street / Prater Way item, mark that accordingly on the card. (i.e. 6.1 Adopt the 4th Street / Prater Way Corridor Study)

Please stay tuned for more and thank you for your time!

Brought to you by the Committee for Bicyclists on 4th Street, Chairman Scott Hall.