Boulder transit department needs to learn from mistakes

Boulder residents who were around in 2015 may remember the controversy and opposition when the Boulder transportation department proposed a project to “Right-size” Folsom Street with protected bike lanes from Canyon to Valmont. This would change Folsom from a 4-lane to a 2-lane street. At the time there were plans to do a similar adaptation to Iris Avenue.

No surprise that car traffic congestion increased on Folsom, especially during rush hour. There were many complaints and letters to the editor, so the project was scaled back to what we have today on Folsom.

Well, the Boulder city transportation department is again focused on making changes to Iris Avenue. This time it is called the Iris Avenue Transportation Improvements Project. Their priority according to their website is to create a system of protected bike lanes along with adding safety enhancements for pedestrians and cars.

Sounds great, right? If only Iris was a wider street, it could accommodate all of this without sacrificing one lane on each side of the street for protected bike lanes. If Iris is reduced in lanes, how can you avoid traffic congestion, neighborhood cut-throughs, or aggravated/aggressive drivers?

Boulder transportation department learned from mistakes made with “Right-sizing” Folsom. They have held public meetings and taken feedback from the public. We should see their proposed designs for Iris Avenue soon. I would encourage everyone to take an interest and get involved if you use Iris Avenue at all. It is our major east/west street in north Boulder that already handles a good deal of traffic which will increase with each new housing development and additional commuters. Iris may also be the most likely evacuation route for people in north and west Boulder, the Foothills, and mountain communities. Changes are coming! You can still voice your opinion/ concerns.

— Mozelle Sutton, Boulder