Monona, USA

The sidewalk along Atwood Avenue is a popular way for people riding bikes to travel along this stretch as the 4 lane road without bike lanes is very stressful and invites motor vehicle harassment of people on bikes. Because of concerns about spreading SARS-CoV-2, people are being encouraged to stay at least 6 feet apart from one another to limit spread of the virus. This kind of distance simply is not possible on a sidewalk that is only 5 feet wide. While bicycling is technically prohibited on Monona's section of sidewalk along Atwood Avenue, this prohibition is not respected as people who aren't comfortable biking in mixed traffic will continue on the sidewalk regardless of signage.

Recently, Madison closed down a section of Atwood Avenue between Oakridge Ave. and Walter St. to promote social distancing. While a good start, the lane closure should extend to Cottage Grove Rd. where Monona Drive, and an on-street bike lane, begins.  Since the segment of Atwood Avenue south of Olbrich Park is within Monona city limits, this would require Monona's consent to close a southbound lane.

Given the above factors, I ask that Monona continue Madison's Atwood Avenue lane closure for pedestrians and bicyclists south to the intersection with Cottage Grove Road.

Thank you for hearing my suggestion.