Consider the value of this unique mile

I’ve agonized.  There was a hearing on Friday ostensibly to take input about the elevated bicycle path to be constructed on the full length of Summit Avenue, a plan that has already been approved by the Planning Commission and the City Council. Having worked in city government myself, I would like to think that there would be open minds for the concerns some of us hold.  But given that decisions appear to have been made long ago, I choose to write this letter with no hope of impacting those decisions, but to relieve my grief about this action that my city has determined it will take.

In a letter submitted jointly with former Deputy Mayor Susan Kimberly (May 17, 2023),  we tried to make the case that the Avenue from Lexington east to the Cathedral is a unique historic and civic asset, the character of which should not be destroyed. It is an asset that we could and should assertively market as a visitor’s attraction. It is probably the only full mile of Victorian mansions still intact in the United States. Stories not only of St. Paul’s history, but of its reach into the larger world flow from those vintage mansions.  Altering the Avenue as planned will destroy its historic infrastructure and character and its marketability as a city attraction. It is hard to imagine that people currently residing on and maintaining that historic part of the Avenue as a residential hallmark of the city will find the same draw to an Avenue whose historic character is unrecognizable.

I’ve been labeled a “Luddite” for trying to make the case that this feature of our city — the Summit Avenue mile from Lexington to the Cathedral — is unique and should be valued and preserved. I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t at least try to make that case for my city. I think I’m at least as “climate aware” and forward thinking as the average St. Paulite, but I can recognize a historic civic asset when I see one.

I make one last plea to those with decision-making power. Please consider the value to the city of this unique mile of real estate. For this mile — differentiated in that there is no boulevard to accommodate a bike path without changing the character of the street — alter the plan and retain the asset. It can be done. There is always a way when there is a will.

Mae Seely Sylvester, St. Paul

If we’re serious, plow the bike lanes

On-street bike lanes like those on Summit Ave. become hazardous after moderate snowfalls that are insufficient to trigger street plowing, such as the Twin Cities had in early January. Snow accumulations that pose little problem for cars may obstruct and destabilize bikes.

In such instances, cyclists have only bad alternatives: (1) to ride in the snow-filled bike lane, risking loss of control; (2) to ride at the edge of the car lane, risking encounters with moving vehicles; or (3) to forgo biking and either use a car (climate unfriendly; requires car access) or public transit (often impractical), or skip the trip.

Although winter cyclists can readily stay warm and visible in the cold and dark, safe winter biking also requires a suitable road surface, which is beyond their control.

Cities that are serious about encouraging year-round biking and reducing motor vehicle dependence should prioritize all-season bike lane usability. Perhaps municipal snowfall thresholds for street plowing should be reduced, at least for key streets with bike lanes, and bike lanes should be part of what gets plowed, or even prioritized for snow removal.

James Johnson, St. Paul

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