Urbandale Approves Controversial Bike Lane Plan

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The Urbandale City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to fund the addition of bike lanes along two stretches of roadway in the city.

Portions of Aurora Ave. and 70^th St. will soon be converted into what’s known as “complete streets.” The concept is designed to improve safety for people in vehicles, on bicycles and on foot.

Aurora Ave. will be reduced from four lanes into two lanes with a turning lane, between 70^th and 86^th streets. The city will add bike lanes, which will also be a spot for vehicles to temporarily stop near Urbandale High School and Urbandale Middle School during pick-up and drop-off times.

The shared bike lanes on Aurora have been a big source of debate over the months of public input. The lone opponent to speak at Tuesday’s meeting focused specifically on the plan for Aurora when he addressed councilmembers.

“Because traffic will back up more, drivers will become more frustrated and aggressive due to lost time. This street will also have our newest drivers, from the high school itself,” said Jason Cook of Urbandale.

Mike Borland of Urbandale was one of four members of the public to speak in support of the plan. Borland said he and his cycling friends do not use streets that lack bike lanes when they’re riding.

“I think to have just the painted lanes kind of defining the spaces for all the users is a big step forward,” Borland said.

Along 70^th St., the city will add pavement markings, known as sharrows, to designate a bikeway between Hickman Rd. and Urbandale Ave. From Urbandale Ave. to Meredith Dr., the city plans to reduce the road from four lanes to two, and add shared bike lanes.

While Tuesday’s vote secures funding for the project, details of its implementation can still be modified. For instance, specifics on temporary parking in bike lanes will be finalized in the months ahead.

The City of Urbandale targeted these sections of Aurora and 70^th for makeovers because they have more capacity than necessary for vehicles, marketing and communications director Derek Zarn told DSM Bike Notes. The changes, which largely consist of repainting lanes, will take place later this year.

Read my previous story about this issue here!

PS, I know I’m breaking protocol by sliding into your inboxes on a Tuesday night, but why wait? I’ll still have a fresh story Thursday morning — see you then!