The Sonoma City Council won't revisit its decision to install bike lanes on Fifth Street West despite protests from dozens of residents, who complain the lanes will rob them of parking and increase traffic congestion.
"I think it sets a dangerous precedent, that anytime a group of citizens doesn't like a decision they can petition us and put it back on the agenda," Councilman Steve Barbose said at Monday night's council meeting.
About 250 Fifth Street West residents signed a petition asking the council to reconsider its vote to install bike lanes on the street from West Napa Street to Smith Street.
Doing so will wipe out 35 parking spaces and, critics say, worsen traffic congestion, particularly near Sassarini Elementary School.
Bike lanes also are planned for West MacArthur Street and Napa Road.
The roads will be re-striped, new signs will be installed and in the case of Fifth Street West, the number of traffic lanes between Andrieux Street and West Napa will be reduced from four down to two.
"It's paint. If it doesn't work, we can revisit it," Councilwoman Joanne Sanders said.
UPDATED: Please read and follow our commenting policy: