City moves to extend 24th Street bike path

FORT MADISON – The bike lane running down 24th Street to Avenue H has officially been extended to 20th Street, but the change has stirred controversy among local residents. Parking on 24th Street will be removed once the Fort Madison City Council passes a new ordinance. The first reading of the ordinance was approved Monday night at a special council meeting, held early due to Tuesday’s city and school elections.
The proposal has met resistance from residents who argue that removing parking will be too restrictive, as well as claiming the bike paths are not heavily used yet.
“Nobody talked to the 5-6 people this is affecting. I understand that you guys are gonna do what you’re gonna do anyway no matter what. We just felt that it was affecting us, and not during the week, but when family is over and I’m sure that’s what Fort Madison wants - family,” said Tobi Estrada, who lives in the 2300 block of Avenue I.
“I agree if there was numerous bikes going up and down or a general amount walking and that, I would say you guys got it. I live on that street and the people I've talked to on that street say there’s nobody going in there on that bike trail and the ones I've seen are in the middle of the street, or off walking or riding bikes in the street.”
Council member Matt Emmett acknowledged the complexity of the decision.
“The only thing I'd add is I'm very glad we took the two weeks. Most of this council went out, looked at things. One of the things that I struggle with the most is I spent a lot of time on planning and zoning before joining the council and we would go for hours on how you overlay these plans when this was done 200 years ago for a horse drawn carriage. It is a difficult decision because I think, fundamentally, that road really is too small and it’s very difficult to figure this stuff out.”
Other residents, including Kim Estrada, voiced concerns about traffic safety and accessibility.

“We are opposed to the proposed parking changes on 24th St. Avenue L and 24th St. has a significant narrowing and already poses an issue when vehicles are attempting to make a right hand turn from Avenue L onto 24th St.” she said.
“It is especially true when there are southbound vehicles waiting at the flashing stop light and then it becomes nearly impossible when it is school buses, semi-trucks, delivery trucks, and even emergency vehicles. Then you add bike path footage to the already narrowed road. It is most definitely going to be impossible to turn onto Avenue L as some of the sidewalks haven’t yet been [finished]. These areas are not in any way wide enough to accommodate a jogger or a walker and a bicycle as was discussed at the previous meeting.”
Estrada also questioned the path’s connectivity and benefit to the community.
“We realize that this bike path is a result of grant money. We just feel that the amount of money and most of all the hassle and inconvenience are not really beneficial to the majority of Fort Madison citizens. We also realized that the path is for all to use. But let's be completely honest – it's a very select few. We would like to propose a solution to table this issue of no parking on 24th St. until the bike path is actually finished.”
Third Ward Councilman Jerry Sparrow added, “I met with my constituents and I hate to be the devil's advocate. I am all for improving the city and bringing us into the 21st century, make it enjoyable for everybody. But I also have to go with my conscience and, after speaking with my constituents, I think I'm gonna be the only no.”
The motion passed 6-1 with Sparrow being the lone dissent. 
The council then passed a first reading changing the definition of sidewalks in the city code to reflect multi-use trails. That ordinance will require two more readings before becoming part of city code.