Positive, negative feedback rolls in for Plaza Midwood bike lane

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — There has been a lot of work in the Plaza Midwood area recently.

Extra cones have blocked off lanes on the already busy streets.

Officials said that the cones are testing out a possible bike lane.

The lane would be for runners, as well.

The Department of Transportation is starting to get feedback from people about these lanes this week.

Most of the feedback is positive, but there are some negative reviews.

Those that have been critical said this is causing a big traffic issue for commuters that use those lanes to get to work.

"Cutting down to one lane, that's going to cause a lot of traffic issues," driver Belinda Houston said.

On the other hand, people in the Plaza Midwood neighborhood said the bike lanes are fitting for the community.

Chuck Porter rides his bicycle into uptown and on some days to court.

He gets a reaction from his fellow lawyers.

“And they all go, ‘Did you ride your bike today?’ They all know me," he said.

Supporters of the bike lanes think those lanes will eventually get more people to ride bicycles, which could reduce the traffic in the area.

“It brings together the community, so we love that. Obviously, there (are) still people with concerns, as well. So that is why this is just a test,” said Renee Bradley, with the Plaza Midwood Neighborhood Association. “We want to really make sure that we are seeing if those concerns are real.”

There have not been any major issues such as crashes directly tied to the bike lanes.

There's a community bike ride planned in these lanes at 2:30 p.m. Saturday and some of Charlotte’s city leaders are expected to attend, so that should result in more feedback.

The protected bike lane will be in place until Sunday.

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