Bicycles on Broadway

We have lived in the Cape Girardeau downtown area for nearly 20 years and have enjoyed riding our bikes around this region. Just recently we have noticed signs along the newly remodeled part of Broadway stating bicycles are prohibited on the sidewalks. We have a few concerns.

First, we seldom encounter pedestrian traffic along this corridor of Broadway. When we do, we slow down or walk our bikes.

Second, riding in the street along this section of Broadway is potentially dangerous. The street narrows drastically where the decorative inserts jut into the road. Therefore, the only sensible, safe option is for a cyclist to share the enlarged "promenade" with a pedestrian. In addition, many bike racks are planted along this part of Broadway. The city leaders obviously meant for bicyclists to travel along this area.

Finally, we have noticed the signs exist only on a portion of a city street with many vacant buildings. For example, there are no signs on Main Street or Spanish; both have relatively more people on the sidewalks. In fact, we have not seen these signs on any other street in Cape Girardeau or on any other part of Broadway.

We feel forcing bicyclists to ride in the street on the newly remodeled part of Broadway is considerably risky.

CINDY AND PETER MAHER, Cape Girardeau