The new streets are causing confusion after being installed last fall.
MEDFORD, Ore. – New bike lanes along East Main Street in downtown Medford have prompted mixed responses — though most are either confused or upset.
Matthew Root, the store manager for Holliday Jewelry on East Main Street said he’s seen people mistake bike lanes for other traffic lanes.
“What we’ve seen is a lot of people turning the wrong way from Central, going back into the bike lane,” Root said. “With any change, there are changing pains, there are growing pains, and obviously there is some confusion.”
Luke Stedum, a local businessman, drives a large pickup truck – and told NewsWatch 12 the bike lane changes make him want to be downtown less often.
“I probably wouldn’t come here just because of the difficulty of parking,” Stedum said.
Chassity Tannehill, the owner of Solid Ground Coffee and Tea on East Main Street, said she’s heard mostly negative feedback from her customers about the bike lanes and parking.
“One thing I’ve heard the most is, I’ve actually lost customers because of the parking situation,” Tannehill said. “They come in and wait like a $5 cup of coffee and leave, spending almost $40 just for a ticket.”
Luke Doten is an anchor/reporter at NewsWatch 12. You can reach Luke at lukedoten@kdrv.com.
