Barton Skyway “sticks” prompt another petition

The fight over traffic bollards on Barton Skyway has a new combatant, as another Change.org petition has entered the fray over the “sticks” that demarcate bicycle lanes. The second petition, which is titled “MORE bicycle/pedestrian protections on Barton Skywy 78704” had 2,060 signatures as of Monday night. In contrast to the first petition, which asked for removal of the bollards, the new petition asserts: “The Austin Transportation Department (ATD) has nominally improved safety for cyclists & pedestrians …. These additions have created a safer avenue for cyclists and pedestrians to navigate while not needing to worry as much about being run over and possibly killed.” However, like the original petition, the opposition still expresses dissatisfaction with the steps that have been taken, noting “this is not enough, and that more measures are needed to keep cyclists & pedestrians safe from drivers. … Please accept this request to employ even safer ways to allow cyclists and pedestrians to navigate these streets again with more traffic calming measures to protect against the 4000-5000lb vehicles that can easily crush human bodies. Our city is a vibrant and beautiful city, and our residents deserve to be able to appreciate it without worry of being run over by a truck or SUV.” The original petition, which demands removal of “Stick-a-geddon” had 630 signatures as of Monday night.