The city plans to collect data on the pilot project, including traffic volume, in early 2024, with an emphasis on February. The timing of data collection was concerning because fewer families attend Nealon Park, located on Middle Avenue, in the winter, while fewer children ride bikes in the summer, when school is out.
The commission also began surveying residents in early 2024, saying it heard from 700 residents last time. With one of the main goals of the pilot project being to protect children who cycle to and from school, the commission decided to work with schools to achieve this.
The data collected will help city staff determine whether the changes to Middle Avenue should become permanent.
City staff will also assess parking occupancy to ensure that the removal of parking will not unduly harm residents and users of Middle Avenue. City staff are also planning two community meetings in early 2024, one in person and one online.
The Middle Avenue pilot project is currently in effect for a minimum of six months, but does not have a specific end date.
