Reactions to the Bellingham bike lane project are all over the map. What’s your opinion of Holly St.?

If there’s one topic that can start a discussion in Bellingham these days, it’s the recent addition of bike lanes to Holly Street – the city’s main thoroughfare.

In the six weeks since the bike lanes were added from the Lakeway-Ellis intersection to Bay Street, it has become apparent that people either love them or hate them.

Your point of view is likely influenced by the way you get around town: Cyclists and pedestrians seem to love the changes, but drivers are almost universally frustrated and angry because the addition of a protected bike lane reduces the traffic lanes on Holly Street by three. lanes for two in the city center. This forces drivers to go slower and traffic increases during peak hours.

Michael Thorpe, of South Hill, shared his feelings on the social media app Nextdoor, where he posted a photo of the heavy traffic.

“Holly Street at noon today. …What a traffic disaster with just two lanes. I hit three traffic lights instead of the usual zero. I can’t wait for this study to finish! Who agrees?” Thorpe wrote a message Monday that he agreed to share with The Bellingham Herald.

Thorpe’s post had more than 150 comments as of Friday. These remarks were mostly negative and not all of them were polite.

Several speakers at recent City Council meetings expressed annoyance with the new bike lanes, as did people who left messages at Engage Bellinghama website the city uses to solicit public input, where comments can be posted anonymously.

“I personally can’t (believe?) how horrible it is. I honestly wish I could give some constructive criticism or some honest feedback that could support me in some way, but I can’t. Can you please remove it and consult someone – anyone – who has a connection with reality?” wrote Walter R.

The advocacy group Walk and Roll Bellingham took on a cheerful tone on its Instagram page after the bike lanes were added on May 1.

“The new Holly Street bike lanes were installed today between Ellis and Bay! You will also notice pedestrian gaps at traffic lights. Try it! Walk and scroll posted.

Walk and Roll’s Jamin Agosti told The Herald in a phone call that drivers will adapt to the changes.

“Obviously, we hear that a lot of drivers are frustrated. They’re not taking Holly down as quickly as they used to. And that is completely understandable,” said Agosti.

Bike lanes were added to Holly Street on May 1 as part of a summer test for downtown Bellingham’s busiest street. About 12,000 drivers use it daily, according to a 2023 city traffic count.

Confused by the changes to Holly Street? All the changes the city made when the bike lane was added

Eric Johnston, director of the Department of Public Works, said the plan aimed to making it easier for cyclists and people on foot, slowing down traffic in the city center.

Although the speed limit is 40 km/h, many drivers were going much faster than that. Now, they are picking up traffic signals and sometimes just moving forward slowly.

Mayor Kim Lund discussed the experimental project at the June 3 City Council meeting, where she said more than 800 people shared their opinions on Engage Bellingham.

“We have already made important adjustments based on this feedback. Our commitment to finding the best solution for Holly Street continues,” said Lund.

The city “optimized” the timing of traffic lights, removed a parking space just before intersections on the right side of the street, and added signs to alert drivers to bike lanes.

Janice Keller, the city’s communications director, told The Herald that the changes will be evaluated later this summer with measurements of speed and traffic volume.

“Similar to previous changes we did in Alabama, Samish and Chestnut, implementing significant changes to traffic requires continuous learning, with the city collecting data and street users adjusting their routines,” said Keller.

Agosti said he believes people’s behavior will change over time. So drivers will avoid Holly Street, finding other routes that cross the city, he said.

“Ultimately, this creates a safer and more enjoyable city center for everyone. Yes, it is a longer journey. But for those who are already in the center or going to the center, this is a victory. We are very supportive of anything that makes downtown a more viable space and less of a freeway,” Agosti said.