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"It is with great sadness to see our City Council and Park Board uniformly ignore the residents and taxpayers living on Summit Avenue regarding the plans to desecrate the street, destroy its historic character, kill thousands of trees for the sake of a tiny minority of skinny spandexed cyclists who ostensibly want to ride on an elevated platform. The already existing bicycle lanes work perfectly for needs of the cyclists. The lanes are wide and buffered from motorized traffic. They are perfectly safe for the cyclists if they confine their bicycles to the bike lines. Unfortunately, the spandex crowd rides very fast in groups of 15 to 20 bicycles going at the same high speed. These cyclists are notorious for loud conversations which requires them to ride 3 to 5 bicycles abreast so that they can hear each other talk. This invariably results in cyclists ending up riding in the automobile lanes, outside the bike lanes. This endangers the cyclists and the automobiles. With an elevated bicycle lane, the spandex crowd will skip the elevated platform altogether because it will hamper their ability to ride abreast and talk to each other while riding at very high speeds. Consequently, they will be riding in the street endangering themselves, cars, AND pedestrians. Furthermore, the spandex crowd does not tolerate slow bicyclists and will pass them by riding around them and, in the process, entering automobile traffic lanes. I seldom saw fast riding cyclists use the elevated bike platforms on Lake of the Isles Blvd in Minneapolis. They almost always use the street to bypass the slow cyclists on the platform. I strongly urge the Saint Paul Park Board and Saint Paul City Council to abandon this I’ll-conceived, totally unnecessary, pointless project that will result in nothing but danger, injury, and death to bicyclists, automobile drivers and pedestrians, to say nothing of permanently destroying trees and the historic character of our beloved Summit Avenue."

"I am a bike rider and strong believer in bike paths but this proposal seems foolish in terms of risk/reward for Summit Ave."

"No. Just no. I relocated to St. Paul nine years ago. I have lived in New Orleans, Los Angeles, Boston and Orlando. Summit Ave is the Commonwealth Ave. Mall of Boston and St. Charles Ave of New Orleans. It is the essential character of this city. Destroy it and St. Paul becomes more like Orlando. No thank you. Resurface it and then just leave it alone. It is perfect."

"I drive on Summit Avenue frequently. There is already AMPLE of room for bicyclists on Summit Avenue. There is NO NEED to build another trail. STOP building (and spending money on) trails for the few at the sacrifice of many. The time and money is the quality of the existing streets and making our streets safer."

"On street bike lanes are safe enough. There are so many of these around the world - as proof of this! Trees contribute so much to our world!! They take soooo long to grow and it's too easy to just cut them down in a matter of an hour or two! I don't want trees to be intentionally destroyed as a way to try to prevent bicyclists from accidentally being injured. Accidents may still happen. It's not worth killing trees just to try to avoid things that can't be totally avoided - bicycle deaths."

"Not one tree should be threatened or lost for the sake of ride on a bike. Trees are oxygen and life on this planet."

"It would destroy the beautiful scenery of the historic Avenue and the canopy that is Summit Avenue!"

"Don't ruin Summit Ave. with an unnecessary bike path, as the city did Wabasha St., downtown St. Paul. A bicyclist myself, I have never had issues cycling Summit Ave. And if there is traffic, nearby residential streets are available for bicyclists to use. Summit Ave is terrific, beautiful boulevard as is. Leave it alone. City should save its money and lower taxes. City has too much money if it is developing unnecessary bike paths, ruing streets and transit in process."

"This plan is insane and serves absolutely no purpose. The reasoning is supposed to be a need for a trail between the river and downtown, well the trail on the river goes right downtown already. Clearly there are underhanded motives at work here. Whether its contract nepotism or just a jealous mean spirited "mess up the rich peoples neighborhood" mentality I can't possibly imagine. I am an avid biker and I can't believe anyone into cycling for pleasure wants to see the character of this unique and scenic historic area spoiled and destroyed for an unnecessary not to mention costly trail surgery. Historically St. Paul has always been the better city for treating its historic buildings and areas with more respect and foresight than Minneapolis. Summit avenue has no equivalent anywhere else in North America it would be a sin to spoil it."

"I grew up at Laurel and Griggs just a few blocks over from Summit and now live on Lexington in Highland. Summit has always been my main driving street and an aesthetic feast for my senses through all the seasons. I've celebrated as mansions are restored and given new life. It is an urban, nationally known treasure. The Twin Cities have miles of hiking, biking and recreation options. I am dismayed beyond words that Summit would be altered to provide a route for a few bikers that would entail a total change of its character and history. Repaving is needed and the lilacs need pruning."

"I grew up in the 60's Frog Town St Paul. At a time when all the streets in St Paul looked like Summit Ave. It is one of the last beautiful streets in the city. Stop the destruction."

"Don’t change the beautiful nature of Summit avenue - I bring all our visitors to the city for a drive on Summit to show the beautiful homes and huge trees lining the street - don’t mess with this gem"

"I have lived and biked on Summit Ave, along with many places in the USA and internationally. Summit ave is a Jewel, and progressive socialists trying to eliminate cars all together in favor of bikes and light rail will destroy this jewel because they can. Please stop this nonsense for the sake of future generations. Remember they also tried to destroy this beautiful ave in the 1970 and almost succeeded."

"Yes, we must persevere!!! I first moved onto Summit Avenue in 1974. I have lived other places since then, but I have been back on Summit Avenue since 2001. The historical character of the Avenue is a huge asset. I am more than a little appalled that the Historical Preservation Commission is not opposing this plan. Thank you for all that you are doing!!!"

"STOP!! DO NOT TOUCH SUMMIT AVENUE. Leave the trees alone. I was raised in St. Paul and Summit Avenue is sacred to all St. Paul! Spend that money on something else! You can start by fixing pot holes."

"Purchasing homes in this area comes with the responsibility to protect the integrity and history of the neighborhood. The City should do the same."

"This is ridiculous! There is already a bike lane there. 12 million dollars should not be designated to destroy trees for a few bikers, we are not a state where bikers ride year-round. Enough is enough!!"

"I cannot believe this is an issue. NO!"

"I am in St Paul often as that is where I work. Please do not alter the current design of Summit! Trees are beautiful and appeal to the natural and historical existence. It’s shameful this would even be considered as an option!!"

"A new bike trail, especially where a bike lane already exists on the street, is not worth the loss of so many trees along Summit Avenue. Also, I believe most accidents involving bikes and automobiles happen at intersections and driveways. The proposed bike path eliminates no intersections or driveways, therefore the new path would not increase safety."

"FYI Re: Summit Avenue. Please send to an appropriate contact. Thank you. My curiosity has me asking three question. Please reply. 1. Why must bike traffic be allowed on Summit Avenue? 2. What fixes" are needed in order for bikers to use nearby routes. 3. How many bikers use Summit Avenue during a calendar year? Summit Avenue is a Minnesota historical treasure and as such draws historic minded individuals and families to to enjoy and learn about its history. Design a new route for bike traffic. RSVP Judy Gulden, Stillwater, MN"

"There is no need for an expensive new trail that studies have proven is more dangerous than the existing bike lanes, and which will destroy hundreds of mature trees as well as the historic character of Summit Avenue"

"PLEASE LISTEN and DO NOT DESTROY THOSE BEAUTIFUL TREES!!! I know we live in crazy times, but I can't believe someone is actually considering this horrific act. You cannot justify creating a bike path at the expense (destruction) of natural beauty. We live in MN for a reason and P.S....it's not the weather!! Please do not do this."

"I’ve biked on Summit Ave. with my husband many times. It’s beautiful, and actually iconic in the city of St. Paul. There’s plenty of room to bike the way it is currently configured. I would hate to see trees taken down, and newly replaced curbs torn up. I’m against widening the bicycle lane. I am in favor of repaving Summit in certain areas, to smooth out the surface. If any money is spent on Summit Ave, that’s where I would like to see it spent, NOT making cycling lanes wider."

"I treasure Summit Avenue as it is. I don’t want to see it loses its character. I shared the possible city plan with my 21 year old son. He said he treasures Summit Avenue as it is. He attends the University of St. Thomas. He says Summit’s trees and boulevard makes him want to attend St. Thomas because of its greenery that distinguishes it from the University of Minnesota with so many buildings and lots of cement. I grew up in St. Paul when I show people from out of town my city. I drive them or we walk up and down Summit Avenue. They marvel at its beauty which relates to its large boulevard trees in all seasons and its distinct roadways that set it apart from the suburbs. No changes need to be made. No extra bikeways or road improvements are necessary and would detract from its beauty."

"Why would you not want to preserve such a historical street and beautiful trees?? There are plenty of other streets that can/could be utilized by bicyclists! If this is changed, it will never be the same. Shame on YOU, whoever started this!!@"

"Leave the trees, curbs, and bike lane alone on Summit Ave. It was just redone, and does not need it again. There is already a bike lane"

"There are plenty of bikeways in a city that has winter-like weather for half the year. Also, at a time when we should be much more aware of the damage we are doing to the climate is not the time to cut down trees. In other words, get your head or of your bike- loving ass!"

"Summit avenue is already bike friendly. Plus we can bike by the river . The median on summit is extremely pleasant for running and walking . As a biker 🚴‍♂️, I am very happy with the way it is and the city plan is a little too much, and destroy trees and charm. I wish it remains the same."

"We love Summit Avenue exactly as it is! As a biker who bikes with little kids, we feel we have ample space to bike. We also love seeing people relaxing and being active amongst the trees on the boulevard. Summit Avenue is a highlight of what makes St. Paul special and beautiful."

"Dear City of St. Paul, In your efforts to bequeath St.Paul with yet more dedicated bike lanes, please do not destroy the remarkable historic jewel we have in Summit Avenue. As a biker myself, I love biking on Summit Avenue JUST AS IT IS. If some MINOR changes can improve safety, without massive investment in curbs and definitely NO EFFECT ON TREES, I would support it, but I do not support wasting money and destroying the precious green space we have on Summit. If you need to add dedicated bike lanes, please look at Marshall Ave (or Selby or St. Clair or Jefferson.) thank you for taking only responsible and prudent action to develop our city for the best of all, now and into the future."

"If a bike lane is absolutely required then look at alternate adjacent streets. NOTE: Take a look at what the bike lanes did for business in the North Park area of San Diego. The installation of the bike lane removed a significant portion of the parking. Due to no parking available, customers are no longer coming to the area as they are frustrated. So as a result many businesses are closing. These streets are not engineered or built to hold all levels of transportation. Before you install any bike trails, please understand the impact to the area."

"Please leave Summit Avenue as it is. The middle boulevard creates such an elegant and gracious avenue for all to enjoy the beautiful stately homes lining the avenue. The current bike lanes are completely sufficient for the area, providing just the right amount of bike traffic for the neighborhood. To remove all the green grass and wonderfully gorgeous trees would be simply be the worst case scenario. Please work to save the beauty and calm of Summit Avenue for the future generations. We’ve lost so much already. There’s so little remaining of our wonderful history."

"Please don’t tear down a pivotal piece of fabric that holds the St. Paul character together."

"Start listening to your residents. The mayor and city council won’t be happy till we look like Uptown Minneapolis which has become unrecognizable and so dense you can no longer maneuver!!"

"For the love of God, please leave exquisite Summit Avenue as it is! Summit Avenue is extremely historical and beautiful!"

"Lincoln Ave native 🎄 Summit Ave and islands are a historic promenade that should be protected not paved over - why try to “fix” something that isn’t broken ? Save Summit Ave!"

"How could you destroy beautiful Summit Avenue!!! Ther are plenty of parks in this beautiful city that you can ride your bikes! ENOUGH!!!!"

"NO! Changing Summit Avenue to accommodate more bikes is RIDiCULOUS!!! Are the people driving this bus even bike riders??????? QUIT WASTING MONEY, OTHER RESOURCES and TREES!!!!! You are shameful people! Shameful!!"

"I am a Minneapolis resident and I am concerned about the removal of trees with this project."

"We drive on Summit Ave with every visit to St. Paul to enjoy the serenity of the trees along the street by the historic homes. Save the trees! Don't make the street look like North Dakota."

"As frequent visitors to St.Paul we enjoy driving on Summit Ave with the stately homes and beautiful trees. This is the best residential street in the St. Paul-Minneapolis area with its history. There are alternative plans that make the street usable for cars, bikes and homeowners and save the trees."

"Thank you for the work you are doing. Summit is an unusually beautiful Avenue. If it ain’t broke why fix it. The bicycle paths are unused by bikers. I use them as a pedestrian in the winter’s ice and snow. Why waste money on this insane project when there are important and serious issues we face in this city."

"I have lived in Minneapolis for 20 years, and the addition of bike lanes there has become overbearing. It has made it more of a hassle to get around, to find residential and business parking, and reduced available lanes for vehicles to use at a time when more and more residential units are being built. The addition of white and yellow posts with reflective tape has also made the streets unsightly. This proposal would chop down a major portion of what makes historic St Paul so beautiful. I am so disgusted with this proposal!!! It seems like a vast waste of money to me with the end result being an overall net-loss for everyone, except the 2% of the people living in the Twin Cities that use a bike. I strongly oppose this idea."

"The historical character of St. Paul is undoubtedly the best feature of your beautiful city and Summit is without question the crown jewel. I absolutely love to visit and walk to restaurants and shops under the beautiful trees. My family and I often make plans to meet up with other friends in St. Paul specifically for this atmosphere. We applaud those that have worked diligently to preserve it, and appreciate the significant extra expense your residents have spent over the years in order to maintain this lovely historic neighborhood. The proposal to remove trees and narrow sidewalks to make way for a bike path would completely alter the landscape and significantly damage the historical integrity of this neighborhood we love. Granted, serious bikers do need safe places to ride, but surely it does not need to destroy such a lovely place to walk not to mention decades of hard fought preservation of one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the upper mid-west. I beg of you to oppose this proposal."

"I moved from historic city ( that destroyed by concrete) to green Saint Paul, Please don't cut trees and we don' need more concrete. Save Our Street and Save Summit Ave."

"One of the most beautiful things about the city of Saint Paul is it trees and nature. We must preserve every piece of nature we can to leave the next generation a better neighborhood, city and world."

"Instead of spending millions creating a bike path that won't be maintained, neighbors want the city to follow recommendations of experts to shrink the drive lanes of the existing street to create a bigger buffer for bikers. Shrinking drive lanes would also slow/calm traffic speeds--helpful for everyone, and saving millions in needless federal, state and city spending... Preserve the park-like feel of this historic street!!"

"I am opposed to the plan being presented by the City, Many thanks to the SOS Committee for doing solid research to expose the flaws of the City's plan."

"The city can not keep up with plowing streets. How can they add plowing bike paths. From what I’ve seen of the new proposal everyone looses. Avid bikers will not like it, residents and walkers will hate it. Taxes will go up to support something most don’t want."