DEMOCRACY IN ACTION
When a community rises up against the tyranny of unnecessary bike lanes.
🎉 CELEBRATION ALERT: After months of fighting, the Oak Street Protected Bike Lane Project is OFFICIALLY DEAD!
THE BATTLE THAT SHOOK THE CITY
They came for our parking spaces. They came for our turning lanes. They came for our freedom to drive without dodging entitled cyclists. But on March 18, 2025, the hardworking residents of Oak Street said "ENOUGH!" and achieved what many thought impossible: Complete cancellation of a $3.2 million bike lane boondoggle.
PROJECT KILLED
100%
Complete Cancellation
MONEY SAVED
$3.2M
Taxpayer Dollars Preserved
THE DAVID VS. GOLIATH TIMELINE
The Threat Emerges
City Council quietly announces plan to remove 147 parking spaces and two traffic lanes for a "protected bike lane" that would serve approximately 12 cyclists per day.
AARBAA Mobilizes
Local AARBAA chapter discovers the plan, launches "Save Oak Street" campaign. 2,500 signatures collected in first 48 hours.
The Resistance Grows
Daily protests, petition drives, and town halls. Local businesses join the fight after learning bike lanes would eliminate customer parking.
VICTORY DAY
City Council votes 7-2 to cancel the project after 500+ residents pack the council chambers. Cyclist lobby representatives leave in tears.
"This isn't just about parking spaces. It's about standing up to the radical cycling agenda that puts the wants of a few spandex enthusiasts above the needs of working families."
BY THE NUMBERS: THE PEOPLE'S VICTORY
Citizens at Final Meeting
Petition Signatures
Parking Spaces Saved
Local Businesses Protected
THE MYTHS WE DESTROYED
🏆 HALL OF HEROES
Special recognition to these Oak Street Warriors who made victory possible:
- Tom Bradley - Organized 14 community meetings in his garage
- Maria Santos - Created viral "Save Our Street" social media campaign
- Bob's Hardware Store - Provided free "No Bike Lane" yard signs to 400+ homes
- Oak Street Merchants Association - United 43 businesses in opposition
CYCLISTS' MELTDOWN: A SIGHT TO BEHOLD
Actual Quotes from the Losing Side
"This is literally violence against cyclists!" - Local cycling advocate, while safely standing in city hall
"Cars are destroying the planet!" - Said before driving away in an SUV with a bike rack
"We'll remember this at election time!" - All 12 of them, apparently
"This city hates progress!" - Progress = removing parking for working families
LESSONS FOR OTHER COMMUNITIES
How We Won: The Blueprint
- Act Fast: Don't wait for public comment periods
- Unite Businesses: Show economic impact immediately
- Document Everything: Every meeting, every promise, every lie
- Pack the Meetings: Numbers matter more than speeches
- Stay Positive: Frame it as "pro-community" not "anti-bike"
- Use Their Data: City's own studies showed low cyclist usage
Oak Street residents celebrating at Victory Rally, March 18, 2025
WHAT'S NEXT FOR OAK STREET
The Victory Dividend
With the $3.2 million saved, the city has agreed to:
Road Repairs
Fix 15 miles of actual roads that actual taxpayers use
More Parking
Add 50 new parking spaces in the business district
Smart Signals
Install adaptive traffic signals to reduce congestion
Disclaimer: This victory was achieved through completely legal democratic processes. No cyclists were harmed, though several egos were severely bruised.
Victory Resources
Celebrate With Us!
Victory Parade & BBQ
Saturday, March 30, 2025
Oak Street (in the parking spaces we saved!)
Free parking validation for all attendees!