Richard Stewart's plan: How Citizens in The City of Kalamazoo, Michigan Can Fight Back Against Unwanted Bike Lanes

by Richard Stewart

MY PLAN: How Citizens in The City of Kalamazoo, Michigan Can Fight Back Against Unwanted Bike Lanes

If the city is pushing bike lanes against public will while exploiting cognitive dissonance, here’s how opponents can effectively resist:

1. Gather & Present Hard Data

Challenge the city’s narrative with facts:

Conduct independent traffic counts (e.g., set up cameras or manual tallies) to prove low bike lane usage.

FOIA requests for:
Cost breakdowns (installation, maintenance, lost parking revenue).
Accident data (do bike lanes actually improve safety?).
Pre- and post-installation traffic flow studies.

Compare Kalamazoo to failed bike lane projects in other cities.

Example Argument:
*"You claim these lanes are ‘well-used,’ but our data shows only 12 bikes per day—why spend $500,000 on empty concrete?"*

2. Organize Grassroots Opposition

Mobilize dissent into political pressure:

Petitions: A well-signed petition forces officials to respond.

Town hall takeovers: Pack meetings with angry residents (videos go viral).

Coalition-building: Team up with:
Local businesses hurt by lost parking.
Disability advocates (narrowed lanes may hinder accessibility).
Police/fire unions if lanes slow emergency response.

Psychological Angle:
The more visible the opposition, the harder it is for the city to dismiss critics as a "vocal minority."

3. Exploit the City’s Cognitive Dissonance

Flip the script by highlighting the city’s contradictions:

"You say bike lanes reduce emissions, but idling cars in new traffic jams pollute more—where’s your data?"

"If these lanes are so popular, why did 78% of survey respondents oppose them?"

"You preach ‘community input,’ but ignore 1,000 petition signers—who’s really being irrational?"

Goal: Force officials into defending hypocrisy, not just policy.

4. Legal & Political Pressure

Hit them where it hurts:

Ballot initiatives: Some cities allow voters to overturn bike lane ordinances.

Vote out proponents: Target council members in next election.

Lawsuits: Challenge under:
Environmental review laws (if traffic impact was downplayed).
ADA violations if lanes obstruct wheelchair access.
Misuse of funds if grants were obtained under false pretenses.

5. Media & Messaging War

Control the narrative:

Local op-eds: "Kalamazoo’s Bike Lane Boondoggle—Who Really Benefits?"

Social media campaigns: Post videos of empty lanes + clogged car traffic.

Satire: Mock unused lanes (e.g., "Kalamazoo’s Ghost Bike Lane Tour").

Key Message:
"This isn’t about bikes—it’s about arrogant planners wasting your money against your will."

6. Propose Alternatives

Offer solutions to undercut the city’s moral framing:

"Instead of unused lanes, let’s repair potholes or improve crosswalks."

"If you want cleaner transit, expand buses—not lanes for imaginary cyclists."

Why it works:
It denies officials the "you just hate progress" dismissal.

Final Psychological Tactic: The Streisand Effect

If the city doubles down despite backlash, public anger will grow. Leak embarrassing documents (e.g., emails showing planners mocking residents). Nothing fuels rebellion like elite contempt.

Outcome: Even if lanes stay, the political cost will make city hall think twice before ignoring voters