The gate, installed at the south end of South Kensington Street, prevents cyclists and pedestrians from cutting through the Havens Acres neighborhood.
In the summer of 2020, a gate was installed at the south end of South Kensington Street in Riverdale, preventing cyclists and pedestrians from cutting through the Havens Acres neighborhood. Because of the gate, those travelers now have to cross U.S. Highway 67 instead.
On Wednesday, Dec. 4, cyclists and other local advocates gathered at the gate, asking Riverdale City Council to remove it. Advocates argue the move would allow them to more safely use the Duck Creek and Mississippi River bike trails.
"The time to ensure the safety of riders, walkers and runners that are connecting the Duck Creek trail and the Mississippi River trail is now, not sometime in the future. 2020 and 2024 councils and mayors have removed the safest route through Riverdale," John Harrington, criterium director of the Quad Cities Bicycle Club said.