Why is Medford removing the Main Street bike lanes?

In January 2026, the Medford City Council voted in a split decision—requiring Mayor Zarosinski's tiebreaking vote—to remove the protected two-way bike lanes on Main Street, just three years after they were installed. The reversal will cost $1 million.

How can I help save the Medford bike lanes?

You can email the Medford City Council at council@medfordoregon.gov expressing your support for the bike lanes. You can also attend the next City Council meeting on February 18th, 2026 at 6:00 PM at Medford City Hall (411 W 8th St) and sign up for public comment.

When is the next Medford City Council meeting about bike lanes?

The next Medford City Council meeting is February 18th, 2026 at 6:00 PM at Medford City Hall, 411 W 8th St. You can sign up to speak at the start of the meeting—even 1-2 sentences makes an impact.

Protected two-way bike lane on Main Street in Medford, Oregon with green lane markings and physical barriers separating cyclists from vehicle traffic

Save the Medford Bike Lane

Q: When was the Medford Main Street bike lane installed?

Medford invested $500,000 in 2023 to create the city's first protected two-way bike lane on Main Street, reducing vehicle lanes from three to two and adding 12 feet of dedicated cycling infrastructure.

The Medford City Council voted to remove our protected bike lanes on Main Street. We need your voice to reverse this decision and keep our streets safe for cyclists.

Take Action Now

Photo: Joe Linton / Streetsblog

Next Council Meeting: March 18th

MAR18

Keep the Momentum Going

On March 4th, all 14 speakers supported saving the bike lane and over 30 written comments were submitted. Let's keep showing up on March 18th and make sure the council knows this isn't going away.

Every meeting we pack is another reason they can't ignore us.

How to Attend:

When: Wednesday, March 18th at 6:00 PM
Where: Medford City Hall, 411 W 8th St
Public comment: Sign up to speak at the start of the meeting. Even 1-2 sentences makes an impact
Can't make it? Submit a public comment before the meeting so they hear from you anyway

Play Our Latest Game: Is Medford More Bikeable Than That?

March 16, 2026Read more →

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What's Happening?

March 4, 2026

14 Speakers, Zero Opposition

All 14 public speakers at the March 4th council meeting supported keeping the bike lane. Over 30 written comments were also submitted in support. Not a single person spoke in favor of removing it. A study session on the reconfiguration is scheduled for April 8th. Read the full transcript.

February 18, 2026

Community Turns Out Again, Council May Reconsider

More than two dozen people made public comments at the February 18th council meeting, with the overwhelming majority supporting Option 3, the compromise that preserves bike lanes while addressing parking and visibility concerns. Pedestrians, kids who bike to school, environmentalists, and downtown business owners all spoke up. Council member Kevin Stine called for a reconsideration, saying the council has received "tremendous response online and in person from stakeholders." The issue may return to a full council vote. Read more.

February 2026

17 Supporters Pack City Council Meeting

17 community members attended the February 4th City Council meeting to voice their support for keeping the protected bike lanes on Main Street, demonstrating strong public backing for safe cycling infrastructure. Meanwhile, downtown businesses are urging reconsideration of the reversal.

January 2026

Council Votes to Remove Bike Lanes

In a split decision requiring Mayor Zarosinski's tiebreaking vote, the Medford City Council voted to abandon the protected two-way bike lanes on Main Street—just three years after installing them. The reversal will cost $1 million and delay other road projects.

November 2025

Public Input Sessions

75-80 citizens attended an open house at Oakdale Middle School to review four design options for Main Street. Despite staff recommendations to keep protected lanes, an online survey showed mixed opinions.

2023

Protected Lanes Installed

Medford invested $500,000 to create the city's first protected two-way bike lane on Main Street, reducing vehicle lanes from three to two and adding 12 feet of dedicated cycling infrastructure.