PLATTSBURGH -- A request to change the traffic pattern on U.S. Oval is raising questions among some Common Council members.

Residents of the oval have asked that the road around the recreation field be made one-way, with the inside lane serving as a recreation lane for non-motorized travel.

Luke Cyphers, who along with his wife, Lisa, have solicited support from many other oval residents, told councilors Thursday night that the change would enhance the area.

RECREATION LANE

Mr. Cyphers said switching the road to one-way would make it safer and give people more opportunities to exercise.

He noted that the recreational lane can be used not only by residents, but by local college and high-school teams and other athletes in training, which would be a draw for the city.

John Lynch, cross-country coach at Plattsburgh State, said the one-mile oval would be a great place for his team to train, especially in the winter when city roads are often clogged with snow.

"We've had athletes get hit by cars in the city while they are running."

Mrs. Cyphers said more opportunities for people to get out and exercise offers tremendous health benefits.

"The new enemy is diabetes and obesity," she said.

Mr. Cyphers said one-way traffic would also deter motorists from using the oval as a short-cut from Route 9 or as a dodge by those who may be trying to avoid being stopped for drunk driving.

"We would be giving up convenience for getting in and out of our own homes, but that would be offset by the quality it would bring," he said.

Councilor George Rabideau (R-Ward 3) said the existing bike path already serves as a recreation area for non-motorized traffic.

"We spent thousands of dollars on that bike path, and this is not a private road," Rabideau said referring to Mr. Cyphers's comment that one-way traffic would deter those who do not have a reason for traveling on the oval from doing so.

Mr. Cyphers said he meant people who were seeking shortcuts and in no way was suggesting that the road is or should be private.