For 45 years, Acequia Avenue through downtown Visalia has been a one-way street, with drivers only able to head east between Redwood High School and Bridge Street.

That'll change by the end of this year, as the street returns to a two-way configuration. On a 4-1 vote Monday, City Council members adopted the plan, including a provision for bike lanes in each direction on the converted street.

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Council Member Bob Link was the lone "no" vote, voicing concerns about the safety of bicyclists on a street that is a frequent thoroughfare for fire engines and other emergency vehicles racing from the downtown fire station to calls. Link said he believed bicyclists might feel a "false sense of security" because of the bike lanes.

Once Kaweah Delta Medical Center opens its new expansion on the south side of Acequia Avenue in early 2009, the main ambulance entrance will move from Locust to Acequia, perhaps adding to potential hazards to pedal-powered two-wheelers.

Local bicycle enthusiasts backed the addition of bike lanes, citing the absence of any marked bicycle lanes in the downtown area. They hope the lanes will encourage people to use their bikes instead of cars, easing the strain on parking and reducing air pollution.

So, will bike lanes be enough to pull you out from behind the steering wheel and put you behind your handlebars instead? And do you think the lanes will prompt motorists to be aware enough of the bicyclists sharing the road to prevent tragic accidents on the street? Let us know what you think with a comment or by e-mail.