The author of the letter claims that adding a bicycle lane instead of a regular car lane will ameliorate the current traffic situation on Blue Highway. The argument made seems sound and logical, with an example even made to back it up. However, certain evidence is needed in order to properly evaluate the author’s suggestion.
Firstly, the author says that many area residents are bicyclists. The entire argument is pretty much based on this claim, which has no evidence mentioned to back it up. A survey asking residents whether they would really use bicycles to commute could be conducted. If the majority gives a positive answer - the author’s suggestion to add bicycle lanes will be worth considering.
Secondly, evidence of the worsening traffic situation on Green Highway being the consequence of an added car lane must be provided. If it’s discovered that Green Highway is just the fastest way to a new shopping mall or office park, then the increase in traffic might have nothing to do with the added lane. This would considerably weaken the author’s argument.
Thirdly, it would be a good idea to provide examples where adding a bicycle lane instead of a new car lane helped with the traffic jams. If this type of solution has been proven to work before, the argument could be taken more seriously.
All in all, although the author makes a compelling argument, it must be taken with a grain of salt until proper evidence is given to back it up.