Leaders at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church in San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood say newly installed bike lanes on State Street are creating safety concerns and limiting access to the century-old place of worship. The church, which has served the community for more than 100 years, say s the changes remove curbside parking and drop-off access that parishioners have long relied on — particularly in a neighborhood already challenged by limited parking. “We welcome improvements, we support safer streets, but we also protect something that is essential — direct access to this sacred place,” said Father Joseph Tabigue of Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church. Church leaders and parishioners say the new design forces visitors to be dropped off in the street and cross a bike lane, exposing them to both bicycle and vehicle traffic. They say this is especially concerning for elderly and disabled parishioners, as well as families attending funerals. “We can’t move a casket from the middle of the street. It’s impossible. When the casket is right here, we just move it up this way,” said parishioner Angela Bottini. Tabigue said the situation adds stress during already difficult moments. “Must they now cross barriers, navigate confusion, risk safety at the very moment they most need peace?” Tabigue said. Parishioners say they are not opposed to bike lanes but want adjustments to improve access. “We really need this easement for easy access to church. We don’t really have another way in,” Bottini said. “And with the bike lane here, it is unsafe.” The church and the Little Italy Association are proposing an alternative — a shared “sharrow” lane that would allow both cars and bicycles, while restoring parking and curbside access in front of the church. The church isn’t asking the city to get rid of the bike lane, they just want the city to move the bike lane. Some community members are calling for swift action. “We need more respect for this church. This is not a commercial building, not a restaurant, not a salon, not a coffee shop, it’s our church. We need to do something and change because if mayor doesn’t listen, it doesn’t end here, we’ve crossed the line,” said lifelong downtown resident Dominic Brunetto. In a statement to NBC 7, the city said it understands the importance of direct curb access and has already made adjustments. Officials said protective flex posts that were initially planned for installation in front of the church have been removed. Church leaders say they hope the city will continue working with them to find a solution that balances safety with accessibility. This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC San Diego. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC San Diego journalist edited the article for publication. ...read more read less