Bank Street is just about the only accessible way for pedestrians and bikers to get past the Capitol without going onto a major street full of traffic, such as Broad, Main, or Cary. I regularly use Bank Street to connect from the Franklin buffered bike lane to downtown bike lanes and the Cap Trail. Riding on Bank Street feels much safer and poses no threat whatsoever to the Capitol. It has also been a place of public demonstration while the Capitol grounds have been closed. It must absolutely stay open to the public!