City of Madison: Tests First Parking-Protected Bike Lane, Needs Public Input

The City of Madison wants the public’s input for its first parking-protected bike lane on North Bassett Street. A parking-protected bike lane uses parked vehicles and flexible posts to separate cyclists from the driving lane on the street. Protected bike lanes provide a safer, bike-friendly route for the cycling community, and welcome a wider range of riders. Parking-protected bike lanes also require mindful attention from the public as it requires change in the current habitual use of streets. The City is exploring this style lane as an option for further expansion throughout the City, after seeing success in other bike-friendly communities across the nation like Minneapolis, Minnesota and Portland, Oregon.

The year-long trial on the 100 and 10 blocks of N. Bassett St. is the first-of-its kind in Madison. During the trial, the City will monitor how the public uses the lane from a safety and functionality perspective, while also tracking how the lane is maintained for plowing, street sweeping and refuse collection. The City wants to hear from the public on all aspects of its use. Once the data has been collected, it will serve to inform changes to the existing parking protected lanes, and help the City plan and design future locations where this style lane would be successful.

Please submit comments related to the trial to:
Renee Callaway, City of Madison Pedestrian and Bicycle Administrator, recallaway@cityofmadison.com.

General Reminders for Safe Travel
A protected bike lane functions differently than traditional traffic, parking and biking patterns. The protected bike lane is located directly next to the curb, and the parking lane is between the bike lane and travel lane.

If biking:

• Ride in the direction of traffic.
• Yield to pedestrians and wheelchair users who are crossing the protected bike lane.
• Watch for turning vehicles when approaching intersections and driveways.
• Keep right to allow for faster bicyclists and use the left side of the lane to pass safely.

If a pedestrian:

• Always cross the street at a crosswalk.
• Be vigilant when crossing a bike lane and at other locations, such as when entering and exiting vehicles.
• The protected bike lane is intended for bicycles only. Use the sidewalk for all activities when traveling along the street.

If parking:

• Only park in areas designated for the parking of vehicles.
• Learn about protected bike lanes and how they work. The bike lane is separated from the parking lane with the use of bollards and paint to help people find the appropriate place to park. If for any reason the bollards are not in place, use the pavement markings as guidelines, and do not park in the bicycle designated lane.
• Use care when loading and unloading your vehicle. Be aware of any approaching traffic and bicyclists.

If driving:

• Look out for bicyclists before turning across the bike lane or pulling out of a driveway.
• Bicyclists have the right-of-way at Dayton Street, Mifflin Street and at all driveways and alleys.
• Always yield to people riding in bike lanes and to pedestrians in crosswalks.
• Do not drive in or block the bike lane at any time.

For additional information about protected bike lanes and upcoming projects, visit www.cityofmadison.com/bikeMadison/

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