Over the last 18 months, bike lanes in Seattle have proven themselves as the leading facilitators of safe bicycle transportation. However, when it was a concept and city leaders were uncertain of its usefulness, they only invested enough to mark the lanes with paint and temporary plastic posts. But now, upgrades are in the works for these lanes, according to Seattle Bike Blog.
What upgrades are coming?
Several upgrades are already in the works or coming soon:
- The plastic posts are converting to planter boxes to create additional separation from motor vehicles.
- At major driveways, the lane will lift up by a couple of inches to create speed bumps. This improvement intends to make drivers more aware of the lane itself and the bicyclists in it. One of the biggest dangers faced by bicyclists is motorists who turn into the bike lane in front of them.
- The city is also installing speed bumps in bicycle lanes to remind bicyclists of their obligation to be mindful of pedestrians.
- Traffic signals will improve to increase visibility across all lanes for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists.
- The bike lane will also extend by a block.
How will upgrades affect bicyclists?
Unfortunately, these upgrades will not happen overnight. There will be significant impacts on travel for at least a month including mandatory detours and parking restrictions while construction is ongoing. This mandatory detour will affect the city's best bike lane for at least a month, so bicyclists should plan their route of travel well in advance.
During this transition period, and in areas where separately designated bike lanes do not yet exist, bicyclists must be mindful of their responsibilities on the road. Check out our guide to biking in Seattle to make sure you keep yourself and everyone around you as safe as possible.
As bike riding is becoming increasingly more popular, many individuals new to the sport are learning to stay safe around both pedestrians and motorists. Be sure to read up on some tips on how to use a road bike before your next outing.
Even though you may take precautions to be as safe as possible on your bike, not everyone does the same. If you sustained an injury in an accident with a motor vehicle, be sure to run your case by a bicycle accident lawyer at Max Meyers Law PLLC.
Contact Max today at 425-399-7000.
