New Bike Lanes Cause Confusion on Claremont Street
Motorists Raise Concerns Over Unfamiliar Signage
New bike lanes on one of Claremont’s busiest streets have left some drivers feeling confused. The bright green markings, meant to promote eco-friendly transportation and make the road safer for bicyclists, have sparked concerns about clarity and distraction.
“I mean, it looks pretty but I don’t like it,” said Lisa Church, a Claremont resident. “There’s solid green then there’s white lines that are broken, and also, there are parts of the parkway that are sticking out onto the street, and you are wondering why that is,” added Pearl V., another Claremont resident.
What the Markings Mean
According to the city, the markings signify the following:
- Solid green and solid white lines – Bicyclists have the right of way; Drivers can cross only to enter a driveway.
- Solid green and dashed white lines – Bicyclists have the right of way; Drivers can cross once it’s safe.
- Dashed green – Vehicles and bicycles can cross paths; Drivers must yield to bicyclists.
City Education Efforts
The city acknowledges the confusion and is working on educating the public on how to interact with cyclists using the new lanes. As part of its outreach effort, the city plans to send a guide with information to all Claremont residents on how to maneuver the lanes. “We have had a lot of questions about what this means, how am I supposed to interact with cyclists and so, we have been really educating and putting out information to our drivers,” said Beven Handel, a Claremont public information officer.
Support for the Initiative
While some have expressed frustration over the new lanes, others who support the initiative say it’s a step in the right direction. “They don’t bother me that much; I think that they’re good for people,” said Steve Merrick, a Claremont resident. “I think it’s something that is necessary for people that ride bikes and don’t have cars.”
Conclusion
The new bike lanes on Towne Avenue aim to promote eco-friendly transportation and make the road safer for bicyclists. While some drivers have expressed confusion over the unfamiliar signage, the city is working to educate the public on how to interact with cyclists using the new lanes. As the city continues to roll out its education efforts, it’s expected that drivers will become more comfortable with the new layout.
FAQs
Q: What do the solid green and solid white lines indicate?
A: These markings indicate that bicyclists have the right of way, and drivers can cross only to enter a driveway.
Q: What do the solid green and dashed white lines indicate?
A: These markings indicate that bicyclists have the right of way, and drivers can cross once it’s safe.
Q: What does the dashed green marking indicate?
A: This marking indicates that vehicles and bicycles can cross paths, and drivers must yield to bicyclists.
