Who's Going to Ride a Bike on Pine Street?

 

Like to live dangerously? May we suggest riding a bike on a major traffic artery, bike lane or no?

Like to make citizens mad? We suggest taking away two lanes of traffic on Pine Street in Florence.

Where will these two lanes go? One will become a turn lane, while the other will morph in to two bike lanes. 

If you drive in the downtown area only, this won't affect you. The reorganization of lanes will stretch from Irvine Avenue to Cypress Mill Road only.

The point, you ask? The City of Florence wishes to provide bike lanes for all those college students who are just chomping at the bit to use them. Really?

We hate to break this to the City, but most students of college age drive actual vehicles. How many bikes have you ever seen on the highly promoted Wood Avenue bicycle lanes? We personally can recall seeing one, and he may have been a stray Mormon.

That brings us to safety. From Google:

While bike lanes can be a great addition to many roads, they can pose some unique challenges on major city arteries:

• Increased Congestion: Bike lanes often reduce the number of vehicle lanes, which can lead to increased traffic congestion, especially during peak hours.
• Dooring Hazard: Parked cars create a significant risk for cyclists. Drivers opening car doors into the bike lane ("dooring") can cause serious accidents.  
• Distracted Drivers: The presence of cyclists can sometimes distract drivers, leading to unsafe lane changes or other maneuvers.  
• Maintenance Challenges: Maintaining bike lanes on busy roads can be difficult and expensive, requiring regular cleaning and repairs.
• Perception of Danger: Some cyclists may feel unsafe sharing the road with high-speed traffic, even with a dedicated lane.

Important Note: These are potential concerns. Well-designed and properly maintained bike lanes on major city arteries can be a safe and effective way to encourage cycling and reduce traffic congestion. Factors like lane width, buffering, and clear signage are crucial for mitigating these risks.

It's important to consider the specific context of each road and the needs of all road users when planning and implementing bike lanes.

Perhaps the City will install cameras and call it entertainment. For $234,900.00, the taxpayers are entitled to something.

*****

Coming to a comedy club near you next Tuesday:

(f) Resolution to approve a contract with Civil Group, LLC., to provide professional engineering services necessary for the Pine Street restriping, bike, and pedestrian improvements between Irvine Avenue and Cypress Mill Road, in the amount of $234,900.00, to be paid from Fund #188, Account #954-48500, sponsored by Bill Batson.