New Projects Focus on Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety
Over the coming weeks, there will be new traffic safety projects constructed in Olivehurst and Linda. The goal of the projects is to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety along designated roadways. The projects are focused on North Beale Road. One will be in the area of Yuba Gardens School at 11th Avenue and will address recommendations received from a coalition known as Safe Routes to School. The recommendations are aimed at making roads surrounding the school safer for bicyclists and pedestrians. The budget for the improvement of the area around the Yuba Gardens is around $2.16 million and will include the installation of new sidewalks, bicycle markings on the roadway, driveway connectors, curbs, and gutters.
North Beale Road Improvements
Another part of the North Beale Road project will be aimed at the beautification of a corridor that is home to around 25 businesses. That portion of the project has a budget of $7.86 million and will include the installation of new sidewalks, crosswalks, bicycle lanes, gutters, curbs, traffic islands, and bicycle detectors. It will include the installation of new LED street lighting. This portion of the project will also add bus pull-out areas that should improve the flow of traffic.
A representative for the Yuba County Public Works Department reminds travelers that they might experience delays in the affected areas. Scheduling more time to get to your destination, or taking alternate routes is advised. Residents are also reminded to drive through construction zones slowly, and with extra caution in order to keep road workers safe.
The North Beale Road project is expected to be finished in Fall 2021.
What are Bicycle Detectors?
In order for a traffic signal to be able to detect when a bicyclist approaches, there must be mechanisms put into place at the controlled intersection. The two types of bicycle detection devices used are inductive loop detection and video detection systems. While it is not clear which type will be utilized in the new Yuba County projects, video detection appears to be the more accurate of the two systems. When a video camera detects a bicycle, it will trigger the traffic signal to turn green on the next cycle. One caveat to the video systems is that they require bicyclists to use front headlights at night since the cameras cannot detect an unlit bicycle in the darkness.
Loop detectors essentially work like metal detectors and are triggered by any type of metal, such as aluminum, steel, or alloy. With loop detectors, there are specific areas and ways in which a cyclist should position their bike in order for it to register. Some cities place street markings to help cyclists figure out how to position their bicycles to be picked up by the loop detector.
If a bicycle detector does not register a bicyclist, he or she may try to move into different positions in hopes of triggering the device, or wait until a motor vehicle drives up to get the signal onto the correct cycle.
Watch the YouTube video. The clip below was taken by a cyclist who was not detected by a traffic signal.
Marysville Personal Injury Lawyer
Thanks for visiting our legal blog. I’m Ed Smith, a personal injury lawyer in Marysville, California. We are always pleased to learn of new projects that promote traffic safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. Unfortunately, motor vehicle accidents continue to cause an unacceptable number of injuries and deaths each year throughout Northern California. To speak with one of our compassionate injury lawyers and receive our free and friendly advice following an accident, call us at (530) 392-9400. From outside the local area code, feel free to use our toll-free number: (800) 404-5400.
To read some of the things our former clients have to say about our services, please visit the links below:
Photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/construction-sign-under-3d-3075498/
mm [cs 662]