Parking Protected Bike Lanes
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Bicycle Accident Lawyer. In early October, Sacramento took the first steps to improving pedestrian’s and cyclist’s safety on city streets with protected bike lanes along two blocks of P Street. Officials say the program will be expanded this coming spring to include 20 blocks downtown.
What are Protected Bike Lanes?
Protected bike lanes are similar to traditional bike lanes, but rather than being straddled by traffic on one side and parked cars on the other, protected bike lanes are placed between parked cars and the curb instead. This configuration includes a three-foot-wide space for cars to open their doors, clearly marked with diagonal stripping. The parked cars will then act as a barrier between motor vehicle traffic and cyclists or other pedestrians.
The Cost of Safety
The plans to add permanent protected bike lanes on P and Q streets between ninth and 15th streets next spring are projected to cost half a million dollars. 10th street will also get protected lanes, although they will be modified to allow the chartered buses to continue their operations in front of the state capitol. Additionally, motorists will be confined to one less lane to accommodate the new bicycle corridors. Motorists will also have to cross the adjacent bike lane to feed the existing curb side meters after the changes have been implemented.
General Tips for Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety
While protected bike lanes are a good way to improve cyclists safety, there are a few things that concerned individuals can do on their own. Next time you ride, consider some of the following suggestions:
- Stay Visible: wear bright colors and reflective materials to make yourself easy to spot. If you are riding in less than ideal weather, front and tail lights will greatly improve your visibility.
- Keep Your Bike in Safe Operable Condition: Make sure your bicycle is safe to ride. It’s always prudent to check your brakes, tires, chains and cables to make sure everything is functioning as expected.
- Choose a Safe Route: If possible, choose a route with dedicated bike lanes or separate paths. Avoiding heavily traveled streets in favor of side streets can also reduce your risk of being hit by a motor vehicle. According the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the most dangerous time to ride is between six and nine in the evening, so plan your ride earlier in the evening if possible.
- Follow the Rules: By riding predictably and in accordance with the posted rules, cyclists can help drivers avoid accidents. Red light other failure to stop violations can prove fatal for cyclists. Drunk driving is illegal and very dangerous, even on a bicycle.
Related Articles by Ed Smith, Sacramento Bicycle Accident Lawyer:
- Three Feet For Safety Act
- $10,000 Reward for Suspect in Bicyclist’s Death
- Children and Bicycle Accidents
- Bicycle Rides that Turn Deadly
- Bicycle Safety: Know the Rules in California
Sacramento Bicycle Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Sacramento. Have you or someone you love been injured in a bicycle accident caused by the negligence of another person? Please contact me right away at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice with no obligation. I can also be reached online via my website: AutoAccident.com.
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