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The Dispatch wrote
‘Bike boxes’ aim to keep cyclists safe
Saturday, October 11, 2008
BY TIM DOULIN
Part of one of the most popular Columbus routes for bicyclists is being upgraded to include pavement markings at a key intersection that will help bikes avoid collisions with turning vehicles.
The so-called “bike boxes,” pavement markings in the shape of a box, are to be installed next year on Milton Avenue on both sides of the intersection at W. North Broadway.
When the traffic signal is red, bicyclists will be allowed to ride past stopped vehicles on Milton to wait in the box at the head of the line until the light changes.
“The bike box gives bicyclists the right of way at the intersection,” said Mary Carran Webster, Columbus assistant public service director.
Sensors will be installed in the pavement to detect when a bike is there and trip the traffic signal. Currently, bicyclists use a pedestrian push button to change the signal.
I am not sure about how I feel on this one.
First of all – it’s great to see more recognition of cyclists on the road. When it comes down to it, I am pretty much pleased with anything that generates positive attention for cycling.
However, the bike box idea encourages cyclists to split a lane with cars *illegal*. It also separates them from traffic. If we are going to have a real “share the road” kind of mentality, then why are we literally separating cycles from cars at this intersection??
I definitely think there should be censors at that intersection for cyclists to trip the light – instead of that pole. The pole just encourages curb-hugging and allows drivers to make right turns that are inches away from cyclists leaning on the pole. And in order for the censors to work – I understand the need to have a special place for them, hence the bike box…
I still just feel like this is only a halfway decent solution.
Riders, pedestrians, drivers??? Thoughts?
First of all – it’s great to see more recognition of cyclists on the road. When it comes down to it, I am pretty much pleased with anything that generates positive attention for cycling.
However, the bike box idea encourages cyclists to split a lane with cars *illegal*. It also separates them from traffic. If we are going to have a real “share the road” kind of mentality, then why are we literally separating cycles from cars at this intersection??
1. I don’t think it’s illegal.
2. It doesn’t really “separate” bikes from car traffic, it puts bikes in front of car traffic when the signal is red.
3. Your point about sharing the road is well taken though.
What about the cyclists’ first amendment rights? Shouldn’t they be allowed to say whatever they want at this intersection?
No more pushing that pedestrian button to cross North Broad.
Nice.
What about the cyclists’ first amendment rights? Shouldn’t they be allowed to say whatever they want at this intersection?
I agree.. Speech at intersections should be uncensored weather you bike, drive or walk.
I’m mixed on the boxes. As I understand the purpose, it’s to have bikes in front to clear them out for drivers making a right when the light turns green.
As to separating us, motorists already have their own private infrastructure that separates them from other modes of transportation. In light of the direction we’re going economically, it’s about time we start to see some focus on reengineering the existing infrastructure to better suit a variety of options.
What about the cyclists’ first amendment rights? Shouldn’t they be allowed to say whatever they want at this intersection?
= Cheap Shot.
Nice.
Not on a bike. You’ll probably still have to push it if you’re on foot.
What about the cyclists’ first amendment rights? Shouldn’t they be allowed to say whatever they want at this intersection?
= Cheap Shot.
No malice intended. Just a big fan of homophones.
Can’t wait to see how they turn out. As it is currently, the Milton project has already made a huge improvement on the route. Everything is smooth and freshly paved now. It’s awesome.
edit: except that horrible stretch along Ohio State. Nothing has been done to that, yet.
edit: except that horrible stretch along Ohio State. Nothing has been done to that, yet.
Actually OSU has been fixing that over the past weeks. I should be up to par soon.
I think this is great! It is nice to see the city working toward making Columbus more bike friendly.
edit: except that horrible stretch along Ohio State. Nothing has been done to that, yet.
Actually OSU has been fixing that over the past weeks. I should be up to par soon.
Yep, I’ve been keeping a close eye on the construction. If you want to see some pictures check out this link – http://www.jnybny.com/detours_and_other_trail_updates_NF.htm
Perhaps the tiny graphic isn’t doing it for you. Here’s the bigger one:
This looks to encourage bikers to take the whole lane at the intersection instead of sitting off to the side with the button to push to give them right of way.
I think it’s a much better solution than what was there before, and off the top of my head can’t think of anything better that would work out for both cars and cyclists in a better road-sharing configuration.
Honestly, I don’t think any one system is ever going to be 100% perfect for everyone. Somebody’s always going to have some complaints about something.
Don’t they have these in Portland? I thought I saw something on tv about how the city put them in after a cyclist was killed by a driver making a right hand turn.
Yes
http://xingcolumbus.wordpress.com/2008/10/12/more-on-bike-boxes/
cheap and simple. i’m happy.
I’ve never weighed in on the bike vs. car debate, and I’m sure my opinion will be hated by some and embraced by others, but here’s my question… Under this new plan, if I (a car driver) follow a cyclist at a slow speed for a while, wait for a safe time to pass (such as a stretch of road with no parked cars), then at this special “bike box” red light the cyclist gets to ride right past me to wait at the front of the line and I have to do it all over again?
Yep :)
Seriously, though… if you’re trying to drive quickly and make up time, Milton Ave has never been a good choice of road even without bikes.
Perhaps the tiny graphic isn’t doing it for you. Here’s the bigger one:
This looks to encourage bikers to take the whole lane at the intersection instead of sitting off to the side with the button to push to give them right of way.
I think it’s a much better solution than what was there before, and off the top of my head can’t think of anything better that would work out for both cars and cyclists in a better road-sharing configuration.
Honestly, I don’t think any one system is ever going to be 100% perfect for everyone. Somebody’s always going to have some complaints about something.
I think I didn’t explain myself clearly, Walker. This set up encourages bicyclists to ride inbetween/next to cars waiting at a red light so they can get up to the bike box. Hence “lane-splitting” problem. If a cyclist is riding legally – he or she is already taking the lane – and waiting behind any vehicle that is already at the red light.
I think the idea is great for when no one is at the intersection, because the *sensor* would allow the cyclist to wait in the middle of the lane rather than pulling up to the curb to hit the button. But when traffic is already there – the light is going to change soon anyway. There is no need for a cyclist to ride up inbetween cars to get to a box painted onto the road.
A lot of cyclists do this at red lights without bike boxes. I am guilty of it when I am in a hurry – and it’s NOT safe. Opening car doors could hit you. You could get in the way of a turning driver that doesn’t see you, etc. I have quickly learned that it’s not a very good idea.
In Portland’s system, the bike boxes actually work in conjunction with designated bike lanes. The cyclist rides up to the front of traffic in the bike lane, then pulls into the bike box so that cars notice he/she is there. Once the light turns to green, the cyclist goes through the intersection and gets back into the bike lane. It prevents drivers making right turns into bikers who are traveling in bike lanes.
In my brief experience here in Portland, every little bit of pavement marking and signage helps. It just makes drivers more aware that there might be a cyclist in the area, and lets drivers know precisely where to look for them.
On Milton Ave., I think your statement is correct, since Milton will be a “bike boulevard”. I assume the cyclist will use the shoulder to get around the cars and settle into the bike box. Honestly though, Milton is probably not busy enough for this to be a legitimate gripe from motorists. Now if they were to install bike boxes on High St. and no dedicated bike lanes, drivers would probably have a right to be upset.