Thursday, October 6, 2011

Got Thoughts on Hillsborough Street Bike Lanes? Time for Input is Nearly Up...

If you haven't ridden the temporary bike lanes on Hillsborough Street, please check them out as soon as possible, and let the city know what you think. Raleigh's Bike / Ped Commission will be considering them at the October meeting. Meantime, the public comment period is about to close.

Here's the official note about the comment period:
The City of Raleigh is seeking public feedback regarding the bicycle lanes that were recently installed along Hillsborough Street between Gardner Street and Enterprise Street. The City will receive public comments until Oct. 7.

The Hillsborough Street Streetscape Project - Phase I was developed to fit within the existing right-of-way with the goal of improving conditions for all users. The City's Comprehensive Bicycle Plan recommends the installation of shared-lane markings, or "sharrows," to direct both motorists and cyclists to share the travel lane along Hillsborough Street.

In 2010, local cyclists organized a campaign to petition the City to install striped bicycle lanes instead of sharrows to provide a designated space for cyclists on Hillsborough Street. The Raleigh City Council endorsed this position and made a request to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to allow the City to install bicycle lanes on the street. NCDOT approved the request as a pilot project on a temporary basis, with an observation period of two to six months.

Citizens are being asked to submit comments to help the City and NCDOT determine the safety and effectiveness of these bicycle lanes. The comment period will be open until 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 7. Comments can be sent via e-mail to RaleighBPAC@raleighnc.gov or by mail to the City of Raleigh Office of Transportation Planning, PO Box 590, Raleigh, NC 27602.
And while I'm at it -- Raleigh Bike Resources:

Documents

1 comment:

Rob E. said...

Thanks, Mike. It's been on my "to do" list, but I've been putting it off. But now a way-too-long essay on why those bike lanes need to go has been sent.