You might say the Mercer mess just got a little less messy for those on a bike.
The addition of two dedicated bike lanes between 5th Avenue and Dexter segregates bikes, pedestrians and cars - something that could improve conditions for everyone.
"These help take the bikes off the road and hopefully alleviate some of the traffic around here," said cyclist Michael Taylor
Before this, cyclists and bikes were forced to share a sidewalk or take their chances on the street
"It was really narrow and it was dark and creepy in the middle of the day or you could go in the lane which is never fun on a busy arterial like this," said cyclist Karena Birk.
This isn't the first time the city has marked off special bike lanes, this set-up seems to be a bit less controversial
"That 2nd Avenue is screwed up and I'm sorry someone lost their lives up there and it is bad but I don't think what they did is a solution but this works here," said cyclist Richard McCullough.
The biggest test will come when commuters put it to the test Monday morning.
"This makes it a lot easier and hopefully get more people out… this is way easier than driving," said Birk.
The only criticism seems to be the short distance. Cyclists say extending this further into south lake union would go a long way towards convincing some commuters to finally ditch four wheels for two.
"Most people don't like to ride among cars and this is dramatic improvement for that," said McCullough.
How to use protected bike lanes
Whether you're riding a bike, driving, or walking, here's how to use the two-way protected bike lanes:
Riding a bike
• Yield to pedestrians and wheelchair users who may be crossing the road and protected bike lane and give an audible signal before overtaking and passing any pedestrian.
•Watch for turning vehicles when approaching intersections, driveways and alleys.
• Be alert for passing bicyclists within the bike lane and for pedestrians crossing the bike lane to access parked motor vehicles.
• Be aware that the bike lane may weave as it approaches intersections to make bicyclists more visible to motorists.
• Stay to the right and allow faster users to pass safely.
Walking
• Watch and listen for protected bike lane users traveling from either direction just as you would when crossing a street.
• Cross protected bike lane at crosswalks.
• Be alert for nearby cyclists when crossing a protected bike lane to access a parked vehicle.
Using a wheelchair
• Travelers in wheelchairs are allowed to use bicycle lanes and public roads that have speed limits below 35 miles per hour. Individuals determine what is most comfortable and must follow the same rules as other protected bike lane users.
Driving
• Park in the marked lane between the travel lane and the bike lane in instances where on-street parking is available.
• Take extra caution and look both ways before turning across the bike lane at intersections, driveways and alleys, especially when the barrier protected bike lane is protected by on-street parking.
• Watch for people on bikes traveling in both directions in two-way protected bike lanes.
• Remember through bicyclists have the right-of-way at uncontrolled intersections, driveways and alleys.
• Don't drive in a protected bike lane. You can turn across a protected bike lane, but must yield to people riding bicycles.
Bicyclists - Be Super Safe and follow the rules of the road.
• Obey all traffic laws—cyclists have all the rights and responsibilities of vehicle drivers. Bicyclists are not required to use cycle tracks.
• Ride no more than two abreast.
• Always wear a helmet. Helmets are required by law in King County.
• Use a front light visible at 500 feet and a red rear reflector. A red rear light may be used in addition to the rear reflector.
• Wear reflective clothing.
• Use hand signals and look before turning.
Ride at a speed that is reasonable under the existing conditions if using the sidewalk and always yield the right of way to pedestrians.
