New dividers meant to slow drivers down and reduce collisions with cyclists have been installed at four locations on Wilson Blvd and Clarendon Blvd.
The prefabricated wheel stops, which went up over the last few days, address “potentially high-risk conflict points” where drivers might collide with bicyclists traveling downhill in the bike lane.
“The pilot will test the use of tactical materials to slow drivers down before turning across the bike lane and increase awareness of oncoming bicyclists, who have high momentum due to the downhill slope,” an infosheet says.
The dividers are located around the following intersections.
- Clarendon Blvd and 17th Street N.
- Clarendon Blvd and N. Scott Street
- Clarendon Blvd and a driveway across from N. Troy Street
- Wilson Blvd and N. Manchester Street
County staff selected prefabricated wheel stops because the material is easy to maintain and provides a physical barrier between vehicles and the bike lane. Come wintertime, the county will clear any snow accumulation in bike lanes with a special miniature snow plow.
Staff identified the Clarendon Blvd locations during a high-injury network safety audit.
Throughout the summer, they plan to assess driver turn speeds and monitor other effects of the new installations. They’ll collect public feedback this fall before deciding on next steps in the winter.
