In our September issue of The Pedal Post (eNewsletter), Bike Fort Collins posed the question: “Have you experienced conflict or felt unsafe while traveling through the intersection of
W. Horsetooth Road and S. College Avenue?”
Thank you to those who responded. Below is a recap of the results.
WHAT HAPPENED?
In addition, for those who reported conflict, we asked them to describe their experience. Here is a sampling of the responses we received:
- “The redesign of this intersection was horrible. They never should have forced bikes onto the sidewalk. Especially on the East side of College, heading Eastbound where bikes are now forced to ride on the sidewalk. Drivers are constantly trying to turn in front of cyclists.”
- “It is difficult to make a left turn, at least going north on College, bc for whatever reason, it’s hard to see the lane next to the south turn lane.”
- “There are no bike lanes and turning cars only occasionally stop for pedestrians and bikes.”
- “Switching to the sidewalk, poor markings, high speed, too many intersections with businesses,
people turning right not watching for cyclists or pedestrians, no dedicated bike lane let a lone
protected bike lane.” - “The general atmosphere of this intersection is CAR! CAR! CAR! Every driver is looking out for every other driver. What they’re not looking for is pedestrians or bicyclists.”
HOW CAN IT BE IMPROVED?
Finally, we asked respondents how they thought the intersection/facility could be improved. Here is a sampling of the responses we received:
- “Protected bike lanes and light delays to allow bikes and pedestrians to cross first.”
- “Protected bike lane that is not shared with pedestrians, no exit from Chick-fil-A onto Horsetooth.”
- “The very fact that this intersection requires safety islands for peds indicates how unsafe it is. An underpass would be nice here.”
- “Continuous bike lane, one that doesn’t block/share the right turner’s space or underpass.”
- “Higher time to cross.”
- “Specific bike lights and markers or posts for the bike lanes on either side of College.”
- “Bike lane possibly on the existing sidewalk. Diverting Chick-fil-A traffic leaving the parking lot over to mason.”
Again, thank you to all who responded—and for sharing their experiences. Stay tuned for additional surveys inquiring about other intersections and bicycle facilities.