HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED CONFLICT?
In our August issue of The Pedal Post (eNewsletter), Bike Fort Collins posed the question: “Have you experienced conflict, or right-of-way confusion at the intersection of Drake Rd and Overland Trail while riding your bike?”
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:
- “I was riding northbound on Overland. A car westbound turned onto Overland. I was in the bike lane and the car drove next to me on my right-hand side. The driver indicated that she wanted me to move over. When she Realized I was in the bike lane, I got the “sorry, sorry” wave from her.”
- “Westbound Drake didn’t understand they had to stop.”
- “When traveling Southbound on Overland, and making a left onto Drake, car traffic traveling south-bound on Overland behind me will often honk or become aggressive when I take the lane to make the left turn.”
- “Car attempted to move through bike lane.”
- “Westbound Drake traffic have not observed solid lines indicating that a merge should not be made until the dotted line section. Near misses and nervousness occur often. I definitely would not take my kids through this intersection.”
- “I was riding my road bike N on Overland, and the traffic going from west Drake to N. Overland was confused about the bike lane and their merge lane- it happened near the new houses being built. The car cut me off on the right of me- I am not sure they even saw me, not that I go that fast.”
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:
- “Perhaps signage that indicates that cars will be sharing Overland with bikes.”
- “Flashing led stop sign.”
- “Maybe green bike lane markings as put down at the similar Prospect/Timberline junction. More drastically, make the right turn a smaller radius (tighter) to slow cars down.”
- “With the new development and right turn lane, it is still not clear whether you should merge when turning north onto Overland. Some cars just whip over to the left lane, while it appears to me it is a merging situation which requires signaling and going more gradually. On a bike, I have not been “run over” by anyone yet! Though this is a more “scary” intersection than others.”
- “Protected bike lane with posts / divider.”
- “Traffic circle.” “Roundabout.”
Again, thank you to all who responded—and for sharing their experiences. Stay tuned for additional surveys inquiring about other intersections and bicycle facilities.