HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED CONFLICT?
In our January 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 Hickory St./College Ave/Conifer St. 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. See below for submitted responses::
- “From conifer – right turn drivers try to pass as bike tries to move to left into Hickory. From Hickory – no left light to cross College.”
- “This intersection requires confident vehicular biking.”
- “I have dealt with high speed traffic with no protection on my bike along College in this area”
- “Biggest issue is the motorist trying to make both yellow lights blazing north and south. Also, the bikes have to use a large stretch of sidewalk to head east and west on these streets through businesses with access control problems”
- “Turn south on to college from West side of Hickory, And got runoff the road by a semi heading south. It was clear the driver did not see me.”
- “I ride to work (when I used to go in) across that intersection. I try to take a left from Hickory street to cross College and turn left. I’m always concerned that the light turns too fast and northbound College traffic will come barrelling through. It is also difficult crossing from College going west to Hickory. The ped. crossing button places you behind the crossing pole and hard to see.”
- “Waited turning left on College onto Hickory for traffic. Difficult to see because of landscaping.”
- “I was traveling from Hickory to Conifer after dark. I had to use the sidewalk, south, to the light. There was no conflict, but initially uncertain how to cross College. I took the sidewalk to cross as a pedestrian to Conifer.”
HOW CAN IT BE IMPROVED?
Finally, we asked respondents how they thought the intersection/facility could be improved. See below for submitted responses:
- “From Hic to Con have left arrow. Going west, bike headstart light? by anyone yet! Though this is a more “scary” intersection than others.”
- “Crossing should be moved to a normal 4-way intersection or other spot along college. Staggard intersections are problematic. For pedestrians as well. Safest to cross on south side of intersection between Jax and Lyric.”
- “In all, it’s not a bad intersection. I think the two stops work to make it a little safer. I live north of there where the College/Willox intersection is insanely dangerous. There are crashes and near-crashes frequently.”
- “this disconnect does cause a little confusion on how to best navigate in either direction. I feel safest crossing at the Lyric to Jax and vice versa”
- “How about a trail behind Lyric the lines you up with the crosswalk at Confir. I’d prefer not to ride on sidewalks where cars could potentially turn in front of me (Lyric, Auto Shop, and Motel)”
- “Traffic combing at that intersection. Trucks are making a through run, and are looking for local vehicle activity.”
- “Increase light crossing time. Additional signage about being aware of cyclists crossing?”
- “Separate bike light for turning left.”
- “Ask a city planner.? This is a tough spot. We coordinate the lights and crossing signals to give cyclists the right of way. Thanks for all you do to make FtCollins a great cycling city.”
- “Put in more protection, narrow lanes, street trees, general improvements to the surrounding area”
Again, thank you to all who responded—and for sharing their experiences. Stay tuned for additional surveys inquiring about other intersections and bicycle facilities.