In our February 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 East Trilby Road and South 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:
- “Cars habitually go over the speed limit, and I’ve almost been hitting by cars planning on making a turn on red multiple times.”
- “Narrow to no bike lane.”
- “No protected bike lane and too many drivers. 50+mph speed limit is terrifying to ride near.”
- “Westbound on Trilby: not enough room for cyclists and lots of cars that don’t see or regard cyclists or peds when turning right. Both West and Eastbound: bike lanes are always cluttered with debris and there’s not enough room to stay out of the car lane.”
- “Difficult to be seen by moto vehicle operators.”
- “I attempted to cross East with the light and I was on the North side of Trilby. There is no space on the South side of Trilby. A car turning right onto Trilby from College almost hit me as I started to cross. Fortunately, I saw what was about to happen and was able to avoid getting run over.”
- “The intersection is too congested east-west.”
- “Cars northbound or southbound on College are frequently travelling far above the speed limit. Turning onto College from Trilby feels dangerous when cars are approaching on College at such high speeds!”
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:
- “There needs to be a pedestrian crossing for sure.”
- “Add a bike lane.”
- “Protected bike lanes, removing cars from town.”
- “1. Buffered bike lanes, 2. Lights for bikes and delay red light for cars. 3. Set up a right hand turn lane or don’t permit right hand turns 4. Keep bike lanes/shoulders smooth and clear.”
- “Complete rebuild, perhaps as big traffic circle.”
- “Better bike lanes, or possibly a large roundabout.”
- “Long-term, how about barrier separated bike lanes on 287 – but not a priority. Provide dedicated right turn lanes for traffic on Trilby to right of straight-through bike lanes. Use green paint or similar to accentuate bike lanes.”
- “Lower the speed limit on College. When cars/trucks/etc. travel at a lower speed, safety in every measure is improved. Drivers have more time to assess situations, stopping from lower speeds is easier and safer, and yes when there is a collision of any kind the severity of it will be less if the vehicle(s) are travelling at lower speeds.”
- “Bike lanes on both sides of Trilby.”
Again, thank you to all who responded—and for sharing their experiences. Stay tuned for additional surveys inquiring about other intersections and bicycle facilities.