Innovative Bicycle Transportation Solutions Are Coming to Fort Collins

Internationally recognized walking and bicycling planner Dan Burden was a guest at the Rio Bike Nights in July and inspired many of us with his great ideas and experience. How ’bout slowing traffic down to make it safer for cyclists; What about back in angled parking so that motorists will see bicyclists coming down the street before they back out and hit them; Or have you thought about bike boxes, bicycle boulevards, or shared lane arrows (otherwise known as “sharrows”)?
Well, our transportation planners have heard the call to arms. Monday evening, August 9th the City’s Bicycle Advisory Committee will hear three proposals that will make cycling (and walking) in Fort Collins safer and more fun. Join us to hear all about these projects:
1) A Bike Box at West Plum and Shields: Correct, the Plum St. that leads from University Village on West Plum onto Campus. The one where the bike lane disappears at Shields and bikes are often clipped by south-turning motorists coming off of Plum.

What’s a bike box? Take a look at the photo. Essentially, the bike lane is painted blue or green and the cyclist is invited to come to the front of the line of cars where they are fully visible to continue straight onto campus. Motorists have to wait for the bikes to proceed before they turn south on Shields St.
2) A Sidewalk on Lincoln Ave. to walk to Odell Brewing: Now that’s a no brainer. No longer will you have to walk in the bike lane to get from Buckingham to Odell Brewing.
3) Bike Lanes or shared lanes with “sharrows” on Mountain Ave. from Meldrum to Riverside in Old Town. This one has been a long time in coming but finally the planners are recommending sharrows along this stretch. There is no space for a bike lane and there is angled parking all along here with the relative dangers inherent for cyclists. The ONLY safe way to ride this stretch of Mountain is to take the lane and practice vehicular cycling. The sharrows will make it clear to motorists that we have a right to be there.
So come out for the fun at 6 p.m. Monday evening as the BAC hears about these proposals. Have a comment about the proposals? Come and share your thoughts or ideas or concerns. What about back in angled parking all along Mountain to really make this a safe street for bicycles? Public comment is heard at the beginning of the meeting from about 6 to 6:15 p.m.
The meeting will be held in the Community Room at 215 Mason St. Enter on the north side of the building.
Can’t make it but still want to comment? Send your public comment to BAC@FCGov.com. We treat that as a part of the public record for the meeting.