05-07-2013 Mayor Buttigieg Dedicates Shared Lane Markings

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X013 I865 CITY OF SOUTH BEND PETE BUTTIGIEG,MAYOR Office of the Mayor CONTACT: Kara Kelly, (574) 235-5853 kkelly @southbendin.gov FOR RELEASE: Monday, May 6, 2013 MAYOR BUTTIGIEG DEDICATES SHARED LANE MARKINGS Mayor Pete Buttigieg will dedicate South Bend's first shared lane markings at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 7 on Colfax Avenue, near the intersection of Colfax and Lafayette Boulevard. The Mayor will also proclaim May as "Bike Month." Shared lane markings, popularly known as "sharrows," are pavement markings consisting of a chevron above a bike symbol. These markings assist bicyclists to properly position themselves to safely share the travel _ lane with automobiles, especially to reduce the chance of hitting the open door of a parked vehicle. The shared lane markings also clearly indicate to bicyclists and motorists that they are traveling along a designated bicycle route. - "The installation of sharrows mark another step forward in South Bend's identity as a bicycle friendly city," said Mayor Buttigieg. "The City continues to support bicycle improvements that provide an environmentally sensitive commuting option, a recreational amenity, and an economic development driver, as businesses and citizens increasingly seek places with a strong bicycle infrastructure." The City of South Bend plans to install shared lane markings this year along at least the following two streets: • Colfax Avenue (from Lafayette Boulevard to LaPorte Avenue) • Twyckenham Drive (from Wall Street to Hildreth Street) The shared lane markings will bridge gaps between dedicated bicycle lanes on both of the streets, two of South Bend's most popular bicycle routes. "The Bike Michiana Coalition is thrilled to see that the City of South Bend remains a bicycle planning leader with the installation of shared lane markings," said Judy Lee, President of the Bike Michiana Coalition. "Not only do the markings enhance the safety and comfort of cyclists,