HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-07-2013 Mayor Buttigieg Dedicates Shared Lane Markings X013
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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,
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but, more importantly, they also assist in our continuing efforts to educate both cyclists and
motorists about sharing the road."
South Bend was named as a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists
in 2010. That designation, the first for any community in Northern Indiana, was renewed in
2012. The South Bend Bikeway, the City's network of bicycle routes, presently spans over 60
miles, with long-term plans to add an additional 35 miles.
Michiana Bike to Work Week encourages bicycle commuters to ride to work during the week of
May 13 to 19, with the goal of having riders exceed 35,000 total miles. For more information,
visit www.MichianaBiketoWork.org. In conjunction with Bike to Work Week the LaSalle Grille
will sponsor a blueberry pancake breakfast free to those on a bike on Tuesday, May 14 from 7 to
9 a.m. On Friday, May 17 from 12 to 1 p.m. Fiddler's Health will have box lunches available for
pre-order at $8.50. Call 574-232-2853 for more information.
Bike the Bend is now registering participants for its fourth annual ride, which takes place from
6:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday, May 19. For more information, visit www.BiketheBend.com.
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