At last night’s Bicycle Advisory Council meeting, I was informed that the city has gotten over 50 very good responses to this urgent request, but they would still like more! This is a great chance to make yourself heard and have an impact on bike safety here in Austin. Because this is so important, I’m re-copying the original message below.

Look over the options below and contact Nadia.barrera@ci.austin.tx.us at the City of Austin by March 1, 2009 with your ideas of where these safety improvements should be tested.

The City of Austin, via the help of the Center of Transportation Research, is conducting a research investigation of four new transportation devices to enhance safety for bicyclists. The City needs your help in locating test sites for each of the four devices. Detailed below is a brief description of each device and what you can do to help.

Shared Lane Markings (Sharrows)

The Shared Lane Markings designates areas where bicycles and motor vehicles have little room to share one lane and there is insufficient room for striping a bicycle lane.

Shared lane markings are also frequently used adjacent to parked vehicles.

Identify sites where bicycles and motor vehicles compete for the same space.

Colored Bicycle Lane Markings

The colored bicycle lanes ensure better safety by helping to delineate bicycle lanes from motor vehicle lanes.

They are most commonly used at intersections and other areas of potential motor vehicle/bicycle collisions.

Identify areas where bicycle and motor vehicle lanes can be better delineated with colored bicycle lanes.

Advanced Stop Lines (Bike Boxes)

Advanced Stop Lines provide an area for cyclists to wait at traffic light intersections.

Bicyclists in the designated Bike Box have first access to the road when the light turns green.

Identify intersections where bicyclists cluster to wait for traffic lights.

Bicyclists “May Use Full Lane” Signs

Bicycles have the right to use the entire lane when traveling.

This sign helps inform drivers of cyclists on the road, while reminding cyclists of their right to the road.

Identify areas where this information can be most beneficial.

Please direct your suggestions for the implementation of these four devices to Nadia.barrera@ci.austin.tx.us by March 1, 2009.