The Bike Task Force, in its efforts to promote bicycling as a viable mode of transportation, has developed several on-street bike routes that provide a connection to major destination points in Cedar Falls. At the direction of the Cedar Falls City Council, city staff has taken steps to implement one of these routes along Clay Street and Seerley Boulevard as a pilot project.
A bike lane established on the public street can either be a dedicated lane for cyclists or a lane that is shared by both vehicles and cyclists. The pilot project on Clay Street and Seerley Boulevard is being developed as a shared lane. Public Works crews will paint stencils of the shared lane marking or “sharrow” on these streets, and install signs to inform motorists and bicyclists to “share the road.” This project will be included in the annual street painting program.
Studies have shown that the sharrow concept allows more freedom to the cyclist where they are not confined to a bike lane, which may present conflicts with parked vehicles. Sharrows also allow the motorist to become more aware of cyclists on the street as opposed to a bike lane or separated bike trail.
With the results of the pilot project, City Council and staff will evaluate the potential expansion of other on-street bike lanes throughout the city.