Sharrows Lane Marking
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, 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.
