Politics & Government

Attention Cyclists: Del Ray Bike Box Enhancements Arrive

Green box increases the visibility of bicyclists and allows them to enter and clear intersection before motor vehicles.

Commonwealth Avenue’s new-look bicycle box has arrived.

As part of a plan to improve bicycle lanes, the bicycle box in the southbound lane of Commonwealth Avenue at its intersection with Mount Vernon Avenue is now enhanced with a green-colored coating. A new detection system has also been installed allowing cyclists to alert the signal.

The box increases the visibility of bicyclists and allows them to enter and clear intersections before motor vehicles.

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According to StreetsWiki:

“A bike box is a colored area at a signalized intersection that allows bicyclists to pull in front of waiting traffic. Designed to be used only at red lights, the box is intended to reduce car-bike conflicts, increase cyclist visibility and provide bicyclists with a head start when the light turns green.”

Find out what's happening in Del Raywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The boxes are particularly aimed at combating right-hook collisions that occur when motorists turn right as a bike begins moving straight through an intersection.

According to the 2012 Alexandria Bicycle and Pedestrian Count Report for the National Pedestrian and Bicycle Documentation Project, the intersection of Commonwealth Avenue and Mount Vernon Avenue is estimated to accommodate more than 200,000 cyclists per year.

Bicycle lane markings through the intersection and along Commonwealth have been added. Previously, the lanes ended and motorists and cyclists shared lanes through the intersection and part of Commonwealth Avenue.


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