As we all get involved with helping the City create more and safer bike lanes, there will be some terminology thrown around that you may not recognize. Last month we talked about Classes 1, 2, 3, and 4 bike lanes, and if you were watching the City’s discussion about Class 2 vs. Class 4 bike lanes in front of Rittler Park on Otis at Grand, you’ll know which one we were rooting for. It’s Class 4—a protected bike lane (aka cycle track) with a barrier between the bicycle and the cars driving by—think Fernside or Shore Line. Thanks to a strong City Council, we won that one!
Terms you will hear as the City looks to provide safer streets for all are “bicycle facilities”; “active transportation”, and “daylighting”. “Bicycle facilities” is synonymous with bicycle infrastructure—like bike lanes and bike boxes. “Active transportation” or an active transportation plan is a plan that looks at the needs of those who walk and ride a bike. The City is starting an Active Transportation Plan now—instead of updating a separate Bicycle Plan and Pedestrian Plan. “Daylighting” is moving vehicles back from a corner so that cars can see up the road better when they pull out into a lane or need to cross at an intersection. You will start to see more red curbs at corners to restrict parking that blocks the sightline for on-coming traffic—that’s daylighting. Oh, and “bike boxes” are designated green areas at the head of a traffic lane where there is a traffic signal. They give bicyclists a safe and visible way to get ahead of traffic while the light is red.