New marking and signage ask people on wheels to share the road

Share the Road markingThe UCCS Department of Public Safety is mounting a campaign to promote safety awareness on roadways designated for both motor vehicles and bicycles.

The “Share the Road” campaign utilizes new markings, signage and publicity to emphasize its message. Painting has begun and installation of the signs begins soon.

Motorists need to be aware of bicycles and cyclists need to be aware of motor vehicles just for safety’s sake. A specific route through the main portion of the UCCS campus is designated for both, although Jim Spice, executive director, Department of Public Safety, notes that sharing the road was never much of a problem at UCCS.

“The UCCS Department of Public Safety is not aware of any major issues on campus with bicyclists sharing the road with motorists. However, it is always best to be proactive and take steps in mitigating the risks and educating the community regarding safety concerns before something tragic happens. Our hope is that by posting signage and launching the ‘Share the Road’ awareness campaign, the community will continue to enjoy a very safe driving and riding experience while on campus.”

The campaign will target cyclists emphasizing the importance of bike safety and sharing the road with motor vehicles. Even though motorists and cyclists must take equal responsibility for road safety, cyclists are at greater risk and must keep safety as a priority.

Beginning Sept. 6, workers will install signs and paint new symbols on the road, Spice said. The project should be completed by approximately Sept. 14.

Standing road signs now being placed along the route feature a bicycle silhouette and “Bike Route” on a green rectangle, and may be accompanied by smaller green signs with white arrows. Rectangular white signs with a bicycle silhouette and “May Use Full Lane” remind motorists they may have two-wheeled company. Three of the new signs will stand at campus driveways that meet Austin Bluffs Parkway.

A bicycle symbol beneath two chevrons will be painted on the pavement with white thermoplastic marking material to signify the shared roadway. Approximately 15 markings were originally planned but there may be more. The markings will resist weather and wear for years before needing replacement. The university will not place any signs or markings on the concrete spine area located between Columbine Hall and the housing village.

According to Spice, the “Share the Road” reminders will create a safer environment, which may, in turn, inspire more people to ride bikes, relieving some of the traffic and parking congestion on campus.

–Photo by Jeff Foster, University Advancement

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*