The new green paint in the bike lane on Queen Avenue, looking east from the Pacific Boulevard intersection, on Oct. 26, 2024.
When Queen Avenue east of Pacific Boulevard in Albany was repaved and reopened to traffic last week, a new wrinkle appeared in the markings the contractor laid down: a series of green stripes in the bike lane.
For years now, green paint has been used around the country to mark streets where potential conflicts may develop between motor traffic and people on bicycles. The idea is to alert everybody involved that this is an area normally used by both motor vehicles and bikes, so watch out.
Here’s an excerpt on the subject from the Oregon Bicycle Manual put out by ODOT:
“At some intersections and busy driveways, green paint is used in the bicycle lane to indicate areas where people driving are likely to drive across the bicycle lane to turn or move into a turn lane. These markings remind people driving that this is a possible conflict zone and to watch for people bicycling. However, this green paint should also be a reminder for you while bicycling to be especially alert for potential conflicts.”
In the case at hand, the green stripes mark where westbound vehicles on Queen must drive across the bike lane to make a right on Pacific.
I’ve never felt this spot was especially dangerous. But maybe the new markings and green paint will make it even less so. (hh)
There are already too many “warning” signs and people just get numb to them. I am sure that the people that were involved in instances of auto vs bike, one of the parties breaks the current laws on a regular basis. I have seen bike riders do some really arrogant things as well as aggressive drivers. Green paint will not fix stupid!
Oh thanks. I never really knew what to do when I encounter those green lines.
Just to be safe, bump into the cyclist to show them who owns the road.
This law abiding cyclist keeps a tool on me for that situation. Be kind and don’t find out.