Looking east on Queen Avenue through tbe curve east of Industrial Way.
Here’s an apparent innovation in pavement markings: a double white line with chevrons denoting the bike lane on the section of Albany’s Queen Avenue that was repaved last month.
The meaning of these markings is clear, isn’t it? Maybe that’s why, in the context of bike lanes, it’s not specifically mentioned or explained in the material the DMV makes available online.
The DMV does explain what solid white lines mean: “Wide solid white line:Â Used to direct traffic into specific lanes, such as turn lanes, and to separate bike lanes from other traffic lanes. Crossing a wide solid white line is permitted but discouraged.”
It also says this: “Double solid white line:Â Means you are not allowed to change lanes and is usually accompanied by a sign prohibiting lane changes for a certain distance. Stay in your lane.”
How about double white lines with backward chevrons in between, in a curve, like now on Queen? There’s nothing that I could find. So let’s assume it means what I think it means: Definitely don’t cut the corner and stay out of the bike lane. (hh)
Or maybe a reminder to bike riders to keep to the right?
Whatever the back chevrons mean, its a good idea to have a double line with space between the lines when the width of the road permits. The space between the lines clearly provides for some separation between bikers and drivers.
I thought maybe those lines with chevrons were just taking up space that was accidentally added to the lane width.
I believe that the chevrons are included in the regs. Look at the markers (usually black strips on yellow) at any bridge or barrier strip. They designate which side the driver needs to travel. In the case of the full chevron, left for autos, right for bikes.
How do you change lanes when there is only ONE lane?
I’ve always thought those reflective lane divider “bumps” spaced around curves would tend to keep drivers from cutting the lane too short because of the annoying thump thump thump.
Without a police force that’s willing to enforce the laws, it’s a waste of money.
We are on the cusp of an election that will change our lives, and we are talking about chevrons on the roadway!!! Yeah, I know, Hasso, you often (not always) blog about lighter topics than elections. But, thanks for the discussion of the road markings…I don’t always know what they mean, but usually they mean “beware.”
OK.. I know it is a stupid question… but many of us rode on the sidewalks 40 years ago.. why did they do away with that and put bikes on the road with 3000 lb. vehicles ?. and another stupid question.. why do they make bikes ride with traffic when on the roads ? I would rather see someone coming at me that was swerving so I could get out of the way than have someone hit me from behind… I know.. silly questions to most… Thank You..
To me, your questions are not silly at all. I agree. I rode my bike on the sidewalks when I was a kid and always rode against the traffic so I could see the cars coming toward me.
But, that was all outlawed and now it is more dangerous to ride a bike than it was years ago.
Because you have a class of “bikers” who used to be drivers, but failed to act responsibly enough to retain that privilege. Sadly, they reflect on the people that try to ride responsibly.
I’ll use the sidewalk in a few situations because it’s extremely safer or helps me not impede motorists excessively. Case point bring heading South on Geary and wanting to make a right turn on Queen. It’s a LONG right turn lane and with a frequently heavy headwind, it slows an old guy like me down to 4-5 MPH, until I have to stop and catch my breath. Would you prefer I have a couple dozen irate drivers following me?
Ironically, while still on the sidewalk, I’m then riding where I’m supposed to, once I make my right turn because of the Periwinkle Path fiasco.
Very well said !! For sure!!