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Kelowna News

Special safety measures for unique intersection

KELOWNA - Motorists, cyclists and pedestrians will notice some important changes to the intersection of Gordon Drive and Springfield Road this summer.

The most noticeable change will be the installation of flexible plastic poles delineating the Springfield Road bike lane from the vehicle lane at the westbound approach to Gordon Drive.

“Based on requests from Kelowna Area Cycling Coalition, we conducted design and safety reviews and identified some specific improvements we’ll implement by the end of summer,” said Moudud Hasan, Transportation & Mobility Manager.

Drivers traveling west on Springfield tend to cut into the cycle lane if they’re turning right on to Gordon. This manoeuvre is illegal and hazardous for cyclists using the bicycle lane and for drivers who make the appropriate right turn from the vehicle lane.

This corner has a high volume of right turning vehicles without an exclusive right turn lane. The unusually wide bike lane invites drivers to use it when turning north onto Gordon. These factors required this unique solution – something beyond green bike lanes.

Cyclists turning south onto Gordon from Springfield westbound will need to make the transition to a left turn position before they reach the delineation poles, or dismount and use the crosswalk at the intersection.

Another safety measure will see a raised median installed on Gordon at the south side of the intersection. This will improve school zone pedestrian safety by adding a landing area for this wide stretch of road in front of A.S. Matheson Elementary.

Even with these safety measures in place cyclists, pedestrians and motorists are urged to be alert and always move in predictable ways determined by traffic regulations.
Bike to Work and School Week is May 26 to June 1, and the community is encouraged to sign up for this fun community event. Cycle to work or school with colleagues, family or friends and enjoy fun support stations along the way all week.

A map of cycling routes in Kelowna is available online at kelowna.ca/transportation.  For cycling tips and information in the Central Okanagan, please visit smartTRIPS.ca.

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