IDAHO FALLS — The city of Idaho Falls is implementing improvements for cyclists along certain city streets.
Based on the recommendations of the bicycle and pedestrian plan “Connecting Our Community,” city staffers are in the process of adding pavement markings and signs to establish bicycle routes along Fifth and Sixth streets.
Implementation of the plan will begin with the installation of shared right-of-way pavement markings on Fifth and Sixth streets, the addition of a bike lane southbound on Holmes Avenue, revisions to the bike lane treatment on John Adams Parkway approaching South Holmes Avenue, and the addition of related signage.
According to a city news release, the improvements will provide a connection between the bike lanes on John Adams Parkway and bike lanes that will be striped in the next several weeks on South Boulevard. The purpose of the changes is to increase bicycle accommodation, with added bicycle access on city streets and greater awareness of designated lanes, and provide greater connectivity of designated bicycle routes and facilities throughout the city.
The bike lane addition on Holmes Avenue is expected to be completed this week, along with the shared right-of-way markings. Revisions to the John Adams Parkway are expected to be completed within two weeks.
City officials hope the placement of shared right-of-way markings will remind motorists to expect bicyclists on the road and to drive in a manner that safely accommodates them. The markings also will provide confirmation to cyclists that they are on the designated bike route and provides guidance regarding their preferred placement within the travel lane.
