New Intersection Treatment: Bike Boxes

Thanks for the question.    Most improvement projects for this type of infrastructure are identified in the Bike Master Plan, which speaks to various types of bicycle infrastructure that we plan to implement in Town, and the Comprehensive Plan's Paths to the Future map, which shows existing and proposed connectivity for non-motorized modes to create a more walkable and bikeable community.  These plans lay the groundwork for future improvements that the Town implements as funding becomes available.  

The bike boxes were installed as part of a larger improvement project to focus on increasing the safety of people walking and people biking at this busy intersection.  The larger project included wider sidewalks along the North side of Prices Fork Road, a larger pedestrian landing area, and pedestrian countdown timers for the traffic signal as well as the bike boxes.  

Based on multiple traffic counts, the intersection of Toms Creek Road/Stanger Street/Prices Fork Road is one of the busiest intersections in Town for all modes and more specifically, has one of the highest volumes of people biking through it daily.  All four streets have bike lanes for several blocks approaching and exiting the intersection.  A few blocks away, Prices Fork Road has green bike lanes approaching the intersection with University City Boulevard where there are frequent right turning movements.  

We know there is more work to be done and we are continually looking for ways to improve transportation corridors for people biking.  Please reach out if you have any questions about the above or would like to discuss this further.  

Thank you for your question.  When the signal is yellow or red, enter the bike box from the approaching bike lane and stop before the crosswalk.  Position yourself in the green bike box area in the appropriate lane depending on the direction you are travelling.  If you are turning left, position yourself at the head of the dedicated left turn lane within the bike box.  Then turn left when the light changes to green. 

If the light is green as you are approaching, you will not use the bike box.  Merge into the dedicated left turn lane from the bike lane as you would normally and when you can do so safely.  Then turn left from that position.  

Thanks for the question. Bike boxes are specifically used for signalized intersections, and would not be appropriate for a round-about.

Thanks for your question. With a bike box, right turns on red are prohibited regardless of the time of day or if a person biking is present. However, because three legs of this intersection have dedicated right turn only lanes, this restriction will only apply to one leg, the westbound Prices Fork approach. Signage will be added to this leg to make this clear.