How not to use the Baltimore 311 smartphone app

Looks like the Guilford bike boulevard improvements have touched some nerves with an uptight Oakenshawe resident.

“Except bikes” signs were installed here on north side of Guilford Ter and E University in error. The sign on south side of Guilford and E Univ makes bikes turn left onto E Univ. Please remove the signs inviting bikes up Guilford Ter. It is way too dangerous.

Uh, these signs weren’t installed in error. They are part of the cities plan to provide a safe, desirable corridor for cycling on a north-south route in that part of the city.

Posted in Baltimore Cycling News.

3 comments

By Liam – April 24, 2012.

Jon in Midtown

This is such an unusual traffic pattern that it would probably be a good idea to do something to make it clear to drivers’ that they should expect oncoming bikes. Maybe add a “bikes may ride both ways” sign on the “correct” side of the street where cars can see it and add a lane divider and bike symbol on the 6 feet or so on the left of the road? Not an engineer, so I don’t know what the actual best practice is, but there must be SOME best practice here that isn’t being followed.
Dukiebiddle

I have to admit that it confuses me to. Is the sign suggesting bicycle contraflow on single very narrow lane of traffic that has a 25 mph speed limit? Is the city planning on removing a parking lane on Guilford Tr. to make way for a bike lane? There isn’t enough room there for a car going in one direction and a bicycle going in the other with the 25 mph speed limit. I mean, if the speed limit is reduced to 10 mph it would be up to European code; but I don’t see a European safety standard being followed by an American DOT. If the speed limit isn’t reduced to at least 15 mph, I’m inclined to agree with the 311er.
drinkycrow

i’m just going off google street view, but it appears that there’s parked cars on both sides of the street, and only one lane for cars in one direction. without a dedicated bike lane as previously suggested, how can this possibly be safe? plus, it’s illegal to ride against traffic everywhere else in the city, except here? that’s a bit confusing. if i was a cyclist riding with traffic, and another cyclist was riding straight for me, against traffic, i’d be pretty pissed. this has happened to me before elsewhere, and the result can be that the wrong-way cyclist has to swing out into oncoming traffic; a particularly bed situation on this tiny lane.