I agree that the one thing everybody forgot about on the Hillsborough St project was a place for all the bike riders. I cringe when I drive next to a bike rider. It scares me to drive on the street with a bicyclist, I would be terrified to ride a bike on Hillsborugh St, and there are so many of them. The city sure dropped the ball on that one.

Recent press release:
August 16, 2011
Public Comment Period Open For Hillsborough Street Bike Lanes

The City of Raleigh is seeking public feedback regarding the bicycle lanes that were recently installed along Hillsborough Street between Gardner Street and Enterprise Street. The City will receive public comments until Oct. 7.

The Hillsborough Street Streetscape Project – Phase I was developed to fit within the existing right-of-way with the goal of improving conditions for all users. The City’s Comprehensive Bicycle Plan recommends the installation of shared-lane markings, or “sharrows,” to direct both motorists and cyclists to share the travel lane along Hillsborough Street.

In 2010, local cyclists organized a campaign to petition the City to install striped bicycle lanes instead of sharrows to provide a designated space for cyclists on Hillsborough Street. The Raleigh City Council endorsed this position and made a request to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to allow the City to install bicycle lanes on the street. NCDOT approved the request as a pilot project on a temporary basis, with an observation period of two to six months.

Citizens are being asked to submit comments to help the City and NCDOT determine the safety and effectiveness of these bicycle lanes. The comment period will be open until 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 7. Comments can be sent via e-mail to RaleighBPAC@raleighnc.gov or by mail to the City of Raleigh Office of Transportation Planning, PO Box 590, Raleigh, NC 27602.

For more information about Raleigh’s bicycle program, go to: http://www.raleighnc.gov/environment/content/PWksTranServices/Articles/BicycleProgram.html.