Salt Lake City is the first in the United States to design and implement a protected intersection for cyclists that is safer and easier to navigate. Traffic lights are often the most dangerous part of the street for cyclists, as turning can require crossing lanes of traffic and bikes become less visible beside the cars.
Video game designer Nick Falbo came up with this design that guides bikers to a crosswalk slightly off to the side of the main road, while at the same time not fully integrating them into the pedestrian crossing. The cycletrack lanes are colored bright green, not only so the cyclists know where to go, but to keep the drivers aware of the surroundings as well.
Reducing the number of accidents while increasing the number of people willing to cycle to work, this protected intersection is a design win on all counts.
What's Driving This Trend
- Protected Intersection Designs
- More cities will implement protected intersection designs for cyclists to increase safety on the road.
- Integrating Cyclists and Pedestrians
- Future protected intersection designs may fully integrate cyclists and pedestrians to create a more cohesive and safe traffic system.
- Increased Visibility for Cyclists
- Bright colored cycletrack lanes will become more prevalent to increase cyclist visibility and awareness among car drivers.
Who This Affects Most
- Urban Planning
- Urban planners will need to incorporate these new protected intersection designs into future city planning to improve cyclist and pedestrian safety.
- Software and Design
- Software designers like Nick Falbo can bring fresh and innovative design thinking to traditional urban planning.
- Transportation and Logistics
- Companies in the transportation and logistics space can take advantage of the growth in cycling as an alternative transportation mode and invest in related infrastructure and services.
