In the first of several engineering steps to implement a "Share the Road" campaign on High Street, the signage is finally being installed this week.  The on-road markings called "sharrows" (pictured above) will be installed in early spring. See City press release below.

For Immediate Release Contact: Dan Williamson, Mayor’s Office (614) 645-5300
November 10, 2009 Rick Tilton, Public Service, (614) 645-7263
Nancy Burton, ODOT, (740) 833-8063

54 Signs Along High Street Urge Cars, Bicycles to Share The Road

The City of Columbus this week will begin to install 54 “Share The Road” signs on a 6.5 mile stretch of North High Street between Nationwide Boulevard and Morse Road. The signs remind motorists and cyclists they are legally required to share lanes.

“Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists on our streets, and both must share the road safely,” said Mayor Michael B. Coleman. “I see so many new bicyclists when I am riding, so we must do everything we can to make Columbus the best and safest bike city in the country.”

Next spring, the city will install 185 pavement markings on High Street between Nationwide Boulevard and Morse Road to also remind motorists and cyclists they are legally required to share the road. The pilot project will be reviewed prior to possible use of the signs and markings across the city. The signs and pavement markings are funded through a partnership with the Ohio Department of Transportation. It’s the latest step in the city’s Bicentennial Bikeways Plan that calls for an additional 31 miles of off-street trails and 58 miles of on-street bike lanes and routes. Columbus currently has 78.3 miles of bike routes and trails.

“Bike trails and lanes are amenities our residents want to help to improve the quality of life in Columbus,” said Councilmember Hearcel F. Craig, Chair of the Public Service & Transportation Committee. “When we have a more active community, we have a more productive and healthily community.”

On May 11, 2009, Consider Biking presented Mayor Coleman with the League of American Bicyclists’ national award recognizing Columbus as a Bicycle Friendly Community. The award was part of the city’s initial announcement of the Share The Road campaign and its annual Bike To Work Week activities.

“These signs and the road markings that will be installed next spring reinforce the reality that more and more bicycles are navigating our roadways,” said Consider Biking Executive Director Jeff Stephens. “We applaud the City for taking steps to enhance the accommodations for bicyclists on our streets and increase safety for all. Bicycling as active transportation is becoming mainstream and we’re glad our city recognizes this trend as a means to develop the livability and competitiveness of our community.”

More information about Share the Road is online at www.sharetheroadcolumbus.org

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