Shared lane markings for cars, bicycles added on Joplin's Main Street

(From the City of Joplin)

Have you seen the new shared lane markings on Main Street?

A shared lane marking - or "sharrow" - is a road marking used to indicate a shared lane environment for bicycles and automobiles. This is not a marking to indicate a bike-exclusive lane, but one that reminds drivers that the lane is shared by both cars and bikes. In the state of Missouri, cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists and may use the full road lane.

During community meetings following the disaster, citizens indicated strong support for bike lanes, shared paths and installing more sidewalks throughout the recovery area. These options have been considered in rebuilding plans and are included in projects according to the available right-of-way.

This new signage along Main Street is to alert drivers that bicyclists may be present on the road. As always, citizens should drive attentively and safely as the City continues to build multi-modal transportation options in Joplin.

For more details about sharing the road, check out the Missouri Bike Federation's summary here:http://mobikefed.org/si…/default/files/biketips_bikelaws.pdf.

The Main Street construction is part of the $7.47 million project that includes new street surface, sidewalks, and lighting improvements from 15th Street to just north of 32nd Street. Branco Enterprises, Inc. is the contractor for the project. Funding for this project is through the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery program.