I frequently cycle on Elliot Street, and even my personal opinion is mixed. Traveling westbound was dangerous. Rounding the tight curve, westbound cars cannot see bicyclists up ahead, and there is no shoulder. I believe that the curve will be safer with the new bike lane.

Traveling eastbound, there is better visibility of the road ahead. A bike lane might improve safety, but I am not sure about this bike lane. On my bike or in my car, I found the start of the elevated lane visually confusing. I wonder when a driver is going to find the right wheels up on the bike lane, uncertain how they got there, sharing it with a bicyclist.

I am already accustomed to the visual confusion. I feel confident that I will stay off of the bike lane, but I worry about drivers from further west, especially at night, unfamiliar with the road. Perhaps more reflectors or even a yellow flasher? Residents at the top of Mechanic might consider bollards.

So: mixed indeed: Westbound safer for bikes. Eastbound probably safer. Better warning to drivers and cyclists about what is ahead? $484,873 safer?  Convincing drivers that going 35mph on Elliot will really not get them to The Street any faster than 25mph would probably make the road even safer.

Michael Alexander
Upper Falls