City of Bloomington Expands Traffic Barriers Along East 3rd Street Bicycle Lane to Enhance Safety

The City of Bloomington is set to install additional traffic barriers along East 3rd Street to bolster safety for cyclists and other roadway users, with the installation scheduled for March 17-22, 2025, weather permitting. These barriers will be placed in the painted buffer zone between the bicycle lane and vehicle traffic, addressing ongoing safety issues caused by vehicles improperly using the bike lane. This initiative is part of the second phase of the East 3rd Street Protected Bicycle Lane project, building on the success of barriers installed in 2024. Observations indicated that the barriers effectively discouraged vehicles from using the bike lane for drop-offs and pick-ups, leading to a safer commuting experience for cyclists. Project Engineer Kendall Knoke noted that the city learned from the first phase and will utilize durable materials already on hand for this next phase.

Additionally, the city will ensure that barriers are not placed at bus stops, intersections, or driveways to maintain safe access. This project reflects the city’s ongoing commitment to improving transportation infrastructure and enhancing cyclist safety. Continuous monitoring will be conducted to assess the effectiveness and make necessary adjustments.