Update! Demand protected bike lanes on Orange Avenue

An upcoming "complete streets" project for Orange Avenue proposes nothing more than 5'-foot-wide painted bike lanes from Clay Avenue to Mills Avenue.

The Orlando Bike Coalition believes unprotected painted bike lanes for this project are unacceptable, because people on bicycles should not be used as traffic calming devices.

OBC is calling on members to contact FDOT Design Project Manager, Joseph Fontanelli, to ask for separated or physically protected bicycle infrastructure for this project.

UPDATE: Were receiving the following response from FDOT:

“Safety is a top priority for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists. The Department considered various ways to accommodate bicyclists within the corridor. The 5-foot-wide bike lanes are the widest option available without requiring the purchase of additional right of way. However, FDOT continually monitors all of its roadways and would consider additional improvements in the future if needed.”

However, their own design manual suggest that travel lanes on Orange Ave could be 10’-11’ wide, which would allow for 6’ of additional bike lane separation without purchasing more right of way.

Any on-street bicycle lanes must be protected with some form of physical barrier to keep people on bikes safe from moving automobiles.