Overview and Benefits
A bike box is a square painted green in the space between the stop bar and the pedestrian crosswalk (see sample image). It is designed with specialized camera sensors for cyclists to stop within it at a red light and be the first to go on green when making a left turn. We are installing the first and only bike box in Miami-Dade County!
For cyclists' and drivers' safety, the construction of a new bicycle box is underway. The bike box will safely allow northbound riding cyclists to turn left from West Avenue onto westbound 17 Street. The bicycle box project will also include the installation of additional pedestrian crossing buttons for all crossings at the intersection and signal detection in all directions to provide the opportunity for the city to collect important data regarding traffic volumes and determine which direction(s) are most frequently used by various methods of mobility.
What's Happening
The green bike box installation is already in progress; it should be operational in less than a month. Some temporary lane closures are needed in order to accommodate construction equipment and apply paint markings to the roadway.
With the bike box installation and slight lane reconfiguration, the city is also installing detection cameras for cars and cyclists in all directions. Work includes the implementation of pedestrian crossing push buttons for all crosswalks at this intersection. The bike box is a visual cue to make everyone aware of the space designated for cyclists to stop (on red) and wait for the light to change. Cyclists are allowed to go first when the light turns green. Also, the bike box provides a safe space for northbound cyclists wanting to turn left at 17 Street, even when vehicles are not present. Drivers of vehicles should be aware of the white stop bar, behind the bike box, as their indication of the proper location to wait for the light indication to go (on green) and encourage bicycle safety.
What to Expect
• Lanes may be closed at times while work is in progress. Please proceed with caution around the construction work zone.
• Work hours are weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Extended time is subject to city approval and community notification.
• The finished bike box is expected within a month. Please note, schedules may change due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances.
• The project team is closely monitoring the situation surrounding COVID-19. The contractor is enforcing strict social distancing measures and employees are using face covers while on site, including during break times.
Who to Contact
Lauren Firtel, South Beach Neighborhood Affairs Coordinator
305.986.6403
