Q&A on the New Bike Signage in University Circle

New "Bikes May Use Full Lane" signage has been installed on Euclid Avenue, Ford Drive, Mayfield Road and E 115th Street. These signs remind motorists to keep an eye out for people on bikes, and encourage safe road use for car drivers and bicyclists alike.

Why would a bike ride in the middle of the lane?

Being a predictable bicyclist is one of the most important safety rules for urban cycling. Being predictable means traveling in a straight line, being visible, and not weaving in and out of parked cars. People on bikes are much more visible to motorists when they ride in the center of the lane. If they're riding in the center of the lane, they don't have to worry about getting "doored" by a parked car or changing their position on the road to get around cars parked on-street.

On many roads, bicycling close to the curb can give the false appearance that there is room for a car to pass safely without changing lanes. By "taking the lane," people on bikes signal to car drivers that they should pass carefully and leave enough space, rather than trying to squeeze by in the same lane as the cyclist.

What are the bike icons in the middle of the street?

Shared pavement markings (also referred to as "sharrows") are road markings used to indicate a shared travel lane for bicycles and automobiles. Shared pavement markings reinforce the legitimacy of bicycle traffic on the street and recommend proper bicyclist positioning. Notice they are positioned in the center of the lane, not off to the side.

Can a motorist pass a cyclist riding in the middle of the lane?

It depends. You can pass a cyclist as long as you can leave 3 feet between your car and the person riding a bicycle. The safest way to pass is by changing lanes. If there is only one lane in the direction you're traveling, you are permitted to cross the double yellow line when passing a cyclist as long as you leave three feet when passing and there is no oncoming traffic.

Do other cities use these signs?

Yes. A recent study indicates that "Bikes May Use Full Lane" signage is one of the most effective ways to raise awareness of bikes and comprehension of roadway rules. The City of Columbus is considering phasing out "Share the Road" signage in favor of "Bikes May Use Full Lane" signage. Read more about why here . 

Get Discounts for Showing your RTA Pass!

Look for new decals in windows at University Circle businesses to see where your RTA farecard gets you perks.

Piccadilly Creamery, Cleveland Clothing Company, the moCa gift store, Cleveland History Center, Cleveland Botanical Garden, and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History are just a few!

For a full list of participating businesses, click here.

RTA Bus Network Redesign Survey & Public Meetings

RTA is currently in its third and final round of public comment for the bus network redesign study. Based on customer and non-customer priorities identified through surveys earlier in this study,  two new system network concepts  have been prepared, and RTA wants to know what you think! The first network concept is constrained by current funding levels. The second concept assumes a 25% increase in service hours. Take the survey to see how each system concept impacts your access to transit, and provide feedback.

Through Monday, October 21, over twenty public engagement meetings are being held throughout the county. At these meetings, you have an opportunity to meet one-on-one with RTA staff to discuss the bus network redesign options as well as the fare equity study. For a full list of meetings and locations, click here .

Gohio Commute Lake "Eerie" Bike Challenge

Here's how the challenge works:

You'll be eligible for weekly raffle prizes. The top three bike commuters are eligible for grand prizes.

For more information about the challenge, click here .