Construction Begins June 4 To Make Intersection Safer For Cycling

LAKELAND, FL – A common sight along Polk County road, nearly 40 members of the Polk Area Bicycling Association took a leisurely evening ride around Lake Hollingsworth in Lakeland on May 16.

But this wasn’t one of the association’s typical weekly social rides. The bicyclists traversed the popular cycling route to pay tribute to fellow cyclists who have lost their lives on county roads.

The ride was part of the 16th annual Ride of Silence that took place in 50 states and 22 countries around the world. The silent, slow-paced ride (no more than 12 mph) takes place each year to honor those who have been killed or injured while biking on public roadways.

The location for the Polk County ride was intentional. Two cyclists have lost their lives at the intersection of Lake Hollingsworth Drive and Ingraham Avenue since 2012.

But on June 4, the city will begin a construction project designed to prevent future deaths and injuries of cyclists and pedestrians at the intersection.

The intersection construction project will add a tapered concrete separator to clearly separate the bike path from vehicular traffic, realign the eastern pedestrian crossing to line up with the Florida Southern College boat dock walkway, relocate the existing “Stop” sign to the concrete separator and add “Bicycles Must Yield to Pedestrian” signs.

The project is expected to be completed by Wednesday, June 20. Until then, the intersections’ lanes will be closed.

“These enhancements will eliminate the mandatory ‘Stopping’ requirement for bicyclists in favor of ‘Yielding’ to pedestrians,” said Angelo Rao, manager of traffic operations for the city. “The safety for pedestrians crossing to and from Lake Hollingsworth should be enhanced.”

And by separating the road from the bike lane with a 6-inch tall, 4-inch wide concrete separator, the city hopes to prevent cars from accidentally swerving into the bike lane and endangering riders.

“The separator will add an element of safety for bicyclists while reducing motor vehicle speeds and encouraging compliance of all traffic regulations,” Rao said.

Image via city of Lakeland