Watch CBS News

New Bike Lane Confusing For Drivers, Riders

By Melissa Garcia

DENVER (CBS4)- Changes to a main road in South Denver that includes a bike lane, is confusing some drivers.

The city re-striped Monaco Parkway to add a bike lane that stretches for more than two miles.

BIKE LANE CONFUSION 10PKG_frame_2295
(credit: CBS)

The new bicycle lane is catching some drivers by surprise.

"When turning right here, it gets a little confusing as to if there's a biker or is it safe to take the right and turn here," said Preety Kumar.

BIKE LANE CONFUSION 10PKG_frame_1379
(credit: CBS)

Safety, traffic, and commute times top the list of worries about the new addition.

The 2.3-mile stretch runs from Magnolia Way just South of Hampden to Belleview Avenue in the Denver Tech Center.

BIKE LANE CONFUSION 10PKG_frame_540
(credit: CBS)

Residents near the major thoroughfare posted on NextDoor.com stating that they had little say or warning.

BIKE LANE CONFUSION 10PKG_frame_600
(credit: CBS)

"I found out driving out of my parking lot," one resident said. "With the crooked lines, it makes it hard. If you're a driver, it's a little bit scary. You don't want to be hitting somebody."

BIKE LANE CONFUSION 10PKG_frame_510
(credit: CBS)

But Southmoor resident Aylene McCallum said the strip will not only make the Parkway safer for bikers, but also for drivers.

McCallum's son Cayden,6, and his little sister, Colbie, ride their bikes almost every day. They tried out the bike lane for the first time Sunday.

BIKE LANE CONFUSION 10PKG_frame_1528
(credit: CBS)

"There were still a few people driving pretty fast, but honestly, if drivers just drive 30 miles per hour which is the speed limit, we felt really safe and comfortable," McCallum said.

BIKE LANE CONFUSION 10PKG_frame_1770
(credit: CBS)

She also believed that the new lane would increase access to places that she and her neighbors need to go.

BIKE LANE CONFUSION 10PKG_frame_1259
(credit: CBS)

"There's a pool, there's a park, and a train station all along the stretch. And it leads right into a major work center. So it allows mobility options and a much safer street for our neighborhood," McCallum added.

BIKE LANE CONFUSION 10PKG_frame_1229
(credit: CBS)

CBS4's Melissa Garcia left messages for city of Denver media representatives but had not heard back as of Sunday night.

BIKE LANE CONFUSION 10PKG_frame_1648
(credit: CBS)

Residents said that a community meeting with Denver Public Works is scheduled for late October.

Melissa Garcia has been reporting for CBS4 News since March 2014. Find her bio here, follow her on Twitter @MelissaGarciaTV, or send your story idea to mkgarcia@cbs.com.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.