Clark Avenue, from Main Street to Lincoln Way, has reopened to traffic. The street reconstruction includes on-street bike facilities such as bike boxes and designated bike lanes. These may be unfamiliar to many motorists.

The green bike boxes are painted in front of the white stop bar at intersections to allow cyclists traveling in bike lanes to move in front of cars at an intersection during a red light. Motorists will continue to stop at the white bar while cyclists stop in the bike box through the duration of the red light. This increases visibility and safety for cyclists. Once the light turns green, cyclists will clear the intersection in front of motorists. Bike boxes restrict right turn on red for motorists. There is no right turn on red from Clark Avenue for motorists entering Lincoln Way.

Bike boxes are new to Ames, and the Clark Avenue bike boxes represent a pilot project to be considered for other street improvements. City staff will be monitoring the bike facilities and accepting feedback regarding their use. Questions about this project or on-street facilities can be directed to the City of Ames Traffic Division at traffic@city.ames.ia.us or 515.239.5160.

Clark Avenue was identified for pavement, utility, and sidewalk improvements through the City’s Capital Improvement Plan. Additionally, on-street bike lanes were added to the pavement improvement project to provide a designated lane and intersection space for bikes traveling on Clark Avenue.

For general construction updates, please go to www.cityofames.org/construction or follow the City of Ames on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.