Anyone else notice some weird signs in the Dearborn PBL just south of Washington this morning? They say "Stop for Pedestrians" or something like that. They are sitting on the ground in the bike lane. I didn't stop to investigate closely, but I don't think there's even a curb cut there? It struck me as a bit strange. It was right by the Blue Line entrance/exit (on the west side of Dearborn obviously).

Anyone know if this is a CDOT initiative?

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I have to admit that my gut reaction was oh that's stupid that people need the fake signs to make it easier for them to jay walk.  I do concede that motorists need to be accommodated to load and unload.  It makes more sense for valet people to say to customers be careful crossing the bike lane.  If I was a customer, I would think it was very thoughtful.  

It just worked for me on my phone.

h' 1.0 said:

I can't wait to view this (with curtains drawn) when I get home-- sounds juicy.

 



Will G - 10mi said:

Justin.....Justin, would you please stand up? That was fast.

http://justinhaugens.tumblr.com/post/50510526843/hey-chicagodot-wha...

Sure. Ban valet parking. It should be viewed as a relic of the failed car-centric transportation era.

Alex Z said:

I can't think any obvious solutions to this problem. Do you have any ideas?

Cameron 7.5 mi said:

Thanks for reaching out to CDOT. Since this really is an issue with the road design, I hope they'll do more than just call and scold the business. The way the valet loading zones are positioned on Dearborn creates a conflict point between cyclists and car passengers. With the loading zone moved away from the curb, cars are being loaded and unloaded with traffic moving on both sides of them. People aren't used to stepping out of the curb side of a vehicle into a live traffic lane, and don't know where to go. If a space is designated for loading and unloading passengers from a vehicle, then there needs to be a space adjacent to the vehicle's space for the passengers once they become pedestrians. This is a problem with valet zones where a lot of cars are unloaded quickly, and will be a huge problem when protected lanes are installed on a street with a bus route.

 


 Put the signs ON the center stripe, instead of the middle of one side.


Adam Herstein (5.5 mi) said:

Yeah, I saw them on my ride home. They were blocking the northbound lane, so I stopped and moved them onto the sidewalk. I then got yelled at by the doorman or valet and was told to "talk to the guy inside". He then proceeded to put the signs back into the middle of the lane.

So they were placed by some business along the bike lane. No idea who, though. The guy didn't tell me and I didn't have time to go inside and complain to the owner.

Here's what I saw this evening - better. I also noticed that the valet who was working at the time was watching for approaching bikes and waiting before fully opening the car door to avoid dooring anyone. :)

If the signs still say "stop for pedestrians," then they still should not be there.

Anne Alt said:

Here's what I saw this evening - better. I also noticed that the valet who was working at the time was watching for approaching bikes and waiting before fully opening the car door to avoid dooring anyone. :)

oh :))  Sorry I didn't get it.  I take it back then :))

h' 1.0 said:

Oh Ferchris-sake it was supposed to be a joke.

Julie Hochstadter said:

It just worked for me on my phone.

h' 1.0 said:

I can't wait to view this (with curtains drawn) when I get home-- sounds juicy.

 



Will G - 10mi said:

Justin.....Justin, would you please stand up? That was fast.

http://justinhaugens.tumblr.com/post/50510526843/hey-chicagodot-wha...

No, they shouldn't be there, but having them on the curb is still better than blocking the lane.  A "watch for peds" message would be more appropriate.

Alex Z said:

If the signs still say "stop for pedestrians," then they still should not be there.

Anne Alt said:

Here's what I saw this evening - better. I also noticed that the valet who was working at the time was watching for approaching bikes and waiting before fully opening the car door to avoid dooring anyone. :)

I think a "watch for bikes" sign would be more appropriate. :D

I promise to continue to kick them as I ride by.  I salute the valet for providing me entertainment.

The signs were gone as of this morning – not even on the sidewalk. It's possible that the owner just took them inside. If I see them again this afternoon, I might throw them in the trash.

Yeah, that was my guess, too.

Cameron 7.5 mi said:

They're probably only out when the restaurant is open.

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