The city of Tampa is set to get its first separated, green bike lane.
The bike lane runs along Platt Street between Armenia Avenue and Bayshore Boulevard. The lane is separated from vehicle travel lanes, and is painted green where it approaches major intersections.
Officials say the goal is to prevent accidents involving drivers turning right and cyclists riding straight ahead.
Drivers are asked to use caution when driving on that part of Platt Street while they become accustomed to the new layout. Drivers should not use the separated area and bike lane as a third travel lane.
Mayor Bob Buckhorn said the city plans to add a similar design along Cleveland Street.
"My hope is that the new cycling infrastructure can become a model for how we redesign our streets,” he said. “Our streets and roadways need to serve all their users, including cyclists and pedestrians.”
The new bike lane is part of an overall traffic calming project, which also includes street parking, road resurfacing and a reduced speed. The renovation cost $1.4 million and was completed by Asphalt Paving Systems Inc.