HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — Drivers in Hillsborough County are now seeing some new green pavement markers on the roads.

These are part of the county’s new “bike boxes," which change the way bicyclists can cross busy intersections safely and be more visible to drivers.

“It gets the attention of the driver and the bikers,” said Bob Campbell, Hillsborough County’s Transportation Planning manager.

Campbell said bike boxes are different from regular bike lanes because cyclists will move in front of the drivers stopped at the intersection. That way they are more visible to cars.

“With a regular bike lane, you’re not getting the front of the car — usually, they’re on the right," Campbell said. "Here, you’re sitting directly in front of the vehicle where the driver’s eyes are focused to do that."

The county installed bike boxes along two intersections on Citrus Park Drive, at Sheldon Road and Countryway Boulevard.

Campbell said the county studied methods from all over the country and found that bike boxes are a newer method used out west, particularly for bikers looking to turn left.

“We realized that bikers were having to cut across two turn lanes to make a left turn,” Campbell said.

His team’s research showed a 50% reduction in crashes involving bicyclists. The boxes are also approved by the Federal Highway Administration.  

Campbell said it's now up to drivers to look out for the new green markings when stopping at an intersection.

“Every time you see green, look out for pedestrians,” Campbell said.

Hillsborough County officials say they plan to expand bike boxes to more intersections.

For more information, visit the Hillsborough County government website.