Bloomington, Indiana – The City of Bloomington is taking another step toward improving road safety by installing additional traffic barriers along East 3rd Street. This initiative aims to create a safer and more accessible environment for cyclists while addressing ongoing concerns about vehicle encroachment in bike lanes.
Scheduled to take place from March 17-22, 2025, during Spring Break, the project will add protective barriers in the painted buffer between the bicycle and vehicle traffic lanes. These installations will span East 3rd Street from South Indiana Avenue to South Rose Avenue, extending the efforts started in 2024. The city urges drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians to remain cautious while traveling through the area during the construction period, as lane restrictions and flagging operations will be in place.
A Continuing Effort for Safer Roads
This project builds upon the City’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the safety and functionality of the 3rd Street corridor. While the bicycle lane is designated solely for cyclists, some vehicles have misused it as a temporary stop for pick-ups and drop-offs, posing risks to both cyclists and pedestrians. Observations from last year’s installation of traffic barriers suggest that they have been successful in reducing these unsafe behaviors.
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“The newly installed barriers have made my commute so much more comfortable!” said one resident who frequently bikes along 3rd Street. Another cyclist added, “3rd Street is much easier to bike on now.”
To further ensure the safety of all road users, the City advises drivers to use designated loading zones, side streets, or approved areas on Indiana University property for drop-offs and pick-ups rather than stopping in the bike lanes.
Learning from Past Installations
The upcoming installation is the second phase of the East 3rd Street Protected Bicycle Lane project. The first phase, completed in March 2024, introduced traffic barriers and delineator posts between South Indiana Avenue and South Eagleson Avenue. Two types of barriers were tested: rubber vehicle stops and an engineered “Cycle Lane” barrier produced by TrafficLogix. Over the past year, the City has monitored their performance and determined that the engineered barriers have proven more durable than the rubber vehicle stops.
Based on these findings, phase two will replace the less effective rubber vehicle stops with “Cycle Lane” barriers or a similar product. Additionally, the City will fill in remaining gaps in bicycle lane protection, extending the improvements further down East 3rd Street.
“We’ve learned a lot over the last year and were able to do so cost-effectively by using materials the City already had on hand,” said Kendall Knoke, Project Engineer with the City of Bloomington Engineering Department. “In this next phase, we are better informed regarding which products will be the most effective.”
Future Plans and Ongoing Adjustments
The installation of barriers will be carefully planned to avoid disruptions at bus stops, driveways, and intersections where turning movements are necessary. City officials will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the new barriers, making any necessary adjustments based on feedback and observations.
By prioritizing the safety and accessibility of its roads, Bloomington is reinforcing its commitment to fostering a bike-friendly community. With these new barriers in place, cyclists can look forward to a more secure and enjoyable ride along East 3rd Street, and the City remains dedicated to improving infrastructure for all roadway users.
