City to add bike lanes and additional pedestrian signage during summer months
As part of an effort to improve the City of Mount Pleasant's bikeability and walkability, the city is adding additional pavement markings and signage this summer.
City Manager Nancy Ridley said the city has not experienced significant issues with pedestrians or bicyclists being injured by automobiles.
According to the Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center, 19 total bicyclists were involved in accidents with automobiles in Isabella County in 2015. Of the 19, 12 were injured and one was killed. Ten Isabella County pedestrians were involved in accidents with automobiles, including six injuries and two fatalities.
"Our efforts have been more so just to make the roads more friendly for bikers and pedestrians," Ridley said. "These efforts are more proactive and not necessarily reactive."
According to the city's monthly newsletter, edge striping — which designates space for cars to park on the shoulder of a roadway — will be added to the following streets:
- Bradley Street from High Street to Pickard Road
- Broadway Street from Mission Street to the City's eastern limits
- Crapo Street from Broadway Street to High Street
- Crawford Road from Broomfield Street to Preston Street
- Harris Street from Broadway Street to Pickard Road
- Industrial Avenue from Fancher Street to Old U.S. 127 (Old Mission Street)
- Preston Street from Crawford Road to Isabella Road
These roadways do not have enough room for a designated bike lane and typically have on-street parking. Bicyclists may use the striped-off parking area when parked cars are not present. The striped-off area also creates a "calming effect" for drivers because it "visually narrows the roadway," according to the newsletter.
Striping for designated bike lanes will be added on Mosher Street from Fancher Avenue to Mission Street.
Signs for shared bike lanes will be implemented on Broadway Street from Main Street to Mission Street, Michigan Street from Lansing Street to Washington Street and Mosher Street from Fancher Avenue to Main Street.
