KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — A pilot program in Kalamazoo that aims to make the streets safer for vulnerable road users has caused an unintentional hiccup once a week on trash day.
The pilot Lovell Street Cycle Track runs along on the north side of each street between Pitcher Street and Stadium Drive. It reduced vehicle lane widths to 10 feet and added a temporary curb and reflective posts that give way to bike paths.
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While the program itself is meant to increase accessibility, bikers and others who use the bike lanes are forced to avoid and even weave between trash and recycling bins on pickup days.
According to the program’s webpage , special blue pavement markings were added to the bike paths to delineate where trash and recycling carts should be placed to make it easier for garbage truck pickup.
“It’s kind of a mixed deal. When I’m riding by myself, I don’t mind the bins,” Katie Bloom, who uses the bike lanes frequently, said. “(But) yesterday, my husband and I were out riding. And if we’re riding together and want to be side by side, it’s a challenge. If somebody’s coming towards you, it’s a challenge.”