In October, Andy Goodell prepared a short survey for Ithaca cyclists to gather information about their use of the newly installed bike lanes and their views regarding further development of cycling facilities. The results:

Survey questions sent to the Finger Lakes Cycling Club October 16, 2009
14 responses

1. Have you used this bike lane? If so, how much?
The average was a few times per week, split between a occasional riders and frequent commuters.

2. What benefits have you experienced from this lane?
All comments essentially lead to being more able to focus on cycling rather than being worried about safety. The traffic is more aware of bikes and can easily pass going uphill. The narrower downhill lane prevents unsafe passing.

3. What issues has this lane created?
Hard to stay within lanes (doors, excessive debris, manhole covers), vehicles often cross the line at shortly before and at Stewart intersection, the lane ends abruptly, heavy traffic causes much exhaust, drivers are less likely to pay attention to bikes now that they are out of the way.

4. Would you recommend to others to use this lane?
Mostly yes. A few recommend other routes for less traffic / exhaust. Interestingly, one said they only recommend the State St lane to experienced riders while one said it’s great for novice riders.

5. For future bike projects, what would you like to see next, and where?

• Rt13
• Add a lane on University Ave uphill
• One way roads (Aurora and Cayuga) should be two-way or add a contraflow bike lane
• Steel deck bridge improvements
• Warren
• 96B
• Waterfront Trail
• Speed bump cut-outs
• Climbing lane on Hector
• Blvd network
• Sharrows everywhere (specifically on Rt89 by Cass)
• Allow bikes to turn right on red
• Bike parking, bike lockers
• Sensor-activated traffic signals
• West end
• Wider bike lanes
• Signs: Watch for bikes, bikes may use full lane
• Time lights for smooth flow of slow traffic
• Physical separation of lanes

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