BRUNSWICK

Federal Street is now a so-called “sharrow,” a road with painted markings on the ground that indicate the road is to be shared between bicycles and motor vehicles. This means that a bicycle may ride in the middle of the travel lane, and that motor vehicle operators should expect to encounter and yield to bicycles in the middle of the lane.

The official opening of the sharrow will occur at 5:30 p.m. this evening in conjunction with the regular Wednesday ride of the Merrymeeting Wheelers, who meet at the Brunswick Mall.

Federal Street was made a sharrow to improve safety for all who use the road, according to the Brunswick Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.

The decision to turn Federal Street into a ‘sharrow’ was made by the Town Council with the encouragement of BBPAC. The project had support from the Public Works, Police, Planning and Recreation departments.

Federal Street was selected by BBPAC as ther first sharrow in town.

Three major interstate bicycle routes pass through Brunswick. These are the East Coast Greenway, U.S. Bicycle Route 1, and two Adventure Cycling Cross Country Bicycle Routes. Maine Street presents many challenges for a bicycle rider, and Federal Street is considered a better choice for north/south travel through town. Because the road is relatively narrow with onstreet parking it is dangerous to bicycle riders.

Federal Street has onstreet parking, and one of the most serious hazards faced by a bicycle rider is a suddenly opened car door right in front of them. When the bicycle travels in the middle of the lane instead of keeping to the right this hazard is significantly reduced. A bicycle rider in the middle of the lane is more visible to pedestrians and vehicle operators, further increasing safety for all, according to BBPAC.

Federal Street has a low speed limit and an adult bicycle rider is able to travel fast enough to not significantly impede a motor vehicle. For the southbound bicyclist there is a hill to climb at the south end of the road. The sharrow ends and a bicycle lane on the far right side of the road begins at this point so that the bicycle going slowly up the hill will not impede the motor vehicle. By turning Federal Street into a shared road rather than a bicycle lane for most of it’s length, automobile parking is preserved and safety is enhanced for vehicles and bicycles.

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