News Summary
Norfolk is set to begin construction on the Granby Street Bike Lane Project, aimed at enhancing cycling infrastructure and safety for all road users. The initiative, funded by the City Council, will include new bike lanes and pedestrian safety beacons at key intersections. With a projected construction phase of 10 months, the project reflects the community’s commitment to safer cycling routes and encourages sustainable transit options. Supporters cite the urgent need for dedicated bike lanes to protect cyclists, with plans for future expansions of the bike lane network.
Norfolk will commence construction on the Granby Street Bike Lane Project on Monday, September 8. This initiative is part of a long-standing effort to improve cycling infrastructure in the city, following years of community discussions and planning.
The project will introduce bike lanes along Granby Street, specifically between Willow Wood Drive and Admiral Taussig Boulevard. The addition of these lanes aims to enhance safety for all road users, including cyclists and pedestrians.
In 2022, the Norfolk City Council allocated $822,000 in funding for this project, which was originally approved by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) in 2016. The allocated funds will support the construction of not only bike lanes but also essential safety measures such as new pedestrian safety beacons at key intersections. These beacons will be installed at Dumont Avenue, Elvin Road, Fife Street, Oxford Street, and Talbot Hall Road. They are designed to alert drivers when a pedestrian is about to cross Granby Street, with the ability to stop traffic through a red signal when activated.
During construction, the speed limit on Granby Street will be lowered from 35 to 30 miles per hour to further ensure safety for all users. The construction phase is projected to last approximately 10 months, during which time residents can continue to place their trash as usual.
Supporters of the bike lane project, including local cycling advocates, have noted the importance of this initiative in making Granby Street a safer route for cyclists. A representative from the Bike Norfolk organization mentioned the community’s ongoing involvement in advocating for bike lanes over the past decade. Experiences of near misses between cyclists and vehicles on Granby Street have highlighted the urgent need for dedicated bike lanes to protect cyclists.
Moreover, studies suggest that enhancing cycling infrastructure contributes positively to overall road safety for all users, signaling a broader community recognition of the value of such enhancements. Following the initial construction phase, there is a desire for further extensions of the bike lanes, particularly from Admiral Taussig to Bayview Boulevard.
Currently, the city has 35.8 miles of bike lanes and is actively working to expand its bike-friendly initiatives. As part of this ongoing effort, the city is also preparing for National Bike Month in May. This annual event celebrates cycling as a viable mode of transportation and aims to encourage residents to engage in more biking activities as a form of environmentally friendly transit. Multiple events and programs are planned to involve the community and promote cycling.
The Granby Street Bike Lane Project represents a significant advancement in Norfolk’s commitment to enhancing transportation safety and encouraging sustainable transit options for its residents. As construction progresses, the city looks to create a safer, more accessible environment for cyclists and pedestrians alike.
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Additional Resources
- 13 News Now: Granby Street Bike Lane Construction Begins
- Visit Norfolk: How to Celebrate National Bike Month
- WAVY: Granby St. Bike Lanes Enter Construction Phase
- WTKR: Norfolk Approves Funding for Bike Lanes
- Wikipedia: Bicycle Infrastructure
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