U of U implements first (but not last) bicycle-only path

Signs like this along the U's HPER mall mark the
beginning and entrances to the campus'
first bicycle-only path. (Photo: Tom Millar)

As part of the University of Utah's initiative through Commuter Services, Facilities, and Sustainability to become a more bicycle-friendly campus (and a significant achievement toward the University's goal to achieve League of American Bicyclists Bronze Bicycle-Friendly Univeristy status by 2016), the first ever bicycle-only path on campus, and perhaps in the city, was recently paved and signed in the HPER mall corridor.

The newly paved asphalt, blacktop path runs parallel to the formerly high speed, longboard-attracting HPER mall which was a speedway during campus rush hour. In an effort to improve mobility and separate uses to ensure safer travel, the University's path is one of a kind. And it promises not to be the last.

The HPER mall bicycle-only path runs parallel to a wheelchair-only
pathway to the north (pictured), and the pedestrian thoroughfare
to the south (not pictured). Each mode is encouraged to use their
designated paths to ensure safety for everyone. (Photo: Tom Millar)

During the University's Bicycle Master Plan open house, hosted by Alta Planning and Psomas, several more bicycle-only paths were suggested for future years of development. Such paths are proposed from the Medical Campus to main campus (east-west), Marriott Library to University St (east-west), and Olpin Union to the Huntsman Center (north-south), among others.

As of now, pedestrians are the only transportation mode explicitly prohibited from the path (by use of regulatory signs). Future pavement markings encouraging bicyclists to slow down and look at crossings will accompany signs and common sense by bicyclists.

Reverse of the previously pictured sign at the west end of
the bicycle-only path along the HPER mall, encouraging bicyclists
to yield and look for cross traffic. (Photo: Tom Millar

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