Norfolk gears up to get bike-friendly

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Norfolk is gearing up to implement a program designed to make the city more bicycle-friendly.

The first step of the initiative will include installing bicycle markings on streets throughout the city. Bicycle signs and bicycle lanes will also be installed in some areas.

The Department of Public Works will do the work, as part of the Bicycle Commission's 2012 Bicycle Plan.

A bicycle lane is a five-to-six-foot-wide, striped lane, marked with a large white bicycle on the pavement. The lane is restricted to bicycle travel.

The bicycle markings, on the other hand, will be used to help position bicyclists away from parked cars. The markings will also be used in areas where it may not be obvious where bicyclists should be riding, such as intersections with multiple turn lanes.

City spokeswoman Lori Crouch told WAVY.com the following bikeways list is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year:

• Bike lane markings:

  • Llewellyn Avenue: Granby Street Bridge to 42nd Street, 42nd Street to Delaware Avenue, Delaware Avenue to 31st Street

• Sharrows installation:

  • Granby Street: Terminal to Ocean View Avenue

  • Lafayette Blvd: Foot of bridge to Tidewater Drive

  • Princess Anne Road: Smith Street to Monticello Avenue

  • Church Street: E. Bute to Olney Road

  • Nicholson Street to Henry Street

  • Azalea Garden Road: Virginia Beach Blvd. to Princess Anne Road

  • Indian River Road: Marsh Street to State Street

  • Kimbal Terrace: Ballentine Blvd. to Hydro Street

  • Colonial Ave: 27th Street to 34th Street

  • North Shore Road: Hampton Blvd. to Hedgewood Lane