Centerline rumble strips: update and survey results

On Thursday, July 30, a group including San Jose Councilmember Sam Liccardo and California Transportation Commissioner Carl Guardino as well as senior staff members from Caltrans, VTA, and MTC conducted a site visit to examine the newly installed centerline rumble strips (CLRS) on Hwy 9. SVBC Board Member Paul Goldstein also participated. The rumblestrips are continuous from just south of Saratoga Village to Hwy 35, and many bicyclists have voiced concerns that these rumblestrips make cycling more dangerous because motorists are reluctant to cross them, and then pass bicyclists without giving sufficient clearance.

Although traffic was light and courteous while this stretch was ridden, there do remain concerns about how motorists will behave when passing bicyclists. SVBC appreciates the efforts of all participants in this visit. We are committed to working constructively with state and local officials, Caltrans, and other agencies to improve safety for all bicyclists.

SVBC's own survey concerning the situation illustrates the conflicting opinions on the subject. Most respondents feel that the deep notches down the yellow line make little difference in a driver's speed or passing behavior: approximately 63% say the CLRS make no difference in a driver's uphill speed, while about 3% say they make drivers go faster, and 13% note slower uphill driving. The largest concern seems to be with downhill passing: almost 23% of respondents say the CLRS make the road more dangerous for a cyclist when being passed while traveling downhill, though 17% felt they were safer and 36% still noted no difference.

Based on survey-takers' comments, the ambivalence seems to stem from the fact that CLRS are viewed as a danger when lanes and shoulders are too narrow to safely accommodate cyclists and cars together, but can be beneficial in preventing motorists from drifting across lanes when cutting corners.

SVBC will continue to study this issue. If you would like to participate in the survey, please take it at https://bikesiliconvalley.org/clrs/survey.