The Flame – September 2013

Due to the ongoing winter storm, City facilities, including City Hall and all Parks, Recreation and Culture facilities, will be closed on Tuesday, Feb. 18. This is due to the forecasted winter storm resulting in dangerous travel conditions.

Read the news release for full details >>

In this month’s issue…


Bike Lane


Sharrow


Bike Route

Rules On The Road:

Understanding How to Read Signs for Sharing the Road with Bicycles

The City has recently completed some re-marking of roadways in Lawrence for bicycle, motorist and pedestrian safety. Here’s an easy way to understand the markings next time you’re out on the roadways and see the different symbols:

  • Bike Lanes — Bike Lanes give bicyclists and motorists their own, assigned and separate spaces on the road. Bicyclists should always ride in the direction indicated by the arrow painted on the street.
  • Sharrows — A “Sharrow” indicates that the streets are good for bike traffic, but are too narrow for separate bike lanes. Sharrow markings indicate to motorists and bicyclists that they must share the road and use the same space on the street as they travel.
  • Bike Route — Bike Routes indicate roads with light to moderate traffic and lower speeds that are expected to have bicycle traffic and where motorists and bicyclist share the roadway.

For more information on bicycling in Lawrence, visit https://www.lawrenceks.org/share_the_road.

Fall Compost & Woodchip Sale

This fall the city will hold the following compost and woodchip sales at the city’s Wood Recovery and Composting Facility located at 1420 E. 11th Street which is east of 11th and Haskell Avenue, over the railroad tracks. CASH only. The sales will be held rain or shine.

  • Opens early for SELF-LOAD ONLY: Compost and Woodchip Sale – Saturday, October 5 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. ($10 per truck or trailer load, small quantities free; bring a shovel).
  • Compost and Woodchip Sale – Thursday through Saturday, October 10, 11, 12 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or until the supply is depleted (city will load trucks and trailers; $10 per bucket load, equivalent to two cubic yards; bring a tarp to secure woodchips in trucks and trailers to prevent littering the roadway).

Compost and woodchips are not intended for commercial applications but rather for the citizens of Lawrence. Dump truck quantities are not allowed. The city cannot load trucks with ladder racks. For more information, visit www.lawrenceks.org/swm.

Prescription Drug Drop-Off Program Available to Lawrence Residents

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has established a permanent and safe medication collection and disposal program. Any Douglas County resident can drop-off unwanted or expired medications throughout the year at the Law Enforcement Center, 111 E. 11th Street, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except holidays). A collection box is located in the west entrance lobby for medication drop-off.

The Sheriff’s Office will accept prescription medicine, over-the-counter medicine, vitamins, herbal remedies, supplements, veterinary drugs, and lotions or liquids in leak-proof containers. It is recommended that you remove your name or identification information prior to dropping off materials. Items not accepted include needles and sharps, infectious waste or illegal drugs. In addition, thermometers, hydrogen peroxide, aerosol cans and inhalers, and personal care products are not accepted in the medicine collection drop-box program but are accepted at the City of Lawrence / Douglas County Household Hazardous Waste Facility by calling (785) 832-3030 and scheduling an appointment. For more information on this program, visit http://www.dgso.org.

This program is for individual citizens and not intended for health care providers or businesses.

Bicycling in Lawrence

Share the Road for Safety

BE SAFE

Wear a helmet – Helmets should sit flat on your head just above the eyebrows and fit snugly Riders under 15 are required by law to wear a helmet. Scan the Road around You – Look ahead and anticipate what other traffic is likely to do. Ride with both hands ready to brake and do not ride with headphones.

Be Pedestrian Friendly – Sidewalks are designed for pedestrians. It is highly recommended that you avoid riding on sidewalks. But when you do, ride with the direction of traffic, and dismount and walk your bike across all intersections and driveways. City ordinance prohibits cyclists from riding on sidewalks in Downtown Lawrence. On shared use paths, trails and sidewalks, give an audible warning before passing pedestrians on the left. It is your responsibility to ALWAYS yield to pedestrians, so slow down a little bit and enjoy the scenery!

Position on the Road – Ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practical, in the same direction as traffic, except when passing another vehicle, preparing for a left turn, or avoiding hazards. Take the lane if the road width is too narrow for cyclists and cars or if motor and bicycle traffic is traveling at the same speed. At intersections, proceed in line and in turn as you would in a car. Before intersections and turns, take a position in the lane that maximizes visibility and makes your intention clear.

BE PREDICTABLE

Obey All Traffic Signs & Lights – Bicycles must follow the same laws as motorists. Stop at red lights and stop signs just as you would in a car. In Lawrence, bicycles are not allowed to ride on the sidewalk downtown.

Ride Consistently – Ride in a straight line. Always look and signal prior to turning. Avoid swerving and sudden changes. Stay at least a car door length away from parked cars. Bicyclists shall not ride more than two abreast.

Don’t Pass on the Right – Motorists may not see you passing on the right and you could be seriously injured. When stopping in traffic, it is safer to hold your place in line with traffic.

BE VISIBLE

Ride a Well-Equipped Bike – Be sure your bike is adjusted to fit you properly. For safety and efficiency, outfit it with a bell, rear-view mirror, rack or basket, lights and reflector. Carry a water bottle, bike pump and patch kit.

Light your Bike – Use a b solid beam front headlight and rear flashing light and/or red reflector at night and when visibility is poor. Wear light-colored clothes with reflective tape for extra protection. Make yourself as visible as possible. Required lighting equipment includes:

  • A white light visible from at least 500 feet.
  • A red rear reflector visible from all distances 100- 600 feet.
  • Additional red rear lights are also recommended.

Hand Signals – Use signals to tell motorists what you intend to do. Signal as a matter of law, courtesy, & self-protection.

For more information on bicycling in Lawrence, visit https://www.lawrenceks.org/share_the_road.