SOUND OFF: Bike Lanes on Memorial, Safer or Short Sighted?

Last week, as part of several projects across the island, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) installed new bike lanes on Memorial Boulevard.

Some residents said they were surprised that the project removed a lane of traffic on the westbound side of the road, starting at Aquidneck Avenue until Rhode Island Avenue.

"The idea of the change was to make things safer for cyclists, but I fear the change may make it more dangerous for cars and bikes, " said resident Darcy Roland. "This will be especially true in the summer months."

The project was influenced by local advocacy group, Bike Newport, after a car hit and killed Middletown resident Elliot Kaminitz last June.  Although the intention is to make the road safer for cyclists, many residents have reported that it's confusing. 

"I really think the word needs to spread on what exactly the sign in the road means coming down Memorial Blvd. towards Thames St," said Brian Gumkowski on the Bike Newport Facebook page. "My co-workers weren't aware of what it was, actually one thought it was artwork."

We want to know: Did you drive on Memorial Boulevard this weekend?  What did you think of the changes?