The neighboring cities of Kirkland and Redmond, in East King County, Washington, are becoming more bicycle friendly. Both cities have recently installed new pavement markings to help cyclists trigger traffic signals and to help drivers and cyclists better share the streets.

Traffic signals sometimes don’t recognize the presence of bicycles. The new markings help cyclists know where to stop so the signal can sense them. The bicycle symbol is painted on the pavement and when the cyclist stops on it, the signal is activated.

In Kirkland, cyclists should keep their eyes out for markings at seven intersections between Carillon Point and Juanita. In Redmond, 150th Avenue N.E. from N.E. 40th to N.E. 51st Streets will bear the same symbols.

In addition to the sensors, shared lane markings, also called sharrows, will be installed along the same Redmond streets. Two large arrow heads with a bicycle indicate where the cyclists will travel on the roadway. These markings, which will replace the separate bike lane in the future, are considered safer for both driver and cyclist.

Both cities are piloting the markings and may install more in the future. To report signals in Kirkland that don’t detect bicycles, email publicworks@ci.kirkland.wa.us or call (425) 587-3800.