The Wynkoop bike lane near Union Station has gotten its fair share of complaints. Actually, it got the most complaints from cyclists in Denver's Vision Zero survey.
But that could change now that Denver Public Works started installing protection for the lane. Yes, Wynkoop Street from 16th to 18th Streets is becoming a protected bikeway on its northern side. (In front of Union Station, in other words.)
Like the 14th Street bike lane, there will be concrete curb protection to prevent cars from parking in that part of the bike lane - which is a new approach for Denver. Appropriately enough, things blocking the bike lane was the number one complaint among cyclists who noted the Wynkoop lane as a problem spot.
Also, the new lane protection comes with a new configuration for the street. This too has the potential to address something Denverite has noted -- it's confusing trying to pick someone up in front of Union Station.
Here's what the finished product will look like:
In slightly less exciting news, it should further be noted that the southern side of the bike lane, (traveling the other way, across the street from Union Station), will get a new green striping.
Construction should take a few weeks, according to Denver Public Works. They recommend people use public transportation to get to Union Station, and bikes "should also be prepared to share the outermost travel lane with drivers and are encouraged to use alternate routes."
