What’s the deal with those funky new bike lanes on Pennsylvania Street Downtown?

Editor's note:Wondering what's the deal with something in your Indianapolis neighborhood? Send IndyStar reporter Cara Anthony a note via email at cara.anthony@indystar.com or Twitter:@CaraRAnthony.

If you’re still confused about where to park on Pennsylvania Street, don’t sweat it.

Bike lane construction made parking along the busy Downtown thoroughfare tricky, but finding a spot shouldn’t be so difficult anymore.

The city finished the protected bike lane project on Nov 23, Department of Public Works spokesman Benjamin Easley said.

After a year of planning, the lane that spans eight blocks from Washington to St. Clair streets is ready for the public to use.

It’s pretty much a done deal except for a few stray construction cones left behind.

So what caused all the confusion in the first place?

Drivers initially were allowed to park adjacent to the curb, Easley said, while crews wrapped up construction.

But that's not the case anymore. It’s time for drivers to move away from the curb to allow cyclists to ride without running into vehicles.

To put it simply, if you’re parking Downtown on Pennsylvania Street between Washington and St. Clair streets, don’t park near the curb. Use the new parking lane. It's the lane marked with signs, poles and bright white lines.

The idea is to use parked cars as a barrier between cyclists and fast moving traffic. This change may take time to understand, but the city is trying to keep cyclists safe.

Other cities, including Portland, Oregon, and Austin, Texas, have a similar setup. Cars on the left. Bikes on the right.

“Many people on bicycles feel uncomfortable riding in traffic, so the new protected lane is a great way for them to feel safer,” said Kevin Whited, executive director of the biking advocacy group IndyCog.

“Whenever the city adds a new piece of cycling infrastructure, it takes many drivers a bit of time to adjust. The best advice is to slow down, stay alert, and drive with caution — three things drivers should already be doing.”

To help riders understand how to navigate the new protected bicycle lane, IndyCog will host a ride at 8 a.m. Dec. 4. Riders will meet at the Central Indianapolis Public Library, 40 E. St. Clair St., then ride the 1 mile to Washington Street.

This won't be the last time drivers and cyclists will have to adjust. Protected bike lanes also are planned for New York and Michigan streets, Whited said.

Call Star reporter Cara Anthony at (317) 444-6049.

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