Bike Safety Modifications Coming To Rickenbacker Causeway

KEY BISCAYNE (CBS4) - Bicyclists on the Rickenbacker Causeway will soon have a safer place to ride thanks to some modifications made by road crews next week.

According to CBS4 News partner The Miami Herald, public works officials will install a second white line with "vibratory ridges" to the outside of existing bike-lane striping on the William Powell and Bear Cut bridges to create a buffer between bicyclists and drifting motorists. A second white lane will also be added to the West Bridge, which connects the toll booths on the Miami mainland to Hobie Beach.

Unlike rumble strips, the vibratory ridges would allow cyclists to be able to maneuver in an out of the bike lane if encountering debris or obstacles because they are placed 30 inches apart.

The modifications are part of several promised safety improvements after two cyclists were fatally struck while riding on the bridge.

Triathlete and businessman Aaron Cohen was killed when he was struck from behind by a hit & run driver February 15 while riding with a companion. Michele Traverso, 25, was arrested and charged in Cohen's death.

In January 2010, Christophe LeCanne was also struck from behind by a hit & run driver while riding on the Rickenbacker.

Carlos Bertonatti was arrested and charged in LeCanne's death. He is still awaiting trial.

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