Boulder Transportation Planners Discuss Design Improvements for Protected Intersections

The Boulder City Transportation Advisory Board convened on July 19, 2025, to discuss critical updates regarding the design of protected intersections in the city, particularly focusing on safety measures and community feedback. The meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts to enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety at high-risk intersections, specifically at Canyon and Arapahoe avenues.

The session began with a review of community comments regarding the design of the protected intersections, particularly the "eyebrow" features intended to improve visibility and safety. Board members expressed concerns about how these designs might affect cyclists, especially those using child trailers. The discussion emphasized the importance of ensuring that the design accommodates all users, including those traveling at varying speeds.

Transportation planner Daniel Sheeter provided insights into the design specifics, noting that the lighter gray areas in the plans represent mountable aprons. These are designed to allow larger vehicles to navigate the intersections while still being accessible for cyclists, albeit with caution advised against high-speed travel over these features. Sheeter assured that further refinements would be made in the next design phase to enhance the flow for cyclists and maximize queuing space.

The board also discussed the implementation of bike signals at intersections, which would allow for dedicated phases for cyclists, thereby improving safety during high-turning volume movements. This approach aligns with national guidelines and aims to separate bike and vehicle movements effectively.

Members acknowledged the extensive community engagement that informed the design process, with one board member commending the thoroughness of the staff's efforts in addressing public concerns. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue refining the designs based on community feedback and safety considerations, particularly for fast-moving cyclists in high-risk areas.

Overall, the meeting underscored Boulder City's proactive approach to improving transportation safety through thoughtful design and community involvement, setting the stage for further developments in the city's transportation infrastructure.