The bumpy concrete surface of the Fell and Oak bike lanes is being smoothed over. Over the holiday break, the Department of Public Works re-paved one block of the Fell bike lane, between Broderick and Baker Streets. The city expects to cover all six blocks with smooth asphalt by March, according to SFMTA Livable Streets spokesperson Ben Jose.
The concrete slabs, a more suitable surface for the bike lane's former life as a car parking lane, at first weren't expected to be a problem for bike commuters, but SFMTA staffers said they've received a substantial number of complaints about the bumpy surface since it was re-purposed for bicycling. On the sections where the concrete hasn't been paved over, people on bikes can typically be found riding just off the concrete portion, on the narrow strip of asphalt that's available. On the asphalt-covered stretch of the Fell lane, having the entire seven-foot width of smooth riding room is surprisingly relaxing, and makes for some comfortable, social, side-by-side travel (as shown above).
As all the pieces of a high-quality, protected bike lane gradually come into place, this is one more small step that makes the commute experience more pleasant for Wiggle riders. Jose said the permanent bike lane markings should be re-installed within a few days.
