Several vehicles have struck Atlanta's protected bike lane barriers in recent weeks, with some ending up perched on the concrete dividers.
The crashes appear linked to driver error rather than the barriers themselves.
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Ironically, the impacts may demonstrate the barriers are serving their intended purpose. American roads are safer this year than in years past, at least for everyone except cyclists.
Atlanta is trying to close that gap with protected bike lanes, and drivers seem to be struggling with them.
A String of Strange Crashes on Cherokee Avenue
Residents living along Cherokee Avenue beside Grant Park have witnessed several unusual collisions since the protected bike lane was installed just a few months ago.
One driver reportedly rode along the top of a concrete separator like he was playing Tony Hawk Pro Skater with his car before continuing down the road.
Another vehicle allegedly flipped after striking the barrier. The incidents prompted complaints that the low-profile dividers weren't sufficiently visible to approaching motorists.
Following questions from local television station WSB-TV, the Atlanta Department of Transportation responded by installing reflectors on the barriers and flexible bollards alongside them.
The city also said its engineering team is reviewing the crashes and evaluating whether additional changes could improve visibility.
Interestingly, ATLDOT stopped short of blaming the infrastructure itself.
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According to the department, the available evidence suggests the crashes were the result of driver error rather than any apparent traffic law issue or flaw in the installation.
