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San Francisco's Newest Bicycle Improvements Literally Glow

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) - The new reflective green bike boxes at two busy intersections of Market Street are the first to use thermoplastic materials that shine at night.

"Bike boxes are becoming more and more common across the country. Portland is really leading the way in adding bike boxes," said Leah Shahum, executive director of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition.

KCBS' Margie Shafer Reports:

San Francisco's first—and for some years only—bicycle box on Scott Street at the intersection of Oak Street was painted green only recently because of a court injunction requiring further environmental review before the city could expand its network of bike lanes.

The traffic calming measure's main advantage is making cyclists more visible in intersections where lane changes are common, she said.

Another box is scheduled be added westbound where Market Street hits Gough Street during the week of April 4.

Data gathered there and from the intersections at 9th Street and Van Ness Avenue will be included in a federal study to determine the best designs, materials and surface treatments to make bike boxes effective.

(© 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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