While the MAX and the extension of the Mason Corridor have been in operation for several months, the multimodal corridor continues to function as a living laboratory with the city and Colorado State University as we seek new ways to improve the design and function of the corridor to serve all users.

For example, signage has been installed, new striping has been painted on the Mason Trail, and additional bicycle parking has been installed across MAX stations. But the improvements don’t stop there; we’re excited to introduce a new design at the intersection of Laurel and Mason streets to provide additional guidance to cyclists navigating the intersection.

The complexity of this intersection, which includes a dedicated bus lane, the terminus of the Mason Trail, railroad tracks and hundreds of people crossing on foot and bike on any given day, warranted additional guidance for people on bicycles to safely travel through the intersection. The new changes will guide southbound bicyclists on Mason Street to share the dedicated bus lane on the north side of Laurel Street. This center lane will now function as a dedicated bus and bike lane.

This configuration will position bicyclists to cross the railroad tracks at a more appropriate and safe angle to then continue east on Laurel Street or south on the Mason Trail. The new bike/bus lane will include the city’s first dedicated bike signal, directing cyclists when to proceed. The new setup will allow additional “green time” when cyclists are present to ensure sufficient time to traverse the intersection.

Green paint will be placed through the intersection, guiding cyclists across the railroad tracks. We encourage cyclists to use the brand new Mason Trail, which picks up on the southeast corner of Laurel and Mason, when heading south of Laurel. While cyclists are allowed to use the street (though not the dedicated guideway), using the trail allows MAX to maintain its schedule and support this corridor as a truly multimodal asset to the community.

The City’s Bicycle Ambassador Program and CSU’s RAMbassador Program will partner this week to provide on-site education to introduce the new design. Come join us from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8 to Friday, Oct. 10 to experience the intersection for yourself and chat with one of the Ambassadors to learn more on how the navigate the intersection.

The city also is excited to introduce FC Bikes’ new staff member, Jamie Gaskill-Fox, who will be coordinating the Bicycle Ambassador Program. The education outreach at Laurel and Mason will be one of her first initiatives, so be sure to stop by and say “hi” when you check out the new infrastructure this week.

Tessa Greegor is FC Bikes Program manager for the city of Fort Collins.