What do double yellow lines mean?

Most drivers are aware that it is illegal to cross a double yellow center line, or to drive to the left of this center line during normal traffic conditions. Crossing a double yellow line is allowed for a left turn into or out of an alley, into or out of a private driveway/public street or to make a legal U-turn, but only when such movements can be made safely.

Double-double yellow lines are to be treated as a raised median and therefore it is illegal to drive through or make any turns through a double-double yellow line.

Can citizens install signs in the public right-of-way?

Only governmental agencies, such as the city, can authorize installation of signs in the public right-of-way. Therefore, a permit must be obtained from the City before installing any sign in the public right-of-way.

Who is responsible for trimming vegetation that is obscuring street signs in the public right-of-way?

When vegetation grows from private property and obscures street signs or signals, the city will notify the property owner, requiring that the vegetation be trimmed. If the property owner fails to take action within a specified period of time, the city will trim the vegetation and bill the property owner. Property owners should not allow vegetation to overhang into the public right-of-way. In an immediate hazard situation, the city may trim vegetation to improve visibility of a street sign or traffic signal, without any advance notice to a property owner.

Bicycle accidents

Studies show that the most common factor in bicycle accidents is bicyclists riding on the wrong side of the street, against the flow of traffic. Drivers do not expect bicyclists riding against traffic, and, therefore may not see them when vehicles make right turns at intersections. Bicyclists should ride with traffic, not against traffic. When crossing streets at signalized intersections, bicyclists should dismount and use the pedestrian push-button (if present) to allow extra crossing time. When the push-button is not available, bicyclists should ride through the intersection with normal traffic.

Traffic accidents

In 1986 the city implemented a traffic safety improvement program. Numerous steps were taken, including: new parking restrictions, elimination of mid-block pedestrian crossings, removal of intersection sight distance obstacles, improvement of signal progression on major streets and extensive consultation with members of local school safety boards and senior citizens. This successful program has enabled Englewood to keep our accident rate below the national average.