Q. How are drivers (and cyclists) to make sense of the new lane markings on Catherine St. between Fourth Ave. and Main? There’s a bike lane down the middle of the street with traffic on either side. Would any sensible cyclist ever use it? Every driver going west across Main must drive down the bike lane.

A. Bike lanes are suggestions, not orders. This one is a guide for the cross-car-lane jog that bicyclists have always had to navigate to continue west onto Miller. The lane encourages cyclists to cross over to the bike lane mid-block, rather than stay at the curb and dodge cars making right turns. A similar lane has long been in place on the east side of Fifth Ave. as it approaches Packard.

Got a question? Email question@aaobserver.com.