Flying Wedge pavement stripes promote bicycle safety

Caltrans and bicycling advocates hope new pavement stripes will protect cyclists from hazards in the road.

The angled striping pattern is called the “Flying Wedge.” It was designed to warn bike riders of upcoming rumble strips. Roadside rumble strips have been effective in alerting motorists when their vehicle is veering off the road, but the uneven pavement can also be dangerous for bicyclists.

Currently, the “Flying Wedge” design is only being used on State Route 44 near Redding. Caltrans says it will continue to install them at the request of cyclists who see a need in a particular area.