The Sebastopol Police Department would like to make everyone aware of the changed traffic conditions along Petaluma Avenue (State Route 116), between Palm Avenue and Sebastopol Avenue (State Route 12).
The roadway has been reconfigured to accommodate a new "green" bike lane. (See the attached photo of Petaluma Avenue.) As a result, Petaluma Avenue, in this area, has been reduced to a single lane for vehicle traffic. As a reminder, vehicles are not permitted to travel within the bicycle lane, with the following exceptions, per California Vehicle Code 21209 (a), which states:
No person shall drive a motor vehicle in a bicycle lane established on a roadway pursuant to Section 21207 except as follows:
(1) To park where parking is permitted.
(2) To enter or leave the roadway.
(3) To prepare for a turn within a distance of 200 feet from the intersection.
The Sebastopol Police Department recognizes that this changed configuration may cause some confusion for motorists and for the time being, traffic enforcement is being conducted for the purpose of raising awareness of the new conditions and enhancing traffic safety in the area. Please drive safely!
