CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A new intersection in NoDa is causing some confusion for those behind the wheel.
The intersection's layout is called a Dutch-style protected bike lane. The goal is to make traveling safer, but it has caused cars to accidentally drive in the bike lane out of confusion.
When at a crosswalk, people follow crosswalk signals, just as drivers follow red lights. But, the new intersection at the corner of North Davidson Street and Jordan Place may have had some drivers thinking twice.
Last month, the city's almost $4.5 million projects opened. The goal is to increase safety for those on foot and on a bike.
Eric Zaverl with Sustain Charlotte said that Charlotte has come a long way and this intersection is just another step forward.
"This intersection in NoDa is not new for bike infrastructure," Zaverl said. "It’s been here in the U.S. for over a decade, but it’s new to Charlotte.”
There is a video circulating on social media that shows cars getting confused at the new intersection. One car used the crosswalk to exit the bike lane and another drove down the bike lane the entire way.
Tire marks are all across the medians, which show cars driving in the bike lane, exiting over the median, and returning back to the car lanes.
Paul Faulkner with Faulkner's Driving School said it's a good idea to refresh yourself on roads as they continue to change due to population growth.
“You should have a basic understanding of intersections," Faulkner said. "Make sure as drivers, when you look at intersections, and look for conflicts.”
As of Nov. 29, the intersection didn't have any signs or markings for the bike lanes. The city said it is working to finish the project.
Contact Austin Walker at awalker@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.