HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) – A new green bike box has been painted onto the street at Mount Clinton Pike and North Main Street in Harrisonburg.

A bike box is a designated area at intersections that allows bicyclists to get out in front of traffic and be more visible.

Harrisonburg Police Departments Sergeant Wayne Westfall says motorists need to stop at the first stop line prior to the green zone.

“Bicyclists are then allowed to come forward and get in front of that motor vehicle inside that green box behind the other white line,” said Westfall. “Which then allows that bicyclist to be seen easily by the motorist and then that bike can proceed across the intersection.”

When the light turns green, bicyclists can continue safely across the intersection.

Westfall adds that motorists need to always look out for bicycles when making turns at intersections featuring bike boxes and lanes.