Diamond lane on 19th

[elbows]

When I travel down 19th near Constitution, there is a diamond on the second lane from the right. Because this is usually around 9 p.m., cars are usually traveling >= 40 mph in their desire to get book it home to VA. I sometimes stick it out in the diamond lane since I am technically going straight (to get on the path on the south side of Constitution) whereas they are turning right and would mow me down if I tried to go straight from the right lane, but I have this sneaking suspicion that the diamond is not intended for me and is instead for slugs or something.

Thoughts? Sometimes I wus out and get on the sidewalk, but I don’t like doing that either.

Topic

[KLizotte]

I looked at Google streetview and see what you mean. I wouldn’t know what they meant either. According to VA DMV they signify an HOV lane (last page). According to Wikipedia, they mean:

A diamond lane is a special lane on a street or highway that is reserved for specific types of traffic. These lanes are usually marked with white diamonds or lozenge, hence their name. Diamond lanes are generally the right-most or left-most lane on the road. They are usually implemented to provide ways through traffic congestion, for safety reasons, and to encourage environmentally friendly transportation. A diamond lane may be intended for a specific type of traffic, or for several types. The intended use of a diamond lane is marked by traffic signs. In most areas, violating the rules of a diamond lane is punishable by a fine.

Some common examples are:

• High-occupancy vehicle lane, also known as a carpool lane. These are typically freeway lanes intended for multiple occupant or “green vehicles” (such as hybrid or electric cars).
• Bike lane, sometimes referred to as segregated cycle facilities. Separating bicycle traffic from pedestrian or motor vehicle traffic is typically safer and improves traffic flow.
• Bus lane, an uncongested lane for buses to travel, load, or unload in.
• Emergency vehicle lane, to help emergency vehicles get to their destination as fast as possible while avoiding traffic congestion.
• Taxicab lanes, most often found at airports or other transit hubs for passenger loading and unloading.
• Horse and buggy lanes in areas with significant Amish populations

In the case of 19th Street, perhaps it’s for drivers planning on taking the Rte 66 HOV lanes???

[kwarkentien]

It should be the bus lane. Those are typically marked with diamonds in DC.

[elbows]

Thanks, all. Dang, I was hoping it was bus or bike, but figured that was too good to be true. A label or sign would be nice. The diamond certainly doesn’t seem to dissuade all of the autos. I’m sure none of them are the kind of people who would rant about those *%* law-skirting cyclists.

[Author]

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