If you’ve ridden Mt. Elliot on the east side of the Chevy Volt plant during the warmer months, you’re probably familiar with the serious asphalt ridge in the right lane. This ridge is likely the result of heavy truck traffic “shoving” the asphalt.

Apparently in the winter, this asphalt ridge prevents snow plows from clearing half of that travel lane.

The result? A seasonal road diet with bike lanes.

This seasonal reduction in road capacity — and the apparent lack of any negative impacts on vehicle travel — suggests this change could be made permanent with a little paint and some signs.

Streetfilms recently documented a similar situation in New York City where snow piles are acting like curb extensions.

Tags: bike lanes, Detroit, Mt. Elliot, road diet, snow