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Since You Asked: Crews worked to clear gravel off roads Tuesday Apr 25, 2017 at 12:01 AM I commute via bicycle. After it snows, all the rock and gravel on the road is later pushed into the bike lane. Also, all manner of debris ends up there as well since it is the lowest part of the road. This is hazardous for bike and automobile traffic as the bikes are often forced to avoid obstacles. Is the city of Medford aware of this? I realize many drivers consider these bike lanes as a nuisance, but we endeavor to keep everyone's air clean, cut down on noise and conserve fossil fuels. Surely bike riders are entitled to a clean pathway as those carrying a ton of metal everywhere. — C.T., Medford Actually, C.T., the Public Works Department is aware of the downsides of the gravel on streets and its impact on cyclists. We had a lot of snow this winter, and snowfall means the roads have to be treated with cinders that are definitely a nuisance for cyclists. After the snowfall over the winter, Cory Crebbin, Medford's director of Public Works, told the City Council that it will be a big job to clean it up the gravel when the weather improves. Crebbin said that after working with a local bicycle committee, his department came up with a plan to clear the streets. "We did a pretty good job of sweeping the bike lanes up," he said. The Oregon Department of Transportation also swept up the gravel on Interstate, 5 as well. — Send questions to “Since You Asked,” Mail Tribune Newsroom, P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501; by fax to 541-776-4376; or by email to [email protected]. To see a collection of columns, go to mailtribune.com/youasked. We’re sorry, but the volume of questions received prevents us from answering all of them.