Bicycle lanes and bike paths in Castle Rock Colorado, how sweet it could be.  Over the years, in Portland Oregon, research was carried out for techniques that could help improve the situation in bike conflict areas.  Bicycle lanes provide enormous benefits to all users, the motorist, roller blade user and cyclists and thereby opening up the sidewalks for their intended pedestrian use.  To do this they identify a space in which to ride and for the motorist to expect bicycle traffic giving motorists the security of where to expect cyclists while eliminating the need for the cyclist to weave in and out of traffic or parked cars.  Bike lanes help greenhorn cyclists feel more self-assured and willing to ride; bicycle lanes generally increase the visibility of bicyclists while allowing trtaffic to flow. 
With the inclusion of new bicycle lanes, some questions are raised.  Motorists may be unaware that it is illegal to drive and park in bicycle lanes, and even more critical, they are unaware of the need to yield to cyclists when crossing a bicycle lane to turn right or get into a right-turn only lane.  The result of this is a fairly high level of conflicts in these areas--both in terms of crashes and "near misses."
They found that the most promising, cost-effective technique is to use colored pavement markings to delineate the conflict area.  This technique is used in many European cities and has been found to reduce conflicts.  Currently however, this technique has not been used in American cities, and is not included in traffic markings standards.  We could go this route, or here is another option, please read on...

REI/Bicycle Friendly Communities Grant Program