In a recording device, a bit patterned medium comprises a track of bit cells, each settable to one of two distinct bit states. The track comprises two generally parallel rows of bit cells. The bit cells in one row are offset in a down track direction from the bit cells in the other row. A write head spans the two rows. A controller synchronously applies write signals to the write head to set the trailing bit cell covered by the write head as the track moves relative to the write head, and thereby write data to the track. The trailing bit cell covered by the write head alternates from being in one row to being in another row. Read sensors are positioned to independently read bit cells in respective rows, as the track moves relative to the write head along the down track direction.