Bicycle Lane

A bicycle lane is a designated facility running along the curb, shoulder, or on-street parking lane for people biking. Bicycle lanes are traditionally one-way facilities running in the same direction as motor vehicle traffic, but they may be two-way or contraflow in some contexts. In contrast to a demonstration path, a quick build bike lane is typically installed for a longer duration to fill an important gap in the bicycle network. Bicycle lanes may be delineated by simple striping, by a striped buffer and/or vertical barriers.

Paint, flexible posts, and parked vehicles separate people biking from vehicle traffic. A large bike lane marking is painted in the bike lane. 
 Paint, K71 flex posts, and curb stops separate people biking from vehicle traffic. A large bike lane marking is painted in the bike lane.
Cambridge, MA (Kittelson & Associates, Inc.) San Francisco, CA (Kittelson & Associates, Inc.)

 

Program Goals This Project Type Meets

  • Increase safety (bicycle)
  • Improve travel options

Typical Applications

  • 1-4 lane residential or urban center roadway
  • On roadways which represent a current gap in the bicycle network
  • Within an existing on-street parking lane
  • Within a travel lane on a roadway with at least two travel lanes in each direction

Material Options

Design Considerations

  • One-way paths must be a minimum of 4’, while two-way require at least 10’
  • Where possible, provide a minimum 2’ buffer between the bike lane and vehicle travel lanes. If a buffer cannot be accommodated, include vertical barriers in the design.
  • Where paths must traverse driveways or navigate intersections, provide accommodations such as bike cross markings, green conflict striping, bike boxes, or curb extensions
  • Maintain truck, bus, and fire truck turning ability
  • Dash striping on approaches to and through transit stops
  • Temporary stencil markings and aluminum signs can be used to relay the path’s proper use and directionality to users

Other Considerations

  • Opportunity to include artistic elements and/or coordinate with a larger intersection mural project
  • ADA accessibility, particularly for pedestrians with visual impairments

Other Resources

Related Information

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