Demonstration Path

A demonstration path is a designated pathway installed on a temporary basis within the roadway for people walking, biking, or rolling. A demonstration path can be installed for a special event, to temporarily fill gaps in the bicycle network, or as a proof-of-concept, and it may be one-way, two-way, or contraflow.

Repurposed curbside lane is lined with wave delineators and planters to mark the temporary pathway for people walking and biking. 
 A shoulder repurposed for people biking. Striping on the ground marks a buffer between the temporary pathway and the vehicle lane. A person is placing a sign that says "Separated Bike Lane" in a planter within the painted buffer.
Orlando, FL  Massachusetts (MassDOT) 

 

Program Goals This Project Type Meets

  • Increase safety (pedestrian and bike)
  • Improve travel options

Typical Applications

  • 1-4 lane residential or urban center roadway
  • 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 path 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
  • Temporary stencil markings and laminated or aluminum signs can be used to relay the path’s proper use and directionality to users
  • Where bike lanes already exist, demonstration projects may include the addition of a horizontal or vertical buffer
  • Provide accessible ramps to and from the sidewalk and detectable warning surfaces at entry and exist points
  • Consider path termini and safe transitions between varying cross sections

Other Considerations

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