Buffered Bike Lanes

PurposeBBL1.png

Provides dedicated on-road space for bicycle travel with greater separation between travel lanes and bicyclists.

Description

Buffered bike lanes are a portion of the roadway designated for the use of bicyclists using signage, striping, and bicycle symbols placed in the lane. They are like conventional bike lanes but include a buffer space that separates the bike lane from vehicle traffic or parking. Buffered bike lanes are oriented in the same direction as adjacent general travel lanes. The buffer is provided through hashed pavement markings between the bike lanes and general travel lanes, typically providing an additional 1–3 feet of space between bicyclists and vehicles.

Safety Benefits

  • Allows for wider passing distance between bicyclists and vehicles.
  • Gives bicyclists more space while preventing the bike lane from being mistaken for a travel or parking lane.
  • Allows bicyclists to ride outside of the door zone when the buffer is located between parked cars and the bike lane

     

Street Types and Context

Applicable Street Types

  • Minor Arterials, Local Principal Streets and Local Minor Streets with posted speed limits below 35 mph.

Other Location Guidance 

  • Any street where a conventional bike lane is being considered.
  • Streets with extra lanes or lane width.
  • Dependent on vehicle volumes (see the FHWA Bikeway Selection Guide for more information).

     

Primary User Groups

cbl2.png

Key Implementation Considerations

  • Locations of transit stops need to be considered to ensure that bicycle and pedestrian interactions are managed.
  • May be infeasible without general travel or parking lane width reduction or reconfiguration.

     

Expected Crash Reduction

Nearly 50% based on engineering judgement. Research shows that buffered bike lanes are perceived to be safer by bicyclists, drivers, and practitioners and are associated with safer driving behaviors. (Burbidge and Shea, 2018). See also Conventional Bike Lanes.

Cost

bbl3.png

Typically, moderate to medium cost.

Timeline

bbl4.png

One year to three or more years, depending on complexity. For example, some bike lanes tied to capital projects may take longer for installation.

References

bbl5.png

Back to top