Walking and Biking Networks

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Bicycle road markings and signs

Bike lanes

Conventional bike lanes designate an exclusive space for bicyclists through the use of pavement marking and signs. The bike lane is located next to the motor vehicle lanes and flows in the same direction. They are typically on the right side of the street, between the motor vehicle lane and curb, road edge or parking lane. Bike lanes are usually marked with the word “bike” or the bike symbol and arrows; a solid white lane separates it from the motor vehicle lanes.

Shared lanes and bike boulevards

Shared Roadway or Bicycle boulevards signal to bicyclists this it’s a safer street to take than the nearby busy road. Bicycle boulevards are streets with low motorized traffic volumes and speeds, designated and designed to give bicycle travel priority. Bicycle Boulevards use signs, pavement markings, and speed and volume management measures to discourage through trips by motor vehicles and create safe, convenient bicycle crossings of busy arterial streets.

Buffered lanes

Buffered bike lanes are conventional lanes with an additional designated buffer space separating the bicycle lane from the motor vehicle lanes or parking lane to provide extra elbow room for bicyclists and increase safety.  They are usually marked with two solid white lines with diagonal hatching to indicate that no vehicles are allowed to travel in the buffered area.

Cycle tracks

Two-way cycle tracks allow bicycles to move in both directions on one side of the street. They are separated from motor vehicle traffic with double yellow lane striping. They are used for the comfort and safety of bicyclists of all ages and experiences levels where the space does not allow for buffered bike lanes on both sides of the street without removing desired parking spaces. Motorist cannot drive or park in bike lanes and must yield to bicyclist in the green marked areas and crossings.

Green bike lanes

Green colored pavement increases the visibility of the bicycle lanes, makes you aware of potential areas of conflict and reinforces priority to bicyclists. Colored pavement is commonly applied at intersections, driveways, and other conflict areas. Entire bike lanes may be colored. Motorists are expected to yield right of way to bicyclists in these locations.

Related links

Minnesota Department of Transportation bicycling

Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota - bicycle handbook

National Association of City Transportation Officials - Urban Bikeway Design Guide