Buffered Bike Lanes

Purpose

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 include a horizontal buffer space that separates the bike lane from vehicle traffic or parking. Buffered bike lanes are typically oriented in the same direction as adjacent general travel lanes, though contra-flow bikes lanes can also include buffers. The buffer is provided through hashed pavement markings between the bike lanes and general travel lanes or parking, 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.
• Can give space for bicyclists to pass other bicyclists without entering a vehicle lane.
• Allows bicyclists to ride outside of the door zone when the buffer is located between parked cars and the bike lane.
• Can improve sightlines of bicyclists for vehicles at cross streets and driveways.
• When implemented with a reduction in the number or width of travel lanes, can reduce driver speeding. 

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 or where a separated facility is not feasible
• Streets with extra lanes or lane width.

• Dependent on vehicle volumes and speeds (see the FHWA Bikeway Selection Guide or NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide for more information).

Primary User Groups

Key Implementation Considerations

• Locations of transit stops need to be considered to ensure that the design manages bicycle/scooter and bus interactions.
• Buffer should not be wide enough that it is mistaken for a parking or travel lane.
• 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

Typically, moderate to medium cost.

Timeline

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

• AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities
• FHWA Bikeway Selection Guide
• NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide