Contra-flow Bike Lanes

Purpose

Provides dedicated on-road space for bicycle travel in the opposite direction of vehicle traffic on one-way streets to improve bicycle connectivity.

Description

Like conventional bike lanes, contra-flow bike lanes are a portion of the roadway designated for bicycles using signage, striping, and bicycle symbols placed in the lane. However, contraflow bike lanes are on streets with one-way vehicle traffic and allow bicyclists to travel in the opposite direction of the vehicle traffic. This designates a one-way street as a two-way street for bicyclists. Contra-flow bike lanes are typically designated with a double yellow lane marking to demarcate the lane from opposing traffic. There may also include vertical separation from opposing traffic. 

Safety Benefits

• Give bicyclists connectivity and access in both directions.
• Decrease wrong-way and sidewalk riding.
• Channelize bicycle and vehicle movements.
• Increase drivers’ awareness of the presence of bicyclists and can help make bicyclists’ movements more consistent and predictable.
• When implemented with a reduction in the number or width of travel lanes, can reduce driver speeding.

   

Street Types and Context

Applicable Street Types

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

Other Location Guidance 

• Dependent of vehicle volumes (see the FHWA Bikeway Selection Guide or the NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide for more information).
• Can be applied on streets where alternate routes require excessive out of-direction travel or are streets with no bicycle facilities.

Primary User Groups

Key Implementation Considerations

• Traffic signal modifications or the addition of bicycle signals may be necessary to accommodate bicyclists. Regulation signage should be added. 
• Contra-flow lanes should be installed on the correct side (right-hand side) of the street, as if it were a two-way street.
• Contra-flow lane markings should continue into intersections and major driveways to warn opposing drivers and bicyclists, and consideration should be given to adding green markings to enhance visibility
• Special considerations should be given before implementing contra-flow bike lanes adjacent to parking. Vehicles entering and exiting the parking lane will be interacting head-on with oncoming bicyclists. If space exists, consider a buffered bike lane design and door zone markings to further separate bicyclists in the contra-flow lane from oncoming and/or parked vehicles

Expected Crash Reduction

Studies show reduced risk. A crash reduction rate has not yet been determined for contraflow bike lanes; however, a study based in Australia found that contra-flow bike lanes reduce collision risk for bicyclists on one-way streets (Fehr & Peers, 2018).

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

• FHWA Bikeway Selection Guide
• NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide
• AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities
• BIKESAFE Bicycle Safety Guide and Countermeasure Selection System 

• Fehr & Peers, Safety Efficacy Confidence Levels for Pedestrian & Bicycle Treatments