Advance boxes allow cyclists to wait in front of motorists at a red light and then enter the intersection first after the signal changes. Generally, they are well-marked by paint. Advance boxes are quite popular in Europe and have been piloted in several American cities including Davis, California and Portland, Oregon. They are often accompanied by [..]

With Advisory Bike Lanes the center line has been removed from the road in order to have room to stripe “advisory” bike lanes. The dashed lines (as opposed to solid) allow motor vehicles to occupy that space when a bicyclist is not using it. Without the center line striping, motorists are encouraged to travel slower and move more to the left when o [..]

Studies show that a lack of bicycle parking facilities is a significant barrier to bicycle use. Non-Motorized Transportation Pilot Project (NTP) funds can be used to purchase bike racks at locations like schools, shopping centers, workplaces, libraries, post offices, recreational areas, and other centers of activity. Racks placed on private propert [..]

Bicycle signal heads are stoplight signals that give cyclists a few seconds of a head start in passing through the intersection. They are especially useful when used in conjunction with Advance Boxes, and are also recommended in places where a right turn lane for motorists crosses a side bicycle path. Right-turning vehicles receive a red arrow sign [..]

Bike lanes are on-street facilities at least 5 feet wide for each-way travel consistent with the flow of traffic and generally on the right side of the travel lane(s). Applicants are encouraged to provide as much width as possible for bike lanes and consider novel treatments to make lanes more inviting and conspicuous (such as colored asphalt). On [..]

Most bike paths are shared-use facilities that accommodate bicyclists, pedestrians, and skaters. When possible, pedestrians should be separated from the bicyclists on bike paths and multi-use trails. These off-street facilities are often located along rivers, railroad corridors, utility easements, and canals, or through parks and other open space. [..]

The term ‘bike route’ may denote any corridor recommended for bicycle travel. For planning purposes, the term is limited to roads marked with bike route signs. There is no uniform or consistent methodology to determine which roads are suitable for such a designation. As a result, many bicyclists believe that designated “bike routes” do more harm th [..]

Bike stations are facilities where people can park bikes, rent bikes, get bikes fixed, obtain maps, rent lockers, and sometimes even take a shower. Most bike stations, especially in Europe , are connected to a train station or other major transit hub, allowing for convenient multi-modal travel. Full-service bike stations with sheltered parking for [..]

Although bike boulevards or bicycle streets can be located anywhere, they are generally located on a low-traveled street (less than 3,000 cars a day) that is parallel to a nearby arterial street where bike lanes are not feasible. To attract bicyclists who want to travel at a steady pace, Bike/Walk Streets (aka: Bicycle Boulevards) must be properly [..]

NTP funds will not be used to construct an overpass where a suitable at-grade (ground level) crossing is possible. Studies show that most pedestrians and bicyclists will avoid an overpass if an at-grade crossing is available. Not only do overpasses and bridges cost far more to build, but they also take more time to use and demand more exertion from [..]