Richmond Bikes

Protected Bike Lane

A protected bike lane combines the user experience of a multi-use trail with a conventional bike lane. They have different forms, but all share common elements — they provide space that is used for bicycles and are separated from motor vehicle travel lanes, parking lanes and sidewalks. Read a recent report on the ways protected bike lanes are supporting economic growth in cities where they are being built.

How to Use a Protected Bike Lane

CYCLIST

• Yield to pedestrians and wheelchair users who may be crossing the road and protected bike lane and give an audible signal before overtaking and passing any pedestrian.
• Watch for turning vehicles when approaching intersections, driveways and alleys.
• Be alert for passing bicyclists within the bike lane and for pedestrians crossing the bike lane to access parked motor vehicles.
• Be aware that the bike lane may weave as it approaches intersections to make bicyclists more visible to motorists.
• Stay to the right and allow faster users to pass safely.
• Use hand signals to tell motorist and pedestrians what you intend to do.

PEDESTRIANS

• Walk on sidewalk space.
• Watch and listen for protected bike lane users traveling from either direction just as you would when crossing a street.
• Cross protected bike lane at crosswalks.
• Be alert for nearby cyclists when crossing a protected bike lane to access a parked vehicle.

WHEELCHAIR USERS

• Travelers in wheelchairs are allowed to use bicycle lanes and public roads that have speed limits below 35 miles per hour. Individuals determine what is most comfortable and must follow the same rules as other protected bike lane users.

DRIVERS

• Park in the marked lane between the travel lane and the bike lane in instances where on-street parking is available.
• Take extra caution and look both ways before turning across the bike lane at intersections, driveways and alleys, especially when the barrier protected bike lane is protected by on-street parking.
• Watch for people on bikes traveling in both directions in two-way protected bike lanes.
• Remember bicyclists have the right-of-way at uncontrolled intersections, driveways and alleys.
• Don’t drive in a protected bike lane. You can turn across a protected bike lane, but must yield to people riding bicycles.
• Motorized scooters may not use cycle tracks.

Project Signage

Indiana Bike Code

Link to Department of Natural Resources Road Cycling website.
State Bicycle Code IAC 9-21-11
Abbreviated state code document