Bike Box

A bike box is a type of advanced stop bar that is used at some signalized intersections. The bike box includes two elements 1) an advanced stop line for motorists to wait behind and 2) a marked spaced for bicyclists to wait in. When the traffic signal is red, motorists must wait behind the bike box and behind the stop line. Bicyclists are allowed to ride into the bike box and wait for a green signal. When the traffic signal turns green, motorists must yield to bicyclists before proceeding or making a turn.
The purpose of a bike box is to allow bicyclists to wait at the front of traffic queues so they are more visible to motorists. This is to improve the safety of bicyclists at intersections.
When you drive:
- If the traffic signal is red, you must wait behind the bike box and behind the advanced stop bar.
- When the traffic signal changes to green, you must yield to bicyclists who are waiting in the bike box.
- Look for additional bicyclists that may be approaching on your side.
When you bike:
- As you approach an intersection with bike box you may ride up to the front of the traffic queue. If the traffic signal is red, you may wait in the bike box.
- When the traffic signal changes to green, you may proceed through the intersection or make a turn.

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Last updated Feb. 1, 2012