Bike Lane
A bike lane is a striped and signed lane for bicycle traffic. The purpose of a bike lane is to provide a dedicated space on the roadway for bicyclists. They are typically at least 5 feet wide, marked by solid white lines, with a white bicycle symbol each block.
As a bike lane approaches an intersection or bus stop, the white lines are dotted to indicate a shared space between thru bicyclists and turning motorists.
When you drive:
- Whenever you cross a bike lane to prepare for a turn or to park, always yield to thru bicyclists.
- A bike lane is restricted to bicycle traffic, except in instances when you need to turn, enter or leave the roadway or park adjacent to the bike lane.
- When parking next to a bike lane always look for approaching bicyclists before opening your door.
- There is no law that requires a bicyclist to ride in a bike lane. Even on streets with bike lanes, expect to see bicyclists in other lanes.
When you bike:
- As you approach an intersection use caution and assume turning or merging motorists do not see you. Wait behind motorists who are in the shared spaced preparing to turn.
- Whenever you enter or exit a bike lane, make sure to look behind you, signal and yield to vehicles already in adjacent travel lanes.
- Always travel in the same direction as traffic, unless the pavement markings in a bike lane allow you to travel against traffic.
- There is no law that requires you to ride in a bike lane. You should use adjacent lanes to pass another bicyclist, to avoid being too close to parked cars, to avoid obstructions or unsafe conditions or to prepare for a turn.
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Last updated Feb. 1, 2012