October 18, 2019 -

Kingston's first bike box is being installed at the intersection of Princess and Division streets. A bike box is a green road marking that indicates the bike-designated area at a signalized intersection. The bike box allows cyclists to move ahead of motorized vehicles into a safe and visible location when traffic signals are red.

"Bike boxes are one type of cycling infrastructure the City is implementing to make it easier for residents to get around using active modes of transportation," explains Ian Semple, the City of Kingston's Director of Transportation Services. "Bike boxes make it easier and safer for a cyclist waiting at an intersection to make a left turn."

Installation of the bike box at Princess and Division was originally scheduled for summer of this year before City engineers identified needed asphalt repairs in the area. These repairs have now been completed.

Bike boxes significantly increase the visibility of cyclists, making motorists more aware of their presence. They also prevent drivers from making right turns in front of cyclists approaching from behind, increasing the level of safety at the intersection for all road users.

Vehicles are required to stop behind the green bike box. Once the signal is green, the motorist will wait for the cyclist to proceed through the intersection. Motorists cannot turn right on a red light at an intersection with a bike box. If the signal is green on approach to the intersection with a bike box, it is treated as a normal intersection and traffic proceeds as usual.

Find more information on Kingston's cycling infrastructure.