Description

A bike box is a designated area at the head of a traffic lane at a signalized intersection that provides bicyclists with a safe and visible way to get ahead of queuing traffic during the red signal phase.

Click on the images below to view 3D concepts of a bike box. The configurations shown are based on Columbus, OH, Madison, WI, and Portland, OR, bike boxes.



Bike Box Benefits

Increases visibility of bicyclists. Read More+

“Despite positioning themselves further from the intersection, motorists were observed to give bicyclists the right-of-way more often with the presence of the bicycle box.” Brady, J., Mills, A., Loskorn, J., Duthie, j., Machemehl, R., Center for Transportation Research. (2010). Effects of Bicycle Boxes on Bicyclist and Motorist Behavior at Intersections. The City of Austin.

Reduces signal delay for bicyclists.

Facilitates bicyclist left turn positioning at intersections during red signal indication. This only applies to bike boxes that extend across the entire intersection.

Facilitates the transition from a right-side bike lane to a left-side bike lane during red signal indication. This only applies to bike boxes that extend across the entire intersection.

Helps prevent ‘right-hook’ conflicts with turning vehicles at the start of the green indication. Read More+

This is especially important in areas with high volumes of right-turning vehicles and/or trucks, whose high cabs make it difficult to see a bicyclist on the right, and who begin their turning maneuvers by going straight, which can deceive a bicyclist into thinking the truck is not turning. “Cyclists travelling straight ahead were found to be able to position themselves in front of the traffic thus reducing the risk of conflict with … turning vehicles.” Allen, D., S. Bygrave, and H. Harper. (2005). Behaviour at Cycle Advanced Stop Lines (Report No. PPR240). Transport for London, London Road Safety Unit.

Provides priority for bicyclists at signalized bicycle boulevard crossings of major streets.

Groups bicyclists together to clear an intersection quickly, minimizing impediment to transit or other traffic.

Pedestrians benefit from reduced vehicle encroachment into the crosswalk. Read More+

“The video data showed that motorist encroachment into the pedestrian crosswalk fell significantly compared to the control intersection. … This reduction of motor vehicles entering the crosswalk area has the potential to improve pedestrian safety” Monsere, C., & Dill, J. (2010). Evaluation of Bike Boxes at Signalized Intersections. Final Draft. Oregon Transportation Research and Education Consortium.

“All vehicles that encroached at control sites went into the pedestrian crossing, compared with 12% at [bike box] sites, indicating that [a bike box] can provide a buffer zone that discourages vehicles from blocking the pedestrian crossing.” Allen, D., S. Bygrave, and H. Harper. (2005). Behaviour at Cycle Advanced Stop Lines. Report No. PPR240. Transport for London, London Road Safety Unit.

Typical Applications

At signalized intersections with high volumes of bicycles and/or motor vehicles, especially those with frequent bicyclist left-turns and/or motorist right-turns.

Where there may be right or left-turning conflicts between bicyclists and motorists.

Where there is a desire to better accommodate left turning bicycle traffic.

Where a left turn is required to follow a designated bike route, access a shared-use path, or when the bicycle lane moves to the left side of the street.

When the dominant motor vehicle traffic flows right and bicycle traffic continues through (such as a Y intersection or access ramp).

Design Guidance

Maintenance

Colored pavement surface may be costly to maintain, especially in climates prone to snow/ice.

Placement of markings between tire tracks will reduce wear.

Treatment Adoption and Professional Consensus

Commonly used in dozens of European bicycle friendly cities.

Currently used in the following US cities:

Austin, TX Alexandria, VA Boston, MA Baltimore, MD Boston, MA Cambridge, MA Chicago, IL Columbus, OH Decatur, GA Madison, WI Minneapolis, MN New York, NY Phoenix, AZ Portland, OR Roswell, GA San Francisco, CA San Luis Obispo, CA Seattle, WA Tucson, AZ Washington, DC



Treatment details can be accessed below under design guidance