New Infrastructure, New Rules

We’ve all seen them. The green boxes at certain intersections around Austin. Part of the ongoing expansion of cycling infrastructure in Austin. But if you’re not familiar with a bike box you’ve likely wondered “what are they?” We asked Nadia Barrera with the City of Austin Public Works Neighborhood Connectivity Division about them and here’s what she had to say.

What’s that Green Box?

The two green boxes at the intersection of Barton Springs Road and Lamar Boulevard are called “two-stage turn queues.” They help cyclists navigate turning left through an intersection.

Cyclists: Use the boxes when you want to turn left. For example, if you are traveling eastbound on Barton Springs and want to head north to downtown on Lamar, continue straight at the intersection of Barton Springs and Lamar through the green light rather than getting in the left turn lane. Upon reaching the green box, position yourself and your bicycle in the box facing north. When the light turns green for northbound traffic on Lamar, continue northbound. This maneuver is typically know as a “box left turn” or a “Copenhagen Left”.

Motorists: People driving motor vehicles should stay behind the green box while waiting at the red light. If a cyclist enters into the box, they have priority at the intersection. When the light turns green, wait until it is safe to pass the cyclist on the other side of the intersection.

And there you have it! New rules of the road for new cycling infrastructure!