​Cycle Tracks

A cycle track is a portion of a right-of-way contiguous with the traveled way, which has been designated by pavement markings and, signs will be used exclusive to bicyclists. Cycle tracks are typically one-way at a higher elevation than the adjacent roadway, and are separated from the vehicle lane by a physical barrier or buffer such as a curb, planting strip, or parked cars.

Cycle tracks create the following operational and design challenges:

• Motor vehicles entering the arterial roadway from a side street that is stop-controlled must cross through bicycle traffic to view arterial roadway traffic around the parked cars. This may cause motor vehicles to block the cycle track as they edge forward to see around parked vehicles.
• Drivers of motor vehicles crossing or turning from the road with cycle tracks may not be able to see bicyclists in the cycle tracks if they are blocked by parked vehicles.
• To make a left turn, bicyclists must merge into the travel lanes from behind a line of parked cars, creating a situation with poor sight lines between motorists and bicyclists. If parking is fully-utilized, this may not be possible except at signalized intersections where bicyclists are given an exclusive phase to make a left turn.
• Motor vehicle passengers are not accustomed to looking for bicyclists when they open doors and exit on the right side of the vehicle. Consequently, several feet of shy distance (e.g., lateral space) is needed between the parked motor vehicles and the cycle track.
• If the facility is a two-way bicycle cycle track, bicyclists may ride in the opposite direction of adjacent motor vehicle traffic, making them vulnerable to motor vehicle drivers who only look to their left when turning right from a side street.
• In most cases, cycle tracks should not be placed between parked cars and the curb, unless the aforementioned issues can be addressed.