H . Bike Box / Advance Stop Line
At busy intersections , bicyclists often have difficulty crossing streets . Installing a bike box / advance stop line allows bicyclists to get to the front of traffic and proceed first when the traffic signal changes to green . The bike box allows bicyclists to be more visible to motorists and eliminates conflicts with right turn movement traffic . Bike boxes have been used effectively in Cambridge , MA ; Eugene , OR ; Vancouver , BC ; and in European countries .
Design Criteria :
• Bike boxes are located at intersections between pedestrian crosswalks and stop lines .
• Bike boxes are located at a right angle extension to a bike lane at the head of an intersection and allow increased motorist and bicyclist visibility .
• The “ box ” should have a contrasting pavement color and / or be clearly marked . Preferred color is blue or green ( Figure 7.52 . 19 ).
• Bike boxes can range from 6 feet to 12 feet in depth . The preferred depth is 12 feet .
• Design the bike box wide enough to encompass the entire outer lane and the adjacent bike lane if present .
• Right vehicle turns on red are prohibited ( except bikes ).
• Do not allow the bike box to encroach or extend into the crosswalk .
• Provide signage and pavement marking per Figure 7.52.20 .
• Bike boxes are effective for use in high volumes of traffic and with high turning movements .
• Bike boxes are not currently included in MUTCD standards .
• Bike boxes can be combined with bicycle signal .
• Bike boxes at intersections with high volumes of right turns may not be compatible .
Figure 7.52.19 . Example of bike boxes filled in color to designate space for bicyclists . Painting or colored additives applied to the pavement are preferred over thermoplastic striping to reduce slick surface .
Figure 7.52.20 . Plan view of bicycle box configuration
7-40 | Chapter 7 : Design Guidelines