Safety Toolbox: Engineering

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Bicycle refuge island

Median islands should be at least two meters wide to be used as bike refuges. Narrower medians can accommodate bikes if the holding area is at an acute angle to roadway, which allows stopped cyclists to face oncoming motorists. Holding rails can also be installed so bicyclists do not have to put their feet down, thus making it quicker to start again.

objective

To aid bicyclists crossing a high traffic roadway. To provide bicycle access to cross streets where a median continues through the intersection.

applications

For use at the intersection of an off-street bike path and a busy roadway.

target population

All Bicyclists, Motorists

crash type

Auto R/W Violation, Excessive Speed, Improper Passing

advantages

Makes it easier for bicyclists to cross one direction of traffic at a time, especially when breaks between traffic platoons from opposite directions do not coincide
Calms traffic by reducing traffic volume on side street and can reduce the amount of cut-through traffic in residential areas by preventing left turns onto side street and through traffic on side street

disadvantages

Additional street width may be required
Debris and snow may collect in the bicycle passage, through the median, since it is not accessible to standard street maintenance vehicles

pointers

Slows traffic if roadway is narrowed sufficiently. Costs to retrofit medians for bicycles may be greater than if part of initial median design.

cost

Varies, dependent on design.

responsibility

Public Works Department, Planning Department

further reading

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examples

Fairfield CA; New South Wales, Australia

related tools

Pedestrian Refuge Islands

Index: alphabetical / cost / crash type / target population

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Safety Toolbox: Engineering