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Bicycles/Pedestrians

Safety Toolbox: Engineering


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Bicycle signals

   
A bicycle signal provides a separate signal to direct bicycle traffic through an intersection. Red, amber, and green bicycle indications are installed in addition to the standard red, amber and green ball and arrow indications. In California, bicycles have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles in most situations. Consequently, the City of Davis changed its municipal code to clarify that at intersections with bicycle signals, bicycles should only obey the bicycle indications. In Davis, ìthe current signal phasing provides for a minimum bicycle green time of 12 seconds and a maximum green time of 25 seconds. Additionally, a two-second all red interval is provided at the end of this phase as opposed to only one second at the end of other phases. Pedestrian cycle times are five seconds of walk and 18 seconds of pedestrian clearance.  Other treatments include: the installation of the bicycle signal heads include advance signing warning users that bicycle signals are in use at the intersection ahead, and a NO RIGHT TURN ON RED LED changeable sign prohibiting motor vehicles from conflicting with bike and pedestrian traffic during the bike phase.
objective To provide an exclusive phase for bicyclists at signalized intersections.
applications For use at intersections with considerable traffic volumes and conflicts. There are three kinds of intersections at which Davis, California has considered using bicycle signals and which have subsequently become standard in California: at tee intersections with major bicycle movement along the top of the tee, at the confluence of an off-street bike path with an intersection, and where separated bike paths run parallel to arterial streets.
target population All Bicyclists, Motorists
crash type Improper Turning, Traffic Signals and Signs, Improper Passing
advantages
  • Separates conflicting movements
  • Provides bicyclists priority movement at an intersection
  • Protects cyclists in the intersection, which may improve real and perceived safety at high conflict areas
  • Improves flow of all types of traffic through the intersection
  • Alternates right-of-way between different road users
disadvantages
  • May result in additional delay for motorists and loss of vehicular capacity, particularly where a scramble phase is employed
  • May create a false sense of security for bicyclists because they believe the bicycle signal phase will protect them
  • May not be supported by local traffic laws
  • Unfamiliar drivers may be confused or uncertain about intended purpose of signals
pointers Jurisdictions considering bicycle signals should ensure that they are enforceable and engage a public education campaign about their use before they are introduced.  They provide some of the best protection for cyclists at locations where off-street paths cross the roadway.
cost High
responsibility Public Works Department, Planning Department
further reading

City of Davis, California, The Use of Bicycle Signal Heads at Signalized Intersections July 1, 1996.
examples City of Davis , Department of Public Works; New York City, NY, Department of City Planning; City of San Francisco, CA
related tools Bicycle Detection, Educational Signs for Bicycle Detectors, Pavement Legends for Bicyclists

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