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Contra-flow bike lane

A contra-flow bicycle lane allows bicyclists to travel the opposite direction of motor vehicle traffic on a one-way street. There are several design options that can be used depending on the existing conditions: lanes with no physical separation; lanes with separation only at intersections, or separation only mid-block; lanes with complete separation (including lanes located between parallel parking and the sidewalk). Factors that should be considered during design include vehicle and bicycle turning movements, vehicle and bicycle ADT, available street width, existence of on-street parking and rate of turnover, and transit routes.
objective To clearly delineate locations where cyclists are allowed to ride against the flow of traffic.
applications One-way streets- especially in hilly areas, downtown areas, where other streets are not conducive to cycling, and/or where the alternate route is circuitous or hazardous. On some one-way streets, demand for a contra-flow lane is evident by the high level of illegal contra-flow bicycle traffic.
target population All Bicyclists, Motorists
crash type Wrong Side of Road
advantages
  • Provides a separate facility for cyclists traveling against motor vehicle traffic, which reduces conflicts between different road users.
  • Provides a more direct route and better street connectivity, especially where the alternative route requires substantial out-of-direction travel.
  • Decreases bicycle travel times, as they are not hindered by congested auto traffic.
  • Decreases trip distance and the number of intersections bicyclists must travel through, which reduces travel time and potential conflicts.
disadvantages
  • Conflicts may arise if motorists are not expecting opposing bicyclists traveling on a one-way street
  • Motorists may use the adjacent bike lane for left-turn maneuvers
  • Where the contra-flow lane is located between parking and sidewalk, pedestrians traveling to or from their vehicles may not look before crossing
  • Permitting contra-flow travel may encourage cyclists to ride against traffic in other locations
  • A retrofit treatment within the existing pavement width may reduce vehicle capacity or parking
pointers A barrier at intersection approaches would prevent motorists from using the lane for left turns.
cost Varies, dependent on design, but generally about the same as a typical signing and striping project if the pavement width exists.
responsibility Public Works, Planning Department
further reading TRL Report 358: Further Developments in the Design of Contra-flow Cycling Schemes; ITE Journal, February 1986, Pg. 46
examples City of Cambridge, MA; City of Eugene, OR; City of Madison, WI; City of San Francisco, CA
related tools Left-side Bicycle Lane on One-Way Street, High-Visibility Bike Lanes

Index: alphabetical / cost / crash type / target population

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