Grade-Separated Bike Lane

Review benefits of Protected Bike Lane

• Provides the greatest protection for cycling
• Can be located either within the public right-of-way or on properties owned by private entities allowing for connection of cycling facilities where on-street facilities are not feasible
• Grade-separated bike lanes that require capital construction can often include planted areas or trees
• Because grade-separated bike lanes are not located in the street, curbside access is maintained for motor vehicle loading, parking, or other uses

• Design consideration must be given to pedestrians with vision or ambulatory disabilities; emergency-vehicle and paratransit access to adjacent buildings; snow-clearing and street-sweeping needs; commercial vehicles loading and unloading; bicycling visibility at intersections; and establishment of right-of-way
• Grade change should be clear to all road users
• If lane is also two-way, review considerations for Two-Way Bike Lane

• Where the bike lane serves as an important connection to the bike network, or is along a park, waterfront, other open space where cross streets and driveways are infrequent

• Review the Bike Lane Table for a listing of typical bikeway designs and their respective spatial requirements, ideal applications, and advantages and disadvantages
• Adjust buffer width to avoid door swing from vehicles and to ensure that placement of signs, utilities, and street furniture does not obstruct cyclists
• Care must be given to the design of grade-separated bike lanes at intersections and driveways to maintain visibility of the cyclist to motorists and to reduce the risk of turning conflicts with motor vehicles
• In some circumstances (e.g., long stretches along open space or waterfront), a grade-separated bike lane can be designed for biking, walking, and other non-motorized uses rather than as a separate bike facility and sidewalk
• If designed as a shared-use facility, provide adequate space to accommodate anticipated volumes of lower- and higher-speed users and minimize conflicts