02.3 - Separated Bike Lanes - DCC-UMX

Other road users may cross the bike path but not ride along it.

Physical separation of some sort is needed.

Where to use it

• Main roads with fast driving cars
• In presence of high cycling volumes
• Wide roads - They normally also have high volumes and speeds of car traffic

Direction of bike paths

One-way path

2 tracks, one on each side of the road

When to use:

• Always
  • In most cases this is preferable
• When there is commercial activity

Two-way path

1 path that allows to move in both direction.

When to use:

• When it saves time or distance - preventing crossing (for example on very wide roads)
• There's also a one-way path on the other side of the road
• Along waterbodies or parks

Separation of bike paths from car lanes

There are in general 4 ways to separate bike paths from the rest of the roads:

• Light method
• Medium method
• Hard method
• Level method

Light separation of bike paths

There is just a simple curb, not very high or wide

The distance between cyclists and drivers is very short. Preferred only on more local contexts

Medium separation of bike paths

Wider and higher than #Light separation of bike paths (meybe a fence)

Hard separation of bike paths

Wide and very prominent physical separation between road and bike path allowing for trees and grass to be planted.

Level separation of bike paths

This is similar to #Light separation of bike paths but the path is raised from the road making the dinstiction clearer.

Separation of bike paths from sidewalk

Always create a physical separation between bike paths and sidewalks:

Width of the bike path

Surface of the bike path

Asphalt is preferable since is smoother for cyclists

Pros and Cons

• [p] Safety

• [p] Comfort

• [c] Cost