Protected Bike Lanes and Intersections

What are cross-rides?

Similar to crosswalks for pedestrians, they allow cyclists to safely cross intersections and remain on their bikes. They are generally connected to dedicated cycling facilities such as segregated bike lanes, cycle tracks and other cycling infrastructure.

Cross-rides will allow cyclists to travel in one direction or both directions.

How do cross-rides work?

Cross-rides are essentially crosswalks for bikes. At these intersections, the cross-ride may be identified with thick painted blocks on either side, sometimes enhanced with arrowed bicycle stencils and/or green paint.

• At intersections with traffic lights, the cyclist may stay on their bike and cross the road when the signal display shows that the cyclist has the right-of-way
• At intersections with stop signs, cyclists may only cross when they have the right-of-way
• At roundabouts, the cyclists may stay on their bike and cross when there is a gap in vehicle traffic
• In some locations, there may be a mixed-use cross-ride which allows for cyclists and pedestrians to cross in the same space

Cross-ride tips for cyclists

• At intersections, move carefully along the marked cross-ride and watch for left- and right-turning vehicles (both ahead, behind, and to the right of you) to be sure that they are yielding. When crossing at a stop sign, cross carefully along the marked cross-ride and watch for vehicles turning off the main street, as well as vehicles approaching from the side street, to be sure that they are yielding.
• Always travel at a reasonable speed that allows for you to stop if needed
• Do not pass other cyclists within a cross-ride. Within the multi-use cross-ride, ring your bell and pass pedestrians with caution
• Do not travel the wrong way down a one-way cross-ride
• Always obey all traffic signs and signals

Cross-ride tips for drivers

• When making a turn, be extra careful for cyclists and pedestrians who are crossing the intersection
• Check left, straight, right and your blind spots before making your turn
• Signal your intention to turn early in order to provide the opportunity for other road users to react
• Drivers must yield to cyclists and pedestrians who enter into the intersection
• Always obey all traffic signs and signals

Cross-ride tips for pedestrians

• At intersections, move carefully along the marked crosswalk and watch for left- and right-turning vehicles (both ahead, behind, and to the right of you) to be sure that they are yielding
• When crossing at a stop sign, cross cautiously along the marked crosswalk and watch for vehicles turning off the main street, as well as vehicles approaching from the side street, to be sure that they are yielding
• Avoid texting or using electronic devices while crossing any roadway
• Always obey all traffic signs and signals.

What are cycle tracks?

Cycle tracks are dedicated cycling facilities that are located alongside the road but are physically separated from vehicular traffic by either a curb or buffer space. Depending on the style of cycle track, they may be at the same or different level as the sidewalk.

Cycle tracks are for cycling only and are generally different from sidewalks as they are made of asphalt, whereas sidewalks are made of concrete.

Cycle tracks are usually one-way and follow the direction of traffic.

At intersections, cycle tracks may:

• “bend in”, so that the cycle track is discontinued and becomes a painted bike lane, requiring cyclists to re-enter the roadway before crossing the intersection

-or-

• “bend out”, so that the cycle track is continued through the intersection, and cyclists cross the intersection along a designated “cross-ride” beside the pedestrian crosswalk.

What are the advantages of cycle tracks?

• They offer a safer and more attractive option for cycling than shared lanes or painted bike lanes
• They can greatly reduce cycling collisions involving parked cars and the opportunity of “dooring” collisions
• The design of the cycle track reduces obstructions caused by parked/stopped motor vehicles

Key messages for road users

Cyclists

• Never travel the wrong way down a one-way cycle track
• Always enter an intersection cautiously along the marked cross-ride and watch for turning vehicles to ensure that they are yielding
• Be aware of other road users who may enter the cycle track; watch particularly for:
• Vehicles entering/exiting driveways (drivers who are reversing out of a driveway may have limited sight distance);
• Pedestrians moving between the sidewalk and the road (to/from parked cars, boarding/exiting buses, or crossing the street)
• Yield to pedestrians crossing the cycle track at marked crosswalks, and at bus stops and school drop-off/pick-up zones
• Travel at a reasonable speed that allows you to stop if necessary
• Ring your bell when passing other cyclists and pedestrians
• Always obey all traffic signs and signals

Drivers

• When entering an intersection, watch and yield to cyclists in the cycle track
• When making a turn, be extra careful for cyclists and pedestrians who are crossing the intersection
• Watch for cyclists in the cycle track when entering/exiting driveways
• Be cautious if you need to reverse out of a driveway along the cycle track, particularly if your line of sight is limited
• Always travel at a reasonable speed that allows you to stop if necessary
• Always obey all traffic signs and signals

Pedestrians

• When crossing a cycle track, watch for cyclists in both directions
• Avoid waiting to cross the road on the cycle track
• Always obey all traffic signs and signals

To make intersections safer and more comfortable for people walking, cycling and driving or riding in motor vehicles, the City of Burlington is implementing the ‘protected intersection’ concept where feasible. The concept is based on a tested Dutch design that has been implemented throughout the United States and Canada.

While protected bike lanes aren’t new to Burlington residents, the concept of protected intersections likely are. Protected intersections bring the physical protection of a protected bike lane to the intersection through a series of design elements that minimize conflicts from turning cars.

Protected intersections provide dedicated space and crossings for pedestrians, bicycles and motor vehicles at an intersection with traffic lights. The design improves safety and comfort while minimizing potential conflicts by using the following key principles:

• Corner safety island
  • This is a raised area at the corner of the intersection that physically protects cyclists and pedestrians from turning vehicles. It provides a secure place for cyclists and pedestrians waiting at a red light and restricts the speed of right-turning vehicles.

• Forward stop bar
  • When facing a red light, motorists must stop before the crosswalk (before the white painted bars), but cyclists yield to pedestrians as they approach the intersection and then stop at the curb. This advanced positioning makes cyclists and pedestrians more visible to motorists and allows cyclists and pedestrians a head start when the traffic light turns green. Finally, the forward stop bar decreases the distance across the road that cyclists and pedestrians need to cross.
• Setback cross-ride and crosswalk
  • The crossride and crosswalk is moved away from the vehicle travel lane to provide better visibility of cyclists and pedestrians for turning motorists. The design ensures that vehicles are at least partially turned before they cross the cyclists’ or pedestrians’ path. This positioning provides improved visibility, allows for eye-contact between motorists and cyclists or pedestrians, and provides time and space for turning motorists to yield to cyclists in the crossride or pedestrians in the crosswalk.

There are a number of elements that can be built into traffic signal design, depending on the specific needs. Dedicated bicycle signal displays allow the display to be positioned for improved visibility by cyclists.

Special bicycle signal phasing can be programmed to provide an advanced green for cyclists or to totally separate the movement of cyclists from that of motorists.