A modification of the operation of a local street to function as a through street for bicycles while maintaining local access for automobiles. Traffic calming devices control traffic speeds and discourage through trips by automobiles. Traffic controls limit conflicts between automobiles and bicycles and give priority to through bicycle movement. Most rural bicycle travel on the state highway system is accommodated on shoulder bikeways. A portion of the roadway designated for preferential use by bicyclists.
Bike lanes are appropriate on urban arterials and major collectors.
They may be appropriate in rural areas where bicycle travel and demand is substantial. Bike lanes must always be well marked to call attention to their preferential use by bicyclists. These are typically used by pedestrians, joggers, skaters and bicyclists as two-way facilities. See chapter 3 for design standards.