Introduction
An advisory bicycle lane is a roadway striping configuration which provides for two-way motor vehicle and bicycle traffic using a central travel lane and “advisory” bike lanes on either side. The center lane is dedicated to, and shared by, motorists traveling in both directions. Cyclists are given preference in the bike lanes but motorists can encroach into the bike lanes in order to pass other road users after yielding to cyclists. This can sound ludicrous to those not familiar with the concept but it works well in numerous countries, including the US and Canada. The video below was produced by the City of Ottawa and is a good explanation of how this type of road operates.
An advisory bicycle lane is a roadway striping configuration which provides for two-way motor vehicle and bicycle traffic using a central travel lane and “advisory” bike lanes on either side. The center lane is dedicated to, and shared by, motorists traveling in both directions. Cyclists are given preference in the bike lanes but motorists can encroach into the bike lanes in order to pass other road users after yielding to cyclists. This can sound ludicrous to those not familiar with the concept but it works well in numerous countries, including the US and Canada. The video below was produced by the City of Ottawa and is a good explanation of how this type of road operates.
Terminology
Depending on the country and the governing agency, this facility can have different names. Examples include: 2-minus-1 roads (New Zealand), Advisory Shoulders (U.S. Federal Highway Administration), Fahrradstrasse (Germany), Suggestiestrook (Netherlands), and Suggestion Lanes (an English translation of Suggestiestrook). On this website, I will use the term “Advisory Bicycle Lane”, “Advisory Bike Lane” and ABL interchangeably. This is the term I hear most often and it seems to be the most accurate in capturing the treatment’s intent.
Depending on the country and the governing agency, this facility can have different names. Examples include: 2-minus-1 roads (New Zealand), Advisory Shoulders (U.S. Federal Highway Administration), Fahrradstrasse (Germany), Suggestiestrook (Netherlands), and Suggestion Lanes (an English translation of Suggestiestrook). On this website, I will use the term “Advisory Bicycle Lane”, “Advisory Bike Lane” and ABL interchangeably. This is the term I hear most often and it seems to be the most accurate in capturing the treatment’s intent.
Purpose
This website is intended to be a repository of information and design guidance on ABLs. This site targets traffic engineers, bicycle advocates and those that are generally more knowledgeable than average with respect to road design but can be a resource for the layperson as well.
Links to significant documents, design guidance, links to useful videos and information on the FHWA experimentation process are contained here.
This website is intended to be a repository of information and design guidance on ABLs. This site targets traffic engineers, bicycle advocates and those that are generally more knowledgeable than average with respect to road design but can be a resource for the layperson as well.
Links to significant documents, design guidance, links to useful videos and information on the FHWA experimentation process are contained here.
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About the AuthorMichael WilliamsI studied ABLs during a visit to the Netherlands and was immediately drawn to the potential of the treatment, especially for the rural environment.
This website has two goals: 1) ensure accurate information is available to everybody and 2) put a stake in the ground on design issues with an intent to foster dialogue around those issues. I was a bicycle and pedestrian advocate for over ten years before returning to school for a Masters in Civil Engineering. I now work for Alta Planning+Design. I am not a licensed Professional Engineer and information on this website should not be considered direction or advice from a PE. Additionally, despite being associated with Alta, all of the opinions on this website are strictly my own and may not align with Alta's positions. I am a consultant registered to operate in the state of Oregon.I am |
Alta Planning+Design have been very supportive of both me and the ABL concept. Their willingness to fund work like the white paper on Advisory Bike Lanes is part of what makes them a leader in their field. My thanks go out to them.
Contact Me
If you have any questions or information you would like to share, send me an email!
Top Photo Courtesy of Richard Sparks
Bottom Photo Courtesy of Erica Wygonik
Bottom Photo Courtesy of Erica Wygonik
