Introduction
An advisory bicycle lane, also known as an ABL, is a roadway striping configuration which provides for two-way motor vehicle and non-motorized traffic using a center lane and “advisory” or edge lanes on either side. The center lane is dedicated to, and shared by, motorists traveling in both directions. Vulnerable road users (VRUs), such as cyclists or pedestrians have right-of-way in the edge lanes but motorists can use the edge lanes, after yielding to the VRUs there, to pass other vehicles. This can sound ludicrous to those not familiar with the concept but it works well in numerous countries, including the US and Canada. This roadway configuration originated in the Netherlands where they have over 50 years and many hundreds of road-kilometers of experience with this facility.
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, also known as an ABL, is a roadway striping configuration which provides for two-way motor vehicle and non-motorized traffic using a center lane and “advisory” or edge lanes on either side. The center lane is dedicated to, and shared by, motorists traveling in both directions. Vulnerable road users (VRUs), such as cyclists or pedestrians have right-of-way in the edge lanes but motorists can use the edge lanes, after yielding to the VRUs there, to pass other vehicles. This can sound ludicrous to those not familiar with the concept but it works well in numerous countries, including the US and Canada. This roadway configuration originated in the Netherlands where they have over 50 years and many hundreds of road-kilometers of experience with this facility.
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 roadway type can have different names. Examples include: 2-minus-1 roads (New Zealand, Denmark), Advisory Shoulders (U.S. Federal Highway Administration), Schutzstreifen (Germany), Suggestiestrook (Netherlands), and Suggestion Lanes (an English translation of Suggestiestrook). On this website, I use the term “Advisory Bicycle Lane”, “Advisory Bike Lane” and ABL interchangeably. This is the term I hear most often and that most people recognize. Despite containing the word "bicycle" in its name, ABLs are useful for pedestrians, wheelchair users and all types of vulnerable road users.
Depending on the country and the governing agency, this roadway type can have different names. Examples include: 2-minus-1 roads (New Zealand, Denmark), Advisory Shoulders (U.S. Federal Highway Administration), Schutzstreifen (Germany), Suggestiestrook (Netherlands), and Suggestion Lanes (an English translation of Suggestiestrook). On this website, I use the term “Advisory Bicycle Lane”, “Advisory Bike Lane” and ABL interchangeably. This is the term I hear most often and that most people recognize. Despite containing the word "bicycle" in its name, ABLs are useful for pedestrians, wheelchair users and all types of vulnerable road users.
Purpose
This website has two goals around ABLs: 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. 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.
News
Presentation to the NCUTCD scheduled for January 10, 2019.
The NCUTCD makes recommendations on changes to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
Construction of the latest ABL in North America completed this Fall, 2018 in Hailey, ID.
Join the Discussion
An email-based listserve has been created to support discussion of ABLs. You can join by visiting lists.coe.neu.edu/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/advisorybikelanes.
This website has two goals around ABLs: 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. 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.
News
Presentation to the NCUTCD scheduled for January 10, 2019.
The NCUTCD makes recommendations on changes to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
Construction of the latest ABL in North America completed this Fall, 2018 in Hailey, ID.
Join the Discussion
An email-based listserve has been created to support discussion of ABLs. You can join by visiting lists.coe.neu.edu/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/advisorybikelanes.
Map of ABLs in North America
Please email me at bikepedx@gmail.com if you are aware of an ABL not shown. A detailed list is available on the More Info page.
Please email me at bikepedx@gmail.com if you are aware of an ABL not shown. A detailed list is available on the More Info page.
Bicycle symbols mark true ABLs.
Tear-drops mark pseudo-ABLs.
Advisory Bike Lanes |
Top Photo Courtesy of Richard Sparks
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