CHAPTER THREE
Bicycle Boxes
BICYCLE BOX STRATEGIES
Dedicated space between the Location crosswalk and the motor vehicle stop line used to provide bicyclists a dedicated space to wait during a Areas with high volumes of red light is known as a bicycle box. turning bicyclists Putting bicyclists ahead of stopped traffic at a red light improves visibility and reduces conflicts. Bicycle boxes Areas where motor vehicles can also provide bicyclists a head start continue straight or turn right crossing a right-side bicycle lane through the intersection, which helps them make difficult turning movements and improves safety and comfort due to the difference in acceleration rates between bicycles and vehicles. In effect, the bicycle box puts bicyclists in front of vehicles, allowing them to “claim the lane.� Bicycle boxes also provide more space for several bicyclists to wait at a red light as opposed to being constrained to a 5-foot-wide bicycle lane. Additional information. Bicycle boxes are typically painted green with a minimum 13-foot depth and should be supplemented with appropriate MUTCD signage. Where right-turnonly lanes for vehicles occur, bicycle lanes should be designed to the left of the turn lane. If right-turnon-red is desired, consider ending the bicycle box at the edge of the bicycle lane to allow motor vehicles to make this turning movement. Bicycle box at an intersection
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Indication/Application Use a bicycle box to allow bicyclists to shift toward their desired side of the travel way. Depending on the location of the bicycle lane, left or right side, bicyclists can shift sides of the street to align themselves with vehicles making the same movement through the intersection. Bicycle boxes allow bicyclists to move to the front of the queue and make the first movement, minimizing conflicts with right turning vehicles. In these locations, right-turn-on-red movements should be prohibited.
Lakeland
Lakeland
Bicycle box at an intersection