29.10 Contraflow Bicycle Lanes

  • Contraflow bicycle lanes are dedicated bicycle lanes located on the left side of a one-way street that let bicyclists ride against the flow of traffic. They are an option where installing a bicycle lane that goes with the flow of traffic would generate a lot of out-of-direction travel. Installing them in areas with destinations that attract a lot of bicyclists provides more direct access to those facilities. Table 29.2 provides guidance on lane design.
Table 29.2 Design Guidelines for Contraflow Bicycle Lanes
Design Element Guideline
Facility Layout
  • Use a buffered contraflow bicycle lane if enough space is available.
    • Place bicycle lanes on both sides of vehicle lanes if enough space is available.
    • If space is not available for a dedicated with-flow bicycle lane, use shared lane markings to direct with-flow bicyclists to the right side of the road.
    • Contraflow bicycle lanes are most appropriate where few intersecting driveways and streets are present.
    Signs and Signals
    • Provide dedicated signal heads to contraflow bicycle lanes at traffic signals. A supplemental plaque reading Bicycle Signal can be used to indicate the signal head’s purpose.
    Markings
    • For text, symbols, and arrow markings, adhere to MUTCD Figure 9C-3. Define the bicycle lane direction.
    • If no on-street parking is present, use a solid double yellow lane line to separate vehicle lanes from the contraflow bicycle lane.
    • Extend markings across intersections so cross-street traffic knows to be on the lookout for contraflow bicyclists.
    • Apply bicycle lane symbols and directional arrows on the approach to and departure from each intersection.

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