What is the minimum width for an on-street bike lane with marked parallel parking?

What is the minimum width for an on-street bike lane with marked parallel parking?

• A. 1.5 m (4.92 ft)
• B. 1.0 m (3.28 ft)
• C. 2.0 m (6.56 ft)
• D. 1.2 m (3.94 ft)

Answer: (B)

When a bike lane sits directly beside parallel parking, you have to account for the risk of doors opening into the lane and the need for a cyclist to ride with some lateral clearance. The smallest width that still lets a rider maintain a reasonable path and keep a little space away from opened doors is about 1.0 m. If the lane were any narrower, cyclists would be forced too close to parked cars or into the adjacent travel lane, increasing danger. Wider widths, such as 1.2 m or more, improve comfort and safety, but the minimum in this situation is 1.0 m.

When a bike lane sits directly beside parallel parking, you have to account for the risk of doors opening into the lane and the need for a cyclist to ride with some lateral clearance. The smallest width that still lets a rider maintain a reasonable path and keep a little space away from opened doors is about 1.0 m. If the lane were any narrower, cyclists would be forced too close to parked cars or into the adjacent travel lane, increasing danger. Wider widths, such as 1.2 m or more, improve comfort and safety, but the minimum in this situation is 1.0 m.