Funded in partnership with PeopleForBikes, this study was a comprehensive analysis of separated bicycle facilities in six U.S. cities: Chicago, Illinois; Washington, D.C.; Austin, Texas; Portland, Oregon; Memphis, Tennessee; and San Francisco, California. Video observation was used to evaluate safety and operations, and user surveys (of bicyclists, drivers and pedestrians) assessed attitudes, perceptions, preference, use, and understanding. The research team worked closely with practicing professionals in these cities as part of the project, including conducting site visits to all cities and meeting with city staff on multiple occasions.

A measured increase was observed in ridership on all facilities after the installation of the protected cycling facilities, ranging from +21% to +171%. Over a quarter of riders indicated they are riding more in general because of the protected bike lanes. Support for the protected lanes among residents was generally strong with 75% saying that they would support building more protected bike lanes at other locations. Findings from the study included suggestions for clarifying and improving turning and mixing zones at intersections; improved understanding of the perceived safety benefits of various types of bike lane buffers; and insights into the importance of protected bike lanes in encouraging more women, traditionally underrepresented among bicyclists, to ride a bicycle for transportation.

“The timing is great. The surge of interest in protected bike lanes in cities and towns across the country is being matched by agency work to better understand, refine and standardize the designs. We are delighted to have helped fund this important and rigorous project.”
-Martha Roskowski, vice president of local innovation for People for Bikes

Learn more about Lessons from the Green Lanes: Evaluating Protected Bike Lanes in the U.S., led by Chris Monsere, Portland State University.