Bicycle Boulevard

Bicycle Boulevard

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Bicycle boulevards are lightly-trafficked streets that prioritize bicycles. Although many routes have no bike lanes, bicyclists are free to use the middle of the street, sharing road space with cars. Motorists on these routes therefore travel with caution because they expect to see bicyclists. These designated streets should be distinguished with uniformly colored signs and bold pavement markings.

For novices or younger riders, bicycle boulevards provide a transition between bike paths and high-traffic shared roads. But they are also quite useful for experienced riders because of their reduced traffic and connectivity.

The cost of implementing a bicycle boulevard network is significantly less than constructing bike paths or trails.

Traffic Calming Devices

Traffic calming measures are often employed to limit bicycle boulevards to local vehicles only. For example, diverters can direct cars to main thoroughfares, while allowing bicycles and pedestrians to safely continue along the route. At some intersections, motorists may be

restricted to a “right turn only”, while pedestrians and bicyclists are allowed to travel straight. Barriers may restrict cars altogether, creating a cul-de-sac feel along part of the route. Traffic circles and speed humps help to reduce vehicle speed through intersections. Electronic detectors can alert traffic signals when a bicycle approaches, allowing the cycle through while vehicles wait.

Berkeley’s Bicycle Boulevards

The City of Berkeley has created a near continuous network of bicycle boulevards that is considered one of the best in the nation. Because Berkeley has a traditional urban street grid, most roads stretch long distances, often from one end of the city to the other. In fact, Berkeley's long, narrow side streets are ideal for the concept (it likely would not work on wide suburban arterials). Four north-south and three east-west residential streets have been set aside for bicycles. These streets were chosen because they are near larger roads, so that most traffic can be diverted there rather than into residential neighborhoods.