Bike | Bicycle Lane Layouts
Bicycle paths, or cycling infrastructures in general, are dedicated paths used specifically by cyclists within cities. Typically built into existing networks of motorist roads and streets, bicycle paths are demarcated and equipped as safe and separate public thoroughfares that facilitate healthier cycling. As bicycle infrastructures continue to grow and gain more popularity around the world, related systems of bicycle sharing programs, bicycle repair facilities and bicycle storage locations. Bicycles paths are designed with a variety of types from separated in-road bikeways, shared in-road bikeways, and right-of-way paths.
The two most important considerations that should be made when designing a bicycle path are safety and accessibility. The conditions of the existing roadway needs to be assessed, specifically intersections and the merging of bike paths with the main roadway.
The minimum width of a bicycle lane on a roadway with no curbs is 4 feet (1.2 m). If the roadway has a curb, this minimum width increases to 5 feet (1.5 m). In general however, 6 feet (1.8 m) is considered and recommended as an ideal with for a bicycle lane.
The fastest speed a bicycle can go when in a bicycle path is considered to be a range between 20 and 30 mph (32.19-48.28 km/h) with the latter number found to be the maximum for most common commuters. Bicyclists are typically found to be traveling between 10 and 15 mph (16.09-24.14 km/h) .
