Land Policy Institute - Ask the Expert Forums

The concept of having a bike lane in one direction on one street and the opposite direction on another street may be appropriate if these are one-way streets and the bike lane is in the same direction as traffic flow.  But having a one-way bike lane on a two-way street is unconventional and may lead to problems.   It can be confusing for bicyclists looking to travel in the opposite direction of the bike lane.  You certainly don't want two-way traffic on a one-way bike lane and you do not want bikes traveling in the opposite direction of the adjacent vehicular lane.

The concept of a bike lane placed between the vehicle lane and a parallel parking area is recognized by the Michigan Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices.   Conflicts between driver's side doors opening into the bike lane may be a challenge, particularly in high turnover parking areas.   A little additional bike lane width in these areas should be explored.

Regarding the public, we have addressed this issue in the past by holding a public workshop and design input session.   You can often address the concerns of the public by discussing the issues and possible solutions in an open forum and then attempt to reach a consensus.  What are the options if the parking is removed?  Are driveways long enough to handle most guest parking on the apron?   What about side street parking?

Hope that helps.

Rod Arroyo
rarroyo@birchlerarroyo.com