Skip to Content
Streetsblog San Francisco home
Streetsblog San Francisco home
Log In
Streetsblog.net

American Traffic Engineering Establishment Finally Approves Bike Boxes

Bike boxes are going to become part of the standard street design guidance. Photo: NACTO
Bike boxes are on their way toward becoming a standard street design measure. Photo: NACTO
false

The wheels of change grind slowly at the institutions that guide the American traffic engineering establishment, but they are moving forward.

This week, U.S. DOT issued interim approval for bike boxes [PDF], a treatment that positions cyclists ahead of cars at intersections.

Dozens of American cities currently use bike boxes -- some for the better part of the past decade -- and the federal government is now satisfied enough by the results to conclude that they lead to "reductions in conflicts between bikes and turning drivers" and less crosswalk encroachment by both drivers and cyclists.

Cities installing bike boxes will still have to submit a request for "interim approval" to the Federal Highway Administration until a final rule is adopted, but now bike boxes will be perceived as less risky by transportation engineers.

The committee responsible for approving new bike infrastructure treatments for the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices recommended approval of bike boxes nearly three years ago. The same group has been dragging its feet on protected bike lanes, a key obstacle to their widespread installation.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog San Francisco

Commentary: Sara Barz is a Great Pick for SFMTA Board

Nomination faces uncertain path amid political tensions

December 6, 2024

Advocates Help Save Oakland Bus Shelters

Oakland's maintenance strategy shouldn't be to destroy the bus shelters to prevent vandalism, say advocates and more enlightened city staffers

December 6, 2024

Media Critique: Vision Zero Was Achieved Years Ago, Just not Here

To continue to report that Vision Zero may or may not be achievable is a form of disinformation. The SF Standard needs to do better

December 5, 2024
See all posts