Cycling Infrastructure: Protected Lanes, Paths & Your Rights

Quality cycling infrastructure dramatically reduces accidents. Understanding the different types helps you ride safer and know your rights.

Types of Cycling Infrastructure

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Protected Bike Lanes Physical barrier separates bikes from traffic. Reduces severe injury by 90%.

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Buffered Bike Lanes Painted buffer provides space but no physical protection.

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Standard Bike Lanes Simple painted lane. Better than nothing, but limited protection.

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Shared Lane Markings (Sharrows) Indicate cyclists may use lane. Controversial effectiveness.

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Multi-Use Paths Off-street paths shared with pedestrians.

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Cycle Tracks Bidirectional protected lanes, typically at sidewalk level.

Your Rights

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Using Infrastructure When bike infrastructure exists, you generally must use it—but exceptions apply:

• Preparing to turn

• Avoiding hazards

• Lane too narrow

• Infrastructure blocked

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When No Infrastructure You have full right to use the roadway.

Infrastructure and Liability

If you're injured due to defective infrastructure:

• City may be liable for design defects

• Government immunity may apply

• Notice requirements often strict

• Act quickly to preserve claims