Green Lights for Bike Traffic Signals

With bicycling growing in popularity while driving decreases, should a city install "bicycle-specific traffic signals"? Mary Ebeling of State Smart Transportation Initiatives provides guidance and helpful designs from city transportation officials.

2 minute read

January 6, 2013, 1:00 PM PST

By Irvin Dawid


Bike traffic signals accommodate cyclists better than conventional traffic signals.  Providing sufficient time to clear the intersection, ensuring activation of the traffic signal, and reducing conflict with motorized traffic are some of the benefits.

Mary Ebeling writes that "(w)hile widely used in Europe and Australia, the U.S has been slow to adopt bicycle-specific traffic signals.  Currently 16 cities (including Austin, Denver, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington D.C) in the U.S. use bicycle-specific traffic signals."

So, what's holding them up?

A major hurdle lies with the fact that they are not incorportated into the federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). However, states can authorize them on their own - and the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) has provided detailed information and guidance for appropriate locations to install bicycle signal heads. 

"California relied on data from the bicycle-friendly city of Davs and approved their use in 1998. The State of California approved the use of bicycle traffic signals in 1998, based primarily on data from the City of Davis, California

"The State Smart Transportation Initiative, housed at the University of Wisconsin, promotes transportation practices that advance environmental sustainability and equitable economic development, while maintaining high standards of governmental efficiency and transparency."

Tracy Loew and Elida S. Perez, reporters for USA TODAY, write about an "October, 2012 study commissioned by the Oregon Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration. Last year Oregon lawmakers approved Senate Bill 130, adding bicycle-only signals to the state's list of traffic control devices."

"Chicago officials announced the city's first bicycle-specific traffic signal in August. Atlanta got its first bike signal in October.

The bicycle signal cost $1,000 to install in Salem, OR, according to assistant city traffic manager Tony Martin."

Tuesday, December 11, 2012 in The State Smart Transportation Initiative

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

elongated-horizontal-arrow-3.webp

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Small rural USPS post office in manufactured one-story grey building with American flag in front.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes

Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

February 12, 2025 - Cowboy State Daily

Chicago

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

April 8 - 2TheAdvocate.com

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog

Military humvee driving through gate at Fort Indiantown Gap Natl Guard training center in Pennsylvania surrounded by winter trees and dead leaves.

Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species

The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.

February 24 - Esri Blog