The Next Generation: Cycle Track & Buffered Bike Lane Demonstration Projects
What is a Cycle Track?
Last summer, as part of Mayor Adams' first 100 days commitment, the City of Portland installed our first-ever Cycle Track on SW Broadway. A demonstration project, the Cycle Track is designed to provide a more protected and comfortable space for cyclists than a conventional bike lane. At the same time, Portland installed "Buffered Bike Lanes" as a demonstration project on SW Stark and SW Oak.
The projects have been well received by the community, and will continue to be evaluated through this year's cycling season.
In our Bicycle Plan for 2030, Portland has set a goal for 25% of all trips to be taken by bike in 2030. To achieve this, we will need to provide state-of-the-art bike infrastructure that separates bikes from traffic, helping all types of riders to feel safe on the streets. These demonstration projects are our first steps toward those improvements. Our goal is for everyone — drivers, cyclists, and walkers — to get where they need to go safely and efficiently.
Schematic of SW Broadway
Schematic of proposed design for the SW Broadway PSU Cycle Track Demponstration Project from SW Clay to SW Jackson.
PSU Cycle Track corridor length
View showing length of SW Broadway PSU Cycle Track demonstration project and surrounding transportation environment.
PSU Cycle Track cross section
Cross section and design of proposed SW Broadway PSU Cycle Track demonstration project.
SW Mill to SW Montgomery on SW Broadway
View of SW Mill to SW Montgomery on SW Broadway incorporating design of the PSU Cycle Track demonstration project.
Profile of a typical intersection on SW Broadway
Profile of most of the interections on the PSU Cycle Track illustrating the left hand turn refuge to be used for the suggested two-stage left turn off the Cycle Track onto a cross street.
Why are we constructing cycle tracks (i.e., what’s wrong with Broadway the way it is now)?
The street currently works fine for people who are comfortable riding bicycles in mixed traffic. However, our designs are intended to make bicycling more comfortable for the majority of Portlanders who are not comfortable riding under such conditions. Our analysis indicates that most Portlanders would use a bicycle much more often than they currently do if they didn’t have to mix so much with automobiles. A cycle track provides that opportunity and is one of the reasons that bicycling is so well-used in cities that have features such as these facilities.
Why not use a simple bicycle lane?
Because the cycle track offers a more comfortable riding environment we believe it is more consistent with our efforts to make bicycling a part of daily life in Portland.
How does a Cycle Track provide more protection for cyclists than a bike lane?
Cycle Tracks provide more protection for cyclists by separating them from moving traffic. This is accomplished by either placing parked cars between the cycle lane and the vehicle travel lane, or by constructing a physical barrier such as a curb or a narrow median between the cycle lane and the travel lane.
What will drivers notice that is different about driving on a street with a Cycle Track?
There isn’t much of a change for drivers. They will still need to watch carefully for cyclists when they are turning right at cross-streets or driveways. Cyclists may not be as visible to drivers when they are traveling along a cycle track that is positioned behind parked cars. The travel way for vehicles will also be narrower. On Broadway, the number of travel lanes will be reduced from three to two.
How does parking work adjacent to a Cycle Track?
Drivers park parallel to the travel lane in the same way that they do today except that the parking lane is not adjacent to the curb. After leaving their parked vehicles drivers and passengers cross the Cycle Track to reach the sidewalk. A 3 foot buffer area separates the passenger side of the car from the Cycle Track. This area gives pedestrians an area to stop and wait comfortably for a gap if there are cyclists approaching.
Are Cycle Tracks expensive to implement?
The Cycle Tracks proposed for this demonstration project use parked cars as the barrier between the cycle lane and the travel lane so no construction is needed. As a consequence, they are low cost and relatively easy to implement.
Do Cycle Tracks provide any benefit for retail businesses on the street?
Cycle Tracks will attract more cyclists to the street and more people will use the street in total. This will likely be a benefit to businesses that attract passer-by shoppers.
