Cycle Track
A cycle track is a bicycle lane that has elements of a separated path and an on-street bike lane. It is a striped and signed lane for bicycle traffic with on-street parking to the left of the bike lane with a buffered area between the bike lane and parking. This design provides a space on the roadway for bicyclists who may feel uncomfortable riding in or directly adjacent to a travel lane with motor vehicles. Where cycle tracks are present, it is extremely important for motorists and bicyclists to be cautious at intersections.
A cycle track is currently present on 1st Ave N between N 8th St and Washington Ave.
When you drive or park:
- Never park or stop in the bike lane or buffered area of a cycle track.
- Before parking adjacent to a cycle track, always check parking restriction signs to ensure when and where parking is permitted. For more information about parking along 1st Ave N in downtown please visit the project page.
- Before turning across a cycle track, look over your right shoulder and check for bicyclists approaching the intersection. If a bicyclist is approaching the intersection, you must yield and let them pass before turning. Bicyclists may be more difficult to see because they could be coming from behind parked cars.
When you bike:
- Unlike most streets with bike lanes, parking is to the left of the cycle track. Watch for passenger’s side doors opening and pedestrians crossing the bike lane.
- As you approach an intersection, use caution and assume turning or merging motorists do not see you. It may be more difficult for motorists to see you because you could be coming from behind parked cars.
- If a vehicle is illegally parked or stopped in the cycle track you are allowed to merge left across the parking lane and pass the vehicle in the parking lane or adjacent travel lane.
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Last updated Feb. 1, 2012