Bicycle Lanes

Posted on 06/23/2025 by Traffic Safety Team

Bicycle Lanes: Why We Don’t Always Have Them—and Why They Matter

If you’ve ever looked at a busy street in your neighborhood and wondered, “Why don’t we have bicycle lanes here?” You’re not alone. Whether you’re a daily rider, a parent, a planner, or simply someone who wants safer streets, bike lanes are a frequent topic of discussion.

Why Don’t We Just Build More—and Better—Bike Lanes?

Even when there’s strong support for adding bike lanes, they can’t always be installed everywhere. There are a few good reasons why. In some places, there simply isn’t enough space to add a bike lane without removing on-street parking or vehicle travel lanes, which can create other community concerns. Design standards also play a big role.

Florida’s Design Manual sets strict requirements for things like lane width, visibility, and roadside clearance. If a road doesn’t meet those standards, a bike lane might not be allowed. Then there are legal restrictions: for example, highways and limited-access roadways are off-limits to bicycles under Florida law.

And of course, funding is always a factor. Transportation budgets are limited, so bike lane projects are usually prioritized where there’s a clear safety issue or high demand. Even once bike lanes are in place, they’re not a one-and-done deal. They require ongoing maintenance, including sweeping, repainting faded markings, and keeping the lanes clear of obstructions.

What Is a Bike Lane?

Not all bicycle accommodations are the same. While the term ‘bike lane’ is commonly used, it actually refers to only one type of bicycle facility. According to the Florida Department of Transportation Design Manual (FDM), a bicycle facility is any feature designed to support and accommodate bicycle travel. This includes a range of infrastructure treatments, such as bike lanes, keyhole lanes, paved shoulders, separated bicycle lanes, shared-use paths, bicycle ramps, and specialized intersection treatments like bicycle boxes and two-stage turn boxes. Each serves a different purpose depending on traffic, roadway conditions, and user needs—which is why it’s important to understand how bike lanes fit within the broader bicycle network.

Types of Bicycle Facilities

Bicycle Network and Lane Types — *(Source: FHWA)*

A bike lane is a part of the road marked off just for people riding bicycles. You’ll usually see white lines, bike symbols, and sometimes green paint or buffer zones. These lanes help create a safe and predictable space for riders—so they’re not squeezed between moving cars or forced onto sidewalks. Florida follows specific standards outlined in the FDM and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) when designing bike lanes.

While they might look similar at first glance, there’s an important difference between a designated bike lane and a paved shoulder. A bike lane is a specifically marked and signed part of the roadway reserved for bicycle use. It includes pavement markings like the bike symbol and directional arrows, and often signage letting drivers know it’s there. In contrast, a paved shoulder is primarily meant for emergency stopping or vehicle recovery, but it can sometimes serve as a bicycle facility if it meets certain width and safety requirements. However, if it’s not marked as a bike lane, it doesn’t offer the same level of recognition or legal protection for cyclists.

Why Bike Lanes Matter

Bike lanes provide more than convenience. They’re about safety, access, and choices. They make it easier and safer for bicyclists to get to school, work, the store, or a park. This is especially on busy streets. And they serve a wide range of people: students biking to class, parents riding with their kids, older adults getting exercise, people who don’t own a car, tourists exploring town, and workers commuting or making deliveries.

Bike lanes also reduce vehicle congestion, cut down emissions, and make neighborhoods more walkable and livable. That’s why agencies like the FHWA and FDOT support better bike infrastructure as part of Complete Streets policies.

Advocacy groups, such as Bike Florida, North Florida Bicycle Club, and local cycling coalitions, as well as residents, champion for safer bike infrastructure. They help shed light on bike safety issues. Their efforts often lead to positive change. Even when local agencies agree on the need, they often face tough limitations. Some include right-of-way issues, funding constraints, outdated road designs, or legal barriers. Understanding the why can help communities work together on how to make things better.

Understanding Bicycle Lane Features and Design Treatments

Bike lanes come in many forms. What works on a quiet residential street may not work on a six-lane urban arterial. More communities are pushing for protected lanes, especially in high-traffic areas, based on new guidance from the FHWA Bikeway Selection Guide and modern safety research. Designing bicycle lanes involves more than painting a white line on the roadway. Effective bicycle facilities are built with safety, visibility, and predictability in mind. The FDM outlines a range of features to consider when implementing bicycle lanes. Each is tailored to reduce conflicts and improve user experience for all road users, not just cyclists.

Here’s a breakdown of some key components:

Pavement Markings

Bike lanes are marked using a helmeted bicyclist symbol and directional arrow at the start of the lane, after major intersections, and within keyholes. Green-colored pavement helps highlight potential conflict areas, especially where bikes cross vehicle paths or near bus bays.

Signage

Signage such as ‘Bike Lane Ahead’ and ‘Bike Lane Ends’ enhance awareness and regulatory clarity.

Keyhole Lanes

Keyhole lanes guide bicyclists through areas with right-turn lanes or parking bays. Typically buffered and at least 5 feet wide, these lanes allow for continuous through movement. Pavement markings and width adjust based on geometry and available space.

How to Ride Them

Using a bicycle lane is relatively straightforward, but there are a few essential considerations to keep in mind for staying safe and predictable on the road. First, always ride in the same direction as traffic. Bicycle lanes are one-way facilities that flow alongside vehicles, not against them. Ride toward the center of the bike lane to avoid road debris and the opening doors of parked cars.

As you approach intersections or driveways, be extra alert for turning vehicles that may cross into your path. If the bike lane shifts into a keyhole configuration near a right-turn lane, continue riding straight and predictably through the designated space. It’s also important to use hand signals when turning or changing lanes so drivers and other riders know what you’re doing.

Obey all traffic signals and signs, just like you would if you were driving. And don’t forget—if you’re crossing a crosswalk or shared space, yield to pedestrians. Staying aware and predictable helps everyone share the road more safely.

Sources:
Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)
Florida Design Manual
FHWA Bikeway Selection Guide

Traffic Safety Storytime

Posted on 02/04/2025 by Traffic Safety Team

For many years, the Community Traffic Safety Program has promoted traffic safety storytime read-aloud videos, activity books, and storybooks to help educate children. Above all, kids can learn about important traffic safety rules while reading fun adventures. We were happy to share two fantastic Clifford the Big Red Dog books supplied by Safe Kids. These stories focused on traffic safety for children and were shared with local libraries and community partners throughout our 18-county district.

The first book, Clifford Takes a Walk, teaches street-crossing and pedestrian safety. A limited number of these books were also available in Spanish. The second book, Clifford and the Railroad Crossing, emphasizes safety around trains and railroads. These books were made available with generous support from FedEx, Union Pacific Railroad, and Safe Kids Worldwide. We are excited to help bring these important messages to our community, and our library partners are the perfect avenue for reaching young readers.

A Gift for Local Libraries, Childcare Centers, and Schools

In October, our team gift-wrapped the books and hand-delivered packages to select libraries in Duval County. “I am a SAFE Walker!” stickers were included to share during storytime. The remaining packages are being delivered by team members or shipped throughout all 18 counties in our district.

In November, our Clay CTST Chair, FHP Master Sergeant Dylan Bryan, personally delivered copies to Clay County libraries. We love seeing the positive responses from this outreach effort, the smiling faces, and the appreciation for quality children’s books like these. Of course, the stickers are a big hit!

Fernandina Beach Police Department Storytime

The Fernandina Beach Police Department had a blast reading Clifford Takes a Walk to their Preschool & Pre-K friends over at Tree House Academy of Fernandina Beach.

Clifford’s safety tips were a hit! K9 Hanna stole the show, as nothing beats storytime with a real-life four-legged friend!

Tracy Hisler-Pace and Jordan Green of the District Two FDOT Target Zero team, along with our Columbia Traffic Safety Team Chair, Shane Morgan, the Columbia County Emergency Management Director, presented the Clifford books to Katrina Evans, the director of the Columbia County Library. Mrs. Evans was very appreciative of the donations and looks forward to adding them to the children’s section.

Traffic Safety Storytime Videos for Children

“Clifford Takes a Walk” Shows Children How To Be Safe Walkers

Join Clifford the Big Red Dog, Emily Elizabeth, and their friends on a fun, safe walking adventure!

“Clifford and the Railroad Crossing” Teaches Children How to be Safe Around Railroad Tracks

Safety is a top priority, and we are excited to share this transportation and train track safety education.

Intersection Countermeasures

Posted on 01/03/2025 by Traffic Safety Team

Cost-Effective Safety Engineering Countermeasures Help Reduce Intersection Crashes

FDOT District Two Community Traffic Safety Program in Northeast Florida continues the educational series of proven safety countermeasures. These five informational pieces help explain intersection countermeasures. The traffic safety strategies and treatments of roadway markings and traffic lights at intersections reduce serious injury and fatal crashes. They are based on proven measures of effectiveness by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

Click on the five educational Intersection Countermeasure cards below to download a copy. They may be printed or shared digitally through email or social media with our Northeast Florida Traffic Safety Teams, communities and agencies.

Motorists and other road users, including pedestrians and cyclists, cross paths at intersections. This is where the greatest potential for roadway conflicts exists. Turning, changing lanes, and traveling through intersections are among the most complex tasks in the transportation system. They require appropriate roadway design, signage, traffic control devices, lighting, and other safety measures. Innovative safety improvements and operations at signalized and unsignalized intersections can help enhance everyone’s safety.

Traffic Safety at Intersections

Rules of the Road: Safety Tips at Intersections

In Florida, intersections are among the top 2 locations for serious injury crashes. When approaching an intersection, be aware of driveway accesses, vehicles that suddenly come to a complete stop, and vehicles that suddenly change lanes in front of you. When stopped at a red light, check for pedestrians and yield to pedestrians and bicyclists before turning right. If a traffic light shows a flashing yellow arrow, yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

Click here for a PDF document of these intersection countermeasures used in Northeast Florida, provided by the FDOT District Two Community Traffic Safety Program.

Traffic Safety Countermeasures that Work in Reducing Intersection Crashes:

1. Roundabouts Reduce Severe Crashes

Roundabouts are a circular intersection that feature channelized approaches and a center island that safely and efficiently moves traffic. Motorists entering the roundabout yield to vehicles already circulating which leads to improved operational performance. Roundabouts are an effective countermeasure resulting in lower speeds and fewer conflict points.

2. Backplates with Retroreflective Borders

Backplates are a low cost countermeasure being introduced in Northeast Florida on traffic signal heads to improve visibility of the illuminated face. The dark backplate provides a controlled-contrast background. The framing with a retroreflective border makes the signal easily seen in both daytime and nighttime conditions. This treatment enhances visibility for aging motorists and color vision deficient drivers, and is also beneficial during power outages or inclement weather, providing a visible cue for all motorists.

3. Left and Right Turn Lanes at Intersections Reduce Severe Crashes

Left or right auxiliary turn lanes provide measurable safety and operational benefits at intersections, reducing the number of crashes. Turn lanes give a physical separation between slower turning traffic and the free flowing main route of traffic. They provide space for deceleration prior to a turn and storage for vehicles that have stopped and are waiting to complete a turn.

4. Well-Timed Yellow Change Intervals Reduce Red-Light Running

Red-light running is a leading cause of severe crashes at signalized intersections, and it is critical that the length of time a yellow signal is displayed following a green signal is appropriately timed. If the yellow light changes too quickly, motorists may be unable to stop safely and cause unintentional red-light running. If the yellow light changes too slowly, this may result in drivers treating the yellow signal as an extension of the green phase and invite intentional red-light running.

5. Benefits of the Flashing Yellow Arrow Left Turn Signal

Fewer crashes and better traffic flow are benefits of the flashing yellow left turn arrows as an effective engineering countermeasure. The updated design of left turn signals with a flashing yellow arrow creates a safer, more efficient left turn at intersections. When the flashing yellow arrow is illuminated, drivers must first yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, then they may proceed to turn with caution. This new signal system presents motorists with a more direct message and reduces confusion by replacing the green ball with the yellow and green left turn arrows so the display is not the same as the adjacent thru lane.

Lane Departure Countermeasures

Posted on 01/02/2025 by Traffic Safety Team

Cost-Effective Safety Engineering Countermeasures Help Reduce Lane Departure Crashes

Many fatal and serious injury crashes in Northeast Florida are the result of lane departures. A series of proven safety countermeasures cards has been created for use by the FDOT District 2 Traffic Safety Team and its communities to help explain safety treatments and strategies that prevent lane departures on our local roadways, proven by FHWA to be effective. Click on the cards below to download and share.

Lane departure crashes include running off the road, crossing the center median into an oncoming lane of traffic, and sideswipe crashes. Running off the road may also involve a rollover or hitting a fixed object.

One of the most severe types of crashes occurs when a vehicle crosses into an opposing traffic lane and crashes head on with an oncoming vehicle. A driver who is speeding, distracted, drowsy, or impaired is likely to have difficulty staying in their lane. Efforts to reduce serious injuries and fatalities resulting from lane departures include keeping vehicles from leaving the road or crossing the center median, reducing the likelihood of vehicles overturning or crashing into roadside objects, and minimizing the severity of an overturn.

Traffic Safety to Prevent Lane Departures

Rules of the Road Safety Tips to Stop Lane Departures

Speeding is one of the leading causes of lane departure crashes. Never accelerate going into a curve! Release acceleration, coast through the curve, and then resume acceleration. Chevrons, rumble strips, barriers, and guardrails are all countermeasures to reduce lane departure. Distracted driving is another cause of motorists veering out of their lane. Please drive carefully!

View and print this PDF document by the FDOT District Two Community Traffic Safety Program of lane departure countermeasures used in Northeast Florida.

Five Traffic Safety Countermeasures that Work in Preventing Roadway Departures:

1. Curves – Enhanced Delineation (Curve Signs) and Increased Pavement Friction

Advance warning signs such as chevrons alert drivers to the severity of curvature and operating speed on curves. High friction surface treatment (HFST) compensates at curves where pavement friction is not adequate to support operating speeds. These countermeasure treatments are effective to reduce curve, nighttime and wet road crashes.

2. Rumbles – Center Line, Edge Line, and Shoulder Rumble Strips and Stripes

Rumble strips are elements embedded in pavement that cause vibration and sound) to alert drivers if they are leaving the travel lane. These have proven to reduce roadway departure crashes caused by inattentive, distracted, or drowsy drivers who drift from their lane.

3. Barriers – Roadside and Median Barrier Terminals and Crash Cushions

Guardrail barriers help reduce crash severity by redirecting and slowing vehicles and protecting them from obstacles such as opposing traffic, rigid fixed objects, bodies of water, or steep slopes.

4. Clear Zone – Clear Zones and Widening Shoulders

Clear zones are areas free of rigid, fixed objects such as trees and light poles that provide an unobstructed, traversable area beyond the edge of the road. Widening shoulders allows drivers more recovery time to regain control in the event of a roadway departure.

5. SafetyEdge^SM

SafetyEdge^SM is a paving technique that prevents tire-scrubbing, which often can result in rollovers and run-off-road and head-on crashes by allowing vehicles to safely return to the travel lane. It also improves durability and reduces pavement edge drop-off.

UNF Traffic Safety Outreach

Posted on 03/05/2024 by Traffic Safety Team

FDOT District Two Community Traffic Safety Program joined forces with the University of North Florida Student Government, the UNF Police Department, and the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department in Duval. The UNF traffic safety outreach promoted safe driving behaviors with students. This great little pop-up event supported Target Zero to help eliminate deaths on our roadways.

Collaboration with UNF College to Save Lives

With Spring Break coming up soon, this was perfect timing. Students got to steer through a course with impairment simulation goggles and chat about driving safely for UNF’s Safety Week! The #TargetZeroFL weekly planners and to-do note pads were a big hit.

Special thanks to Duval Traffic Safety Team member Karen Livingston with the UNF Police Department. Her experience, dedication, and joy are evident among students on the UNF campus. She set up the Drunk Goggle Obstacle Course and Walk the Line for students to try the impaired driver simulations using Fatal Vision goggles.

Taking a Turn Through the Obstacles

Each little orange cone represented a pedestrian, and quite a few did get run over! Luckily, no one was hurt while test-driving with the “drunk goggles.” It was great to hear the students committing to driving safely. Of course, our Jacksonville Fire and Rescue crew is on board with safety on the road.

Jacksonville Fire Rescue traffic safety outreach

Traffic Safety Targeting Aggressive Driving

Proud UNF alumni and mother of current UNF student pose for a photo op! In the past, we highlighted this local teen driver. He was caught speeding well above the limit, and as part of his punishment, he helped us make a short video with his “Reasons NOT to SPEED.” Today, we are happy to announce he’s setting an excellent example with ZERO violations or crashes. Let’s keep up the good work!