A traditional bike lane offers cyclists their own space to ride, usually near the shoulder of the road. But it’s just a painted line on the pavement. Many accidents happen when drivers make mistakes, such as a driver who uses the bike lane while making a right turn. There’s nothing to prevent these types of errors.
A protected bike lane, on the other hand, is physically separated from the road. This can be done in a few different ways. Some protected bike lanes have a curb. Others are elevated to a higher level than the road near them. Still others will use bollards or pylons. Regardless of the specific design, there is a physical barrier that a car would strike before hitting a cyclist.
How well do these work?
Research has found that protected bike lanes are very effective. In fact, in areas where these lanes are used, the number of collisions and injuries tends to drop by anywhere from 30% to 50%.
Interestingly, this also means that even people who are not cyclists have a greater degree of safety in these areas. Pedestrians are hit less often and drivers are involved in fewer multi-vehicle collisions.
Part of the reason for this may simply be that protected bike lanes are different than what drivers are used to, so they pay careful attention when driving near them. A driver may be less likely to text and drive if they’re trying to watch the bollards on the side of the lane to avoid scraping their car, for example. In this sense, protected bike lanes help to keep everyone safe.
Have you been injured?
Unfortunately, as effective as these are, accidents still happen. If you have suffered injuries, be sure you know how to seek financial compensation for medical bills and other costs.