Cycling infrastructure

Cycling infrastructure comprises roads, paths, parking, and traffic-control features designed to support bicycle travel. Its design shapes cyclists’ safety, comfort, and access to destinations.

Protected bike lane: A bicycle lane separated from motor traffic by a physical barrier or buffer. Physical separation is a defining way to reduce cyclists’ exposure to moving vehicles.
Bicycle network: A connected system of routes and facilities intended for bicycle travel. Individual facilities support cycling best when they connect into a continuous network.
Complete streets: A street-planning approach that accommodates multiple travel modes and users. This approach treats cycling as one of several needs to address in street design.
Shared lane marking: A road marking indicating that cyclists may use a lane shared with motor vehicles. It signals bicycle positioning but does not provide the physical separation of a protected lane.
Vision Zero: A road-safety approach that aims to eliminate deaths and serious injuries through system-wide design and policy. Its emphasis on safe systems supports designing streets that reduce severe cycling crashes.
Cycle track: A bicycle path alongside a road, separated from motor traffic by a curb, parking, or another barrier. This facility gives bicycle travel dedicated space along a street.
Intersection design: The arrangement of space, signals, and movement paths where roads meet. Intersections are conflict points where cycling facilities must guide crossings and turning traffic.
Cycleway network planning: The process of selecting and connecting routes and facilities for bicycle travel. Network planning determines whether isolated facilities form useful routes.
Painted bike lane: A road lane marked for bicycle use without a physical barrier separating it from motor traffic. Its painted boundary offers less separation from vehicles than protected facilities.
Induced cycling: An increase in bicycle travel associated with changes such as improved infrastructure or access. New or improved facilities can affect whether people choose to cycle.

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