Bike lane

In the United States, a designated bicycle lane (1988 MUTCD) or class II bikeway (Caltrans) is always marked by a solid white stripe on the pavement and is for 'preferential use' by bicyclists.

Research shows that separated bike lanes improve the safety of bicyclists,[1][2] and either have positive or non-significant economic effects on nearby businesses.

[3][4] In a 2024 assessment of existing research, the U.S. Department of Transportation concluded that "separated bicycle lanes have an overall improved safety performance.

[8][4] These findings run contrary to a popular sentiment that bike lanes have an adverse effect on local economic activity.

[3] According to the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) bike lanes are an exclusive space for cyclists by using pavement markings and signage.

[citation needed] The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration (FHA) gives standards of how bike lanes should be implemented regarding pavement markings and signage.

[14] Despite this fact however, many parts of Japan have been slow to adopting effective and safe means of transport,[citation needed] so in recent times there have been steps taken to promote biking in the nation's largest city, Tokyo.

[15] In other parts of Japan, such as the city of Fukuoka, there are clear types of bike lanes being implemented to promote biking in the city: "Bicycle roads, Bicycle lanes, Sidewalks shared between pedestrians and cyclists with markings, and Sidewalks shared with pedestrian with no markings.

[17] In addition, Chinese bike usage is relatively high compared to other nations, and as such, cycling is taken into account when designing interchanges on the road.