The New New Protected Bike Lane

Protected bike lanes, a relatively new addition to streets in the United States, are already evolving.

1 minute read

March 12, 2019, 12:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Sharrow

The old, unprotected bike way. | Brian Crawford / Flickr

Julie Strupp reveals the work of Arlington County, Virginia in testing new forms of barriers for protected bike lanes.

The experimental barriers are in place on two streets in Crystal City, Potomac Avenue and Eads Street.

"First, on Potomac Avenue just south of its intersection with Crystal Drive, 'Wave Delineators' separate about a block of what had previously been a normal non-protected bikeway," reports Strupp.

"Second, a few blocks away at Eads Street and 22nd Street, 'BikeRail' barriers separate a stretch of the Eads Street protected bikeway."

According to Strupp, both experiments were installed as part of the National Bike Summit, wrapping up today in Crystal City. The Wave Delineators will probably be removed this week, but the BikeRail barriers will stay in place longer.

Monday, March 11, 2019 in Greater Greater Washington

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 11, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Metrorail train pulling into newly opened subterranean station in Washington, D.C. with crowd on platform taking photos.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”

The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

June 2, 2025 - The Hill

Large crowd on street in San Francisco, California during Oktoberfest festival.

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns

In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

June 2, 2025 - Robbie Silver

Color-coded map of labor & delivery departments and losses in United States.

The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace

In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.

June 15 - Maine Morning Star

Street scene in Kathmandu, Nepal with yellow minibuses and other traffic.

The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs

Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.

June 15 - Fast Company

Bike lane in Washington D.C. protected by low concrete barriers.

DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint

Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.

June 15 - The Washington Post