Green Lights for Bike Traffic Signals

Bike traffic signals accommodate cyclists better than conventional traffic signals.  Providing sufficient time to clear the intersection, ensuring activation of the traffic signal, and reducing conflict with motorized traffic are some of the benefits.

Mary Ebeling writes that "(w)hile widely used in Europe and Australia, the U.S has been slow to adopt bicycle-specific traffic signals.  Currently 16 cities (including Austin, Denver, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington D.C) in the U.S. use bicycle-specific traffic signals."

So, what's holding them up?

A major hurdle lies with the fact that they are not incorportated into the federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). However, states can authorize them on their own - and the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) has provided detailed information and guidance for appropriate locations to install bicycle signal heads. 

"California relied on data from the bicycle-friendly city of Davs and approved their use in 1998. The State of California approved the use of bicycle traffic signals in 1998, based primarily on data from the City of Davis, California

"The State Smart Transportation Initiative, housed at the University of Wisconsin, promotes transportation practices that advance environmental sustainability and equitable economic development, while maintaining high standards of governmental efficiency and transparency."

Tracy Loew and Elida S. Perez, reporters for USA TODAY, write about an "October, 2012 study commissioned by the Oregon Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration. Last year Oregon lawmakers approved Senate Bill 130, adding bicycle-only signals to the state's list of traffic control devices."

"Chicago officials announced the city's first bicycle-specific traffic signal in August. Atlanta got its first bike signal in October.

The bicycle signal cost $1,000 to install in Salem, OR, according to assistant city traffic manager Tony Martin."