3.4M Contraflow bike lanes

Striping

1. Contraflow bike lanes are typically separated from adjacent travel lanes by solid double yellow lines throughout the full block.
   • On low volume Urban Neighborhood streets, contra-flow bicycle travel may also be implemented with signage and no striping, or with solid double yellow lines only at the beginnings of a block that does not continue mid-block. Contraflow facility design without contiguous striping should be closely coordinated with Traffic and Parking Services. 
2. Green conflict zone markings maybe considered at intersections to alert motorized traffic to contraflow bike movements.

Conditions for physical protection

Contra-flow bike lanes should be physically protected when adjacent to streets with a posted speed limit above 25mph or high traffic volumes. See protected bike lane guidance for more details. 

Signage

An “EXCEPT BIKES” plaque are typically posted beneath “DO NOT ENTER” signs (R5-1) or turn prohibition signs, if present, to permit two-way traffic use by bicycles at all street intersections.

Parking.

When a parking lane is located on the same side of the street as a contraflow bike lane, the parking lanes should be located between the bike lane and travel lane (sometimes referred to as “floating” parking). Floating parking should always be implemented with vertical delineation as a component of a protected bikeway.