Description
Application
Advantages
Disadvantages
Design Considerations
Implementation Challenges
Example Cities

London, UK (Laura Sandt)	New York, NY	Portland, OR

Description
A traffic signal head for bicycles.

Application

• Signalized intersections where cyclists are travelling at a high rate of speed.
• Locations where intersection signal operation is not intuitive or practical for bicyclists.
• Advanced signal detection in conjunction with other facilities such as bike boxes or cycle tracks.
• Roadways with high bike volumes and/or complex turning movements.
• Unique intersections with non-standard travel directions and turning movements.

Advantages

• Increased safety and visibility of cyclist by allowing a head start through the intersection.
• Reduced bicycle delay (associated with advance bicycle detection and uncoordinated signals).
• Allows for synchronization of signals along major bicycle routes.
  

Disadvantages

• Additional maintenance associated with advance bicycle detection.
• Increased traffic congestion associated with additional signal phases (advance detection, mode of operation, leading bicycle interval).

Design/Maintenance Considerations

• Identify effects on traffic (cyclists and auto) in both directions.
• Right turns on red may need to be prohibited.
• Identify mode of operation of signal (time of day for coordination) and determine whether it is necessary.

Implementation Obstacles

• Exclusive displays for bicycles have not been reviewed by the Federal Highway Administration.
• Limited modeling tools for traffic impacts

Example Cities

• Albany, OR (advance detection)
• Boulder, CO (scramble)
• Davis, CA
• New York, NY
• Portland, OR (scramble)
• Multiple cities, Germany
• Multiple cities, Denmark
• Multiple cities, Netherlands

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