Support Us Button Widget

A guide to Raleigh’s bicycle lanes

Photo by the City of Raleigh

Raleigh is proud to be a very “bike-friendly” city + bike lanes are commonly seen through downtown. But did you know there’s multiple different types of bike lanes? Yep. 🚴 Whether you ride or have never picked up a bike in your life, it’s important to be aware and knowledgeable about bike lanes for the safety of our community. You can find 8 types of bike lanes in Raleigh. 👇

1️⃣ Conventional bike lanes: Dedicated space in the street for a bicyclist. They are identified by a solid white strip + bicyclist symbol. They are also typically dashed near intersections.

2️⃣ Sharrows: Shared lanes with markings that look like a bicycle and two chevrons. These lanes help cyclists appear more visible + avoid parked cars.

3️⃣ Climbing bike lanes: Created to provide space for bicyclists, as well as remind motorists to share the lane with bicyclists. An uphill climbing bike lane will look like the conventional bike lane + a downhill bike lane will be paired with a sharrow.

4️⃣ Buffered bike lanes: Identified by two white strips between the cyclists and car. Buffered bike lanes work as a “buffer” between the bike lane and on-street parking — this helps bicyclists avoid opening car doors.

5️⃣ Two-stage turn boxes: Used by bicyclists making left turns at intersections. The bike box has clear directions to help riders safely cross an intersection.

6️⃣ Green bike lanes: Much like the name hints, green bike lanes use green paint to increase motorist awareness of bike lanes and bicyclists riding in them.

7️⃣ Separated bike lanes: Some kind of vertical element is used to separate the bike lane from general travel lanes. These can include flexible posts, curb stops, concrete curbs, planters, and even on-street parking. The City of Raleigh implemented the first of these in the Warehouse District this fall.

8️⃣ Side paths: Paved trails located alongside the street. They are wider than sidewalks + shared with pedestrians.

Rather ride on a greenway instead? Raleigh has more than 100 miles of paved greenways.

More from RALtoday
College basketball is back, and NC State’s men’s and women’s teams are still riding the high of their Final Four performances last year. Here’s what you need to know in the early days of the 2024-25 season.
Fall colors are fun, but you have to get them out of your yard at some point. Here’s how leaves are collected in Raleigh, including important dates and pro tips.
Planning seasonal and annual photos can be a hastle — let us lessen the load and check out local photographers + photo spots for your holiday portraits.
With the holidays approaching and out-of-town relatives making their way to town, we have to know — how are you entertaining your company? From local coffee shops + restaurants to attractions and city views, we want to know your must-have experiences.
Take the stress out of prepping and planning on Thanksgiving Day with these 13 restaurants + eateries offering takeout and dine-in seasonal feasts.
The way Raleigh elects its leader has changed, and this year’s mayoral election is the first during a presidential general election. Here’s what’s new about how Raleigh elects its mayor.
Sponsored
Families have several opportunities this fall to explore innovative learning at CCMMS.
Looking for the best coffee in the City of Oaks? Whether you’re aiming for a quick caffeine fix or a place to relax and enjoy a cup of joe, find your new favorite coffee shop with our guide featuring 40 local cafes.
Need a ride to the polls? GoRaleigh has you covered with transportation to and from voting precincts.
Get a sneak peak at what’s to come in November events in Raleigh from holidays activities to can’t miss performances.