Safer Streets for Cyclists: Key Takeaways From New Urban Bikeway Design Guide

As cities across the United States work to make streets safer for cyclists, transportation experts are focusing on innovative bike lane designs and infrastructure improvements to reduce accidents and encourage more people to embrace cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation.

Bicycle safety is a growing priority, especially in areas like Bakersfield, where cycling infrastructure is still developing. City and safety officials everywhere are looking toward the newly released third edition of its highly influential “Urban Bikeway Design Guide” — from the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) — for standards for creating safe, accessible, and equitable bike networks. The guide, updated for the first time in a decade, reflects advancements in street design and addresses the evolving needs of modern cities, including the integration of new mobility options like e-bikes and scooters, and guide is a vital resource for cities aiming to transform their streets into safer spaces for all users.

Below we dive into key strategies for safer bike lanes and steps we can take locally and elsewhere to enhance bicycle safety now and in the future.

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The latest NACTO guide includes detailed policy, planning, and project development guidance to ensure connected bikeable streets become standard practice, and builds on its legacy of addressing modern challenges such as climate change, safety concerns, and equity issues. The key features of the report are as follows:

1. Comprehensive Network Planning: The guide shifts focus from isolated bike lanes to complete, connected bike networks that prioritize safety and accessibility for people of all ages and abilities.
2. Equity-Centered Design: It emphasizes engaging historically marginalized communities and addressing transportation inequities to ensure bike networks serve everyone effectively.
3. New Mobility Integration: The guide includes best practices for designing infrastructure that accommodates e-bikes, scooters, cargo bikes, and other emerging modes of transportation.
4. Intersection Safety Enhancements: Detailed design solutions aim to improve safety at intersections for cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers alike.
5. Maintenance and Project Delivery: Guidance on long-term maintenance ensures bike routes remain functional and comfortable, even during disruptions like construction.

By adopting these best practices, the report’s authors state, cities like Bakersfield can create vibrant streetscapes that promote cycling while supporting local economies and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

As an example, as highlighted in a recent Bloomberg article “A Blueprint for Better Bike Lanes,” Oakland head of transportation Ryan Russo and his team in 2019 recognized that neighborhoods like East Oakland often lacked proper bike infrastructure and trust in city initiatives,  Many residents relied on cars or public transit and viewed bike lanes as potential signs of gentrification rather than practical solutions. Through extensive community engagement, officials learned that poor pavement conditions were a significant barrier to cycling in these areas.

Russo’s department developed a more comprehensive safe streets plan for East Oakland that also included sidewalk repairs and street repavings. Instead of just building protected bike lanes on major arterials, the city opted for a neighborhood-wide network of “calm streets” incorporating speed bumps, roundabouts, and limited vehicle access zones to tame auto traffic.

Oakland’s approach highlights the importance of inclusive planning in creating bike-friendly cities. By listening to communities and addressing their concerns, transportation officials can build infrastructure that serves everyone effectively.

Here are some more key strategies for safer bike lanes spelled out in the Bloomberg article:

1. Protected Bike Lanes: Installing physical barriers between bike lanes and vehicle traffic significantly reduces the risk of collisions. These lanes provide cyclists with a dedicated space, improving both safety and confidence.
2. Intersection Safety Enhancements: Intersections are hotspots for bicycle accidents. Adding features like bike boxes, advanced stop lines, and dedicated bike signals can help cyclists navigate intersections more safely.
3. Improved Road Maintenance: Potholes, debris, and poor pavement conditions are common hazards for cyclists. Regular maintenance ensures that bike lanes remain safe and usable.
4. Community Education: Educating drivers and cyclists about sharing the road fosters mutual respect and reduces conflicts. Outreach campaigns can emphasize the importance of yielding to cyclists and following traffic laws.
5. Lighting and Visibility: Well-lit bike lanes and reflective markings improve visibility for cyclists, especially during nighttime or low-light conditions.

A recent analysis of bicycle accidents in Bakersfield by the Law Office of Chain | Cohn | Clark found the city has some of the highest rates of accidents involving bicycles in the nation and those numbers are on the rise.

And although local city and county officials have been instituting a multitude of strategies and projects to decrease the numbers, more is still needed.

“Bicycle safety isn’t just a priority, it’s a necessity in Bakersfield, where we’ve seen a troubling rise in bike-related accidents,” said Matt Clark, managing partner and attorney at Chain | Cohn | Clark. “Every cyclist deserves to feel safe on our streets, and it’s time for all of us — cyclists, motorists, and city leaders — to work together to build safer infrastructure, follow traffic laws, and protect the most vulnerable road users. Lives depend on it.”

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If you or someone you know is injured in an accident at the fault of someone else, or injured on the job no matter whose fault it is, contact a top-rated accident attorney at Chain | Cohn | Clark by calling (661) 323-4000, or fill out a free consultation form, text, or chat with us at chainlaw.com.