2 Del. Admin. Code § 9C.04
Current through Register Vol. 28, No. 5, November 1, 2024
Section 9C.04 - Markings For Bicycle LanesSupport:
01 Pavement markings designate that portion of the roadway for preferential use by bicyclists. Markings inform all road users of the restricted nature of the bicycle lane. Standard:
02 Longitudinal pavement markings shall be used to define bicycle lanes. Guidance:
03 If used, bicycle lane word, symbol, and/or arrow markings (see Figure 9C-3) should be placed at the beginning of a bicycle lane and at periodic intervals along the bicycle lane based on engineering judgment. 03A (DE Revision) In Delaware, on state-maintained roads, the helmeted bicyclist symbol (see Figure 9C-3) should be used instead of the bike symbol and word legends pavement markings. Standard:
04 If the bicycle lane symbol marking is used in conjunction with word or arrow messages, it shall precede them. Click here to view Image
Option:
05 If the word, symbol, and/or arrow pavement markings shown in Figure 9C-3 are used, Bike Lane signs (see Section 9B.04) may also be used, but to avoid overuse of the signs not necessarily adjacent to every set of pavement markings. Standard:
06 A through bicycle lane shall not be positioned to the right of a right turn only lane or to the left of a left turn only lane. Support:
07 A bicyclist continuing straight through an intersection from the right of a right-turn lane or from the left of a left-turn lane would be inconsistent with normal traffic behavior and would violate the expectations of right- or left-turning motorists. Guidance:
08 (DE Revision) When the right through lane is dropped to become a right turn only lane, the bicycle lane markings should stop as shown in Figure 9C-1A. Through bicycle lane markings should resume to the left of the right turn only lane.09 An optional through-right turn lane next to a right turn only lane should not be used where there is a through bicycle lane. If a capacity analysis indicates the need for an optional through-right turn lane, the bicycle lane should be discontinued at the intersection approach.10 Posts or raised pavement markers should not be used to separate bicycle lanes from adjacent travel lanes. Support:
11 Using raised devices creates a collision potential for bicyclists by placing fixed objects immediately adjacent to the travel path of the bicyclist. In addition, raised devices can prevent vehicles turning right from merging with the bicycle lane, which is the preferred method for making the right turn. Raised devices used to define a bicycle lane can also cause problems in cleaning and maintaining the bicycle lane. Standard:
12 Bicycle lanes shall not be provided on the circular roadway of a roundabout. Guidance:
13 Bicycle lane markings should stop at least 100 feet before the crosswalk, or if no crosswalk is provided, at least 100 feet before the yield line, or if no yield line is provided, then at least 100 feet before the edge of the circulatory roadway. Support:
14 Examples of bicycle lane markings at right-turn lanes are shown in Figures 9C-1, 9C-4, and 9C-5. Examples of pavement markings for bicycle lanes on a two-way street are shown in Figure 9C-6. Pavement word message, symbol, and arrow markings for bicycle lanes are shown in Figure 9C-3.15 (DE Revision) Title 21, § 4196(a)(3) clarifies the position of a bicyclist when operating a bicycle upon a roadway and proceeding straight within a right-turn only lane and allows a bicyclist to travel through an intersection from within a lane designated for right-turns only. Figures 9C-4B and 9C-4C are examples of pavement markings for bicycle movements through a right-turn only lane where space does not exist to provide a separate bicycle lane to the left of the right-turn only lane. Guidance:16 (DE Revision) If a right-turn only lane does not exist, the markings shown in Figures 9C-4B and 9C-4C should not be used.17 (DE Revision) If a right-turn only lane exists on a route identified on the State of Delaware Bicycle Map and there is no space available to provide a separate bicycle lane to the left of the right-turn only lane, the markings shown in Figures 9C-4B or 9C-4C should be used to position bicycles approaching and traveling through an intersection.18 (DE Revision) Use Figure 9C-4B for bicycle routes designated as "Suggested Connectors".19 (DE Revision) Use Figure 9C-4C for bicycle routes designated as "State Bicycle Routes and "Regional Bicycle Routes". Option:20 (DE Revision) The placement of pavement markings for bicycle movements through a right-turn only lane on roadway not designated as bicycle routes may be based on Engineering Judgment. If used on these roadways, the markings may be placed in accordance with Figure 9C-4B. Support:2 Del. Admin. Code § 9C.04
21 DE Reg. 905 (5/1/2018) (Final)