Green Bicycle Lanes: Australian Good Practice Review

Road authorities implement coloured surface treatments:

• to highlight the presence of a bicycle lane to reduce the potential conflict between bicycle and other vehicles, and
• to improve visibility of bicycle operating space where an intersection or road environment is complex or busy.
  
  

This report, released in May 2010, followed a review of Australian practice in relation to the implementation of coloured surfaces for bicycle lanes. The information was drawn from results of a questionnaire sent to approximately 150 local governments and state agencies in Australia and NZ.

The report found that throughout Australia, coloured surface treatments have been installed widely as a measure to improve cyclist safety. With the release of the new Austroads GTRD (2009), the coloured surface implementation will be standard across the country, with many states/territories ceasing to use their own cycle notes or currently reviewing them.

Many different materials have been trialled over the country with a variety currently used suiting a wide range of climates and pavement conditions. These materials must provide strong slip resistance and be highly visible to motorists.

An issue with the continuing use of these coloured surface treatments is the relatively high installation cost and inconsistency over ongoing maintenance costs.

The main concern of road authorities is to avoid overuse of the treatment. It has been noted that treatments are occasionally installed where not necessary and a national warrants system or application criteria may be required to ensure that the treatment remains effective.

Green Bicycle Lanes: Australian Good Practice Review | 4.27MB PDF