Protected bicycle lanes are exclusive bicycle facilities physically separated from the adjacent car travel lanes by a vertical element (such as a vertical curb, a parking lane, flexposts, plantings, removable curbs, or other measures). 

Protected bike lanes increase rider comfort and decrease stress for a broad spectrum of bicyclists, including very young riders and more cautious bicyclists. Studies show that bicyclists prefer separation from motor vehicles on most types of roadways, which suggests separation can contribute to expanding bicycle mode share. Further, studies show that protected bike lanes make travel safer for all roadway users, with noticeable drops in fatalities and serious injuries. Protected bike lanes have been used successfully in many communities, including in Arlington and DC.  

Current/Upcoming Projects 

The City is currently in the process of upgrading four existing buffered bike lanes to full-protected bike lane facilities:.  

• King Street (Janneys Lane to Radford Street) 

• North Van Dorn Street (Braddock Road to Menokin Drive) 

• Pegram Street (Polk Avenue to North Pickett Street) 

• Seminary Road (North Howard Street to Quaker Lane) 

Each of these streets have existing bike lanes with a painted buffer zone, but no physical barriers to separate people biking from motor vehicle traffic. This project will install barriers within the existing buffer zone, which will upgrade the bike lane to a “protected” bike lane. This is a relatively simple change that has no impacts to traffic. 

Design was completed in Fall 2023, and implementation is expected by Summer 2024. 

View the resources below to learn more: