Phase 1: Shared Bus-Bike Lane
The Charlotte Department of Transportation (CDOT) implemented the city’s first shared bus/bike lane on December 16, 2019. The dedicated lane on 4th Street used the existing bicycle lane and the rightmost travel lane between S. McDowell Street and the Charlotte Transit Center to create a single combined bus/bike lane.
The bus/bike lane is restricted to
Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), school buses, scooter, and bicycle use only. All vehicles must make right turns from the rightmost (bus/bike) lane at intersections and driveways. Pavement markings are modified at intersections and drivers should yield the right-of-way to vehicles traveling in the bus/bike lane when changing lanes to make a right turn. Parking is not permitted on the east side of 4th Street. General vehicle traffic should be maintained in the neighboring lanes.
Controlled bus/bike lanes have been successful in many other cities across the country providing more transportation options, improving safety, and encouraging residents to make sustainable transportation choices.
Photo Credit: Philadelphia Bicycle Coalition
About the Shared Bus/Bike Lane
During the pilot, CDOT collected feedback and data on a variety of performance measures. This information was influential in the decision for the lane to become permanent.
METRICS INCLUDED:
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Travel time, time savings, improvements
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Observed feedback, transit rider satisfaction
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Bicyclist safety and comfort
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Effect on general traffic’s level of service
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Neighborhood support and concerns