Bicycle Signal
ELM-BCS-16 Bicycle Signal
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#Why this pattern exists
Where a bicycle facility crosses or interacts with an intersection in a way that a shared vehicle or pedestrian phase does not safely accommodate, a dedicated bicycle signal resolves the conflict explicitly rather than leaving cyclists to interpret a signal meant for another mode. This pattern exists to document where that dedicated treatment is warranted.1
#Key considerations
- Most appropriate where a protected bike lane or cycle track meets an intersection with a conflicting turning movement that a shared phase cannot resolve safely
- Should be clearly distinguishable from the vehicle signal to avoid driver confusion about which indication applies to them
- Leading bicycle intervals (giving cyclists a head start before conflicting vehicle movements) are a common and effective use of this pattern2
#Related patterns
Traffic Signal (ELM-TFS-14) (the vehicle control this pattern separates from); Protected Bike Lane/Cycle Track (ELM-PBL-37) (the facility type most commonly paired with this treatment)
#References
- Legal / regulatory MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1 (FHWA, December 2025; effective March 5, 2026), Chapter 9D, "Signals for Bicycle Facilities." The current binding standard; bicycle signals existed only as FHWA Interim Approval IA-16 (2013) until the 11th edition made them standard.(opens in new tab)
- Precedent-based NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide, 3rd ed. (2025), "Bike Signal Design." Leading bicycle interval and actuation-versus-recall design guidance.(opens in new tab)