What is a buffered bike lane?

• A. Uses chevrons or diagonal markings to provide greater separation from traffic and on-street parking.
• B. A bike lane marked with a red stripe.
• C. A lane that allows bicycles to ride only during daylight.
• D. A lane reserved for buses.

Answer: (A)

A buffered bike lane provides extra space between bicycles and motor vehicle traffic by adding a painted buffer area that uses chevrons or diagonal markings to create visual and sometimes physical separation. This extra space helps reduce conflicts with passing vehicles and prevents dooring from parked cars, making riding safer and more comfortable for cyclists. It’s distinct from a simple bike lane marked with a color stripe or other features, because the buffer specifically signals additional room between moving traffic and the bike path. It’s not about restricting riding to daylight hours, and it isn’t a lane reserved for buses.