Study shows narrow lanes on streets can save the lives of cyclists

In the face of escalating pedestrian and cyclist fatalities, cities are urgently seeking cost-effective measures to enhance safety on existing roadways. Surprisingly, a solution lies right before our eyes: narrow lanes of travel. A recent John Hopkins University study showed that this simple adjustment can be a game-changer in promoting road safety, optimizing urban spaces, and reducing environmental impact.

Key Insights

Research has demonstrated that lanes measuring 9, 10, and 11 feet did not elevate accident risks compared to wider 12-foot lanes. Notably, wider lanes at higher speeds correlated with significantly more accidents, while slower speeds showed no discernible difference. Embracing narrow lanes not only benefits safety but also proves environmentally friendly by accommodating more users in less space, thereby using less pavement.

Here on the East Coast our roadway corridors are really tight,” wrote Mike Simmons, chief of project development south, Delaware Department of Transportation. “It we can narrow our roadways in Delaware to accommodate more cyclists an pedestrians it will make a huge difference.”

The Alarming Reality

The urgency for such solutions is underscored by disturbing statistics: a 40% increase in pedestrian fatalities and a 44% increase in cyclist fatalities between 2010 and 2018. Additionally, there has been a 16% rise in deadly car accidents in the U.S. from 2018 to 2022. Even in bike-friendly cities like New York, only about 8% of streets boast dedicated bike lanes.

National Study Findings

A comprehensive study across seven U.S. cities evaluated the impact of travel lane widths on traffic safety, revealing a counterintuitive truth: wider lanes do not equate to safer roads. On the contrary, narrowing lanes emerges as a viable strategy to enhance safety, optimize infrastructure like sidewalks and bike lanes, reduce environmental footprints, and stimulate economic activity.

Innovative Approaches Across States

Departments of Transportation in five states have been proactive in adopting measures to improve road safety:

• Florida (FDOT): Utilizes a context classification system to tailor designs based on the area’s specific needs.
• Vermont (VTrans): Pioneered the change to a minimum lane width of 9 feet in urban areas.
• Oregon (ODOT): Employs design criteria over strict standards for more flexible decisions regarding lane width and street design.
• California (Caltrans): Embraces a “complete streets” approach, prioritizing the needs and safety of all users in determining street design.
• Delaware (DelDOT): Adapts lane widths to a minimum of 11 feet, considering higher speeds and increased transit vehicle presence.

Recommendations for Safer Streets

In light of these findings, the following recommendations are proposed:

1. Holistic Street Design: Prioritize the needs of all users over speed and traffic efficiency.
2. Start with 10-Foot Lanes: Begin with 10-foot lanes in slower-speed urban areas and let engineers justify wider widths when necessary.
3. Context-Appropriate Speeds: Establish a speed limit that aligns with the specific context before determining lane width.
4. Lane Repurposing Programs: Implement initiatives to repurpose lanes for bike lanes or wider sidewalks, enhancing overall urban livability.

The ideal roads for travel lane reduction projects are those with 11-13-foot lanes in urban areas characterized by slower speeds, fewer lanes, limited street parking, lower traffic volumes, minimal curvature, and the absence of raised medians. By adopting these strategies, cities can pave the way for safer, more sustainable, and user-friendly roadways.