Bicycle Boulevard

A bicycle boulevard is a low speed street which has been "optimized" for bicycle traffic. Bicycle boulevards discourage cut-through motor-vehicle traffic but allow local motor-vehicle traffic. They are designed to give priority to bicyclists as through-going traffic. They are intended to improve bicyclist comfort and/or safety.

Bicycle boulevards attempt to achieve several goals:

• discouragement of non-local motor vehicle traffic;
• low speed limits;
• low motor-vehicle traffic volumes;
• free-flow travel for bikes by assigning the right-of-way to the bicycle boulevard at intersections wherever possible;
• traffic control to help bicycles cross major arterial roads; and
• a distinctive look and/or ambiance such that cyclists become aware of the existence of the bike boulevard and motorists are alerted that the street is a priority route for bicyclists.

These bikeway design elements are intended to appeal to casual, risk-averse, inexperienced and younger bicyclists who would not otherwise be willing to cycle with motor vehicle traffic. Compared to a bike path or rail trail, a bicycle boulevard is also a relatively low-cost approach to appealing to a broader cycling demographic.