SDOT installed Seattle’s first green bike box in 2010 at E Pike and 12th Ave. The bike box is used at intersections to prevent bicycle/car collisions. It is a painted green rectangle on the road with a white bicycle symbol inside. In some locations it includes a green bicycle lane approaching the box.
The box creates space between cars and the crosswalk that allows bicyclists to position themselves ahead of cars at an intersection. One purpose of the box is to increase awareness and visibility of cyclists. Another is to encourage cyclists to make more predictable approaches to and through an intersection.
The most important thing to remember is that cars may not turn right on a red light at a bike box.
On the left is a photo of the bike box painted on the street. The photo on the right is a closeup of the instructional sign at the intersection.
If you are a cyclist, here is how you use the bike box:
To turn left: Inside the bike box, move to the left and signal that you’re turning left.
Go through: Position yourself in the bike box in front of the through lane.
Turn right: Inside the bike box, move close to the right edge of the roadway and signal that you’re turning right.
If you are a motorist, here’s how to navigate the bike box:
When you stop at a yellow or red traffic signal, stop behind the white stop line marked on the road right below where the bike box begins. Do not go into the bike box! When the light turns green, motorists and cyclists move through the intersection as usual, with cyclists going first. Motorists turning right on green should signal and watch for cyclists to the right, especially in the green bike lane of the intersection. Cars may not turn right on a red light.
OK, no free right on corner with a bike box. But that only applies to cars and not bikes? Seems so much easier if car and bikes follow the same rules.
I think the reasoning is that a car would have to go into the bike’s ‘safe’ green box to get close enough to the intersection to turn right. A bike in the green zone is already closest to the intersection, first in line, and can make the turn.
good info!