Two-Stage Turn Queue Boxes
CHICAGO, IL
Two-stage turn queue boxes offer bicyclists a safe way to make left turns at multi-lane signalized intersections from a right side cycle track or bike lane (or right turns from a left side cycle track or bike lane). Two-stage turn queue boxes may also be used at unsignalized intersections to simplify turns from a bicycle lane or cycle track, as for example onto a bicycle boulevard. At midblock crossing locations, a two-stage turn queue box may be used to orient bicyclists properly for safe crossings. Multiple positions are available for queuing boxes, depending on intersection configuration.
Cycle track design often prevents bicyclists from merging into traffic to turn. This makes the provision of two-stage turns critical for basic transportation function. The same principles for two-stage turns apply to bike lanes as well.
OTTAWA, CANADA
PORTLAND, OR
While two stage turns may increase bicyclist comfort in many locations, this configuration typically results inincreases delay for bicyclists. Bicyclists now need to receive two separate green signal indications (one for the through street, followed by one for the cross street) to turn. At unsignalized intersections this configuration may also increase delay for bicyclists due to the need to wait for appropriate gaps in crossing motor vehicle traffic.
PORTLAND, OR
Benefits
Improves bicyclist ability to safely and comfortably make left turns.
Provides a formal queuing space for bicyclists making a two-stage turn.
Reduces turning conflicts between bicyclists and motor vehicles.
Prevents conflicts arising from bicyclists queuing in a bike lane or crosswalk.
Separates turning bicyclists from through bicyclists.
Typical Applications
At signalized intersections.
Along multi-lane roadways.
Along roadways with high traffic speeds and/or traffic volumes.
Where a significant number of bicyclists turn left from a right side facility.
Along cycle tracks.
To safely navigate streetcar tracks.
Required Features
An area shall be designated to hold queuing bicyclists and formalize two-stage turn maneuvers.71
Pavement markings shall include a bicycle stencil and a turn arrow to clearly indicate proper bicycle direction and positioning.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT (PHOTO: SALT LAKE CITY PUBLIC WORKS)
VANCOUVER, CANADA (PHOTO: WILL VANLUE)
The queue box shall be placed in a protected area. Typically this is within an on-street parking lane or between the bicycle lane and the pedestrian crossing.
In cities that permit right turns on red signal indications, a “No Turn on Red” sign shall be installed overhead to prevent vehicles from entering the queuing area. (MUTCD Section 2B.54)
Cycle Track Buffer Configuration
Crosswalk Setback Configuration
Wider corner radii, set back pedestrian crossing, and/or narrowed bikeway space, provides opportunity for queue box.
T-intersection Parking Lane Configuration
Parking Lane Configuration
Bike Box Configuration Bicyclists yield to pedestrians. Not recommended in areas with high pedestrian volumes.
T-Intersection “Jughandle” Sidewalk Configuration
Recommended Features
In cases where a constrained roadway geometry or right of way prevents the creation of a dedicated two stage turn queue box in a protected location:
• The pedestrian crosswalk may be adjusted or realigned to enable space for a queue box.
• A bike box may be provided behind the pedestrian crossing to serve the same purpose. This configuration should only be considered if pedestrian volumes are low, as bicyclists must yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk before entering the queue.
The queue box should be positioned laterally in the cross-street, to promote visibility of bicyclists.
Colored paving inside of the queuing area should be used to further define the bicycle space.
Markings across intersections should be used to define through bicyclist positioning.
Optional Features
The queue box may be positioned laterally in the cross street parking lane rather than in front of the travel lane. This may require bicyclists to weave into the travel lane to resume through movement if no dedicated bicycle facility is present since the parking lane ahead will be occupied.
At midblock turning locations, the queue box may be integrated into the sidewalk space. This configuration is also known as a “jughandle.” Consider the use of some form of signalization at these locations.
Signage may be used to define proper positioning and improve visibility of the queue box.
A bicycle signal, with leading bicycle interval, may be installed in conjunction with the two-stage turn queue box.72
Guide lines, pavement symbols, and/or colored pavement may be used to lead bicyclists into the queue box.
Other innovative bicycle treatments are starting to gain popularity that also encourage a safer crossing angle at tracks, including the two-stage turn for bicyclists.
Boorse, J., Hill, M., Danaher, A. (2011). General Design and Engineering Principles of Streetcar Transit. ITE Journal, 81(1), 38.
PHOTO: RICHARD DRUDL
Maintenance
Colored pavement, if used, may be difficult to maintain in climates prone to snow and ice.
Treatment Adoption and Professional Consensus
Commonly used in dozens of European bicycle friendly cities.
Currently used in the following US cities:
• Atlanta, GA
• Cambridge, MA
• Chicago, IL
• New York, NY
• Philadelphia, PA
• Portland, OR
• Salt Lake City, UT