What are green bicycle lanes?
An on road 'bicycle lane' is defined by bicycle pavement symbols and linemarking such as directional arrows or continuous or broken lines.
Where there is increased risk of a crash between a cyclist and a
motorist the bicycle lane has been coloured green to improve their visibility.
Sunshine Coast Council is installing green bicycle lanes as part of a broader network strategy to increase the awareness and safety of cyclists.
Green bike lanes help to define road space and
Indicate to motorists that cyclists have a right to be in the road,
Encourages cyclists to ride in the correct roadway position
Decrease the stress levels of cyclists riding in traffic
Reduce potential conflicts between motorists and cyclists
What is the coloured surface treatment?
There are various products available for applying the coloured surface treatments, in Noosa a coloured synthetic aggregrate is used in bicycle lanes and applied to asphalt surfaces. The treatment is skid resistant and durable and retains its colour over the life of the pavement surface. The colour green is a standard treatment recognised by the AUSTROADS Traffic Management Reference Group as the preferred treatment for bicycle lanes.
Why does the Sunshine Coast have green bicycle lanes?
There is good international evidence that coloured bicycle lane treatments have significant safety benefits for cyclists . Green bike lanes reduce the chance of conflict between cyclists and motor vehicles by enhancing the visibility of cyclists in high crash risk areas.
Where are the green bicycle lanes?
The main application to date has been at roundabout approaches and exits and at locations where vehicles may cross bike lanes at high speed. Their use is primarily on roads that currently carry large traffic volumes or along roads that are designated as part of the road cycling network or have known safety issues for cyclists. Use of the green coloured pavement is done selectively and is used where potential for conflict is high.
What should I do if I come across a cyclist on a green bicycle lane?
Motorists have to give way to cyclists in bicycle lanes, just as they have to give way to other vehicles in traffic lanes. If a cyclist is on the green pavement you must give way. Cyclists are very vulnerable in traffic they have little protection in the event of a collision and this places more responsibility on the motorist.
What should I do if I am riding in a green bicycle lane?
As a cyclist you need to be vigilant at green bicycle lanes as there is a higher risk of collision. Before changing and existing a bicycle lane make sure you indicate properly and consider other road users if you need to leave the bicycle lane and cross another traffic lane to make a turn. Do not assume that a motorist has seen you in the bicycle lane and knows what your next manoeuvre.
