Cycling is often promoted as a healthy, sustainable, and affordable way to get around cities. But whether it’s truly safe depends a lot on the kind of infrastructure available. Not all bike lanes are created equal, and in Washington State (especially Seattle) the difference between a painted line and a protected lane has meant the difference between safe commutes and tragic accidents.

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The Basics: Types of Bike Facilities

Bike Lanes: A painted lane on the road, usually marked with white stripes and bike symbols. While it sets aside space for cyclists, cars may still park or cross them in some cases. They offer visibility but very little real protection.
Protected Bike Lanes (Cycle Tracks): These go further by adding physical separation, such as curbs, posts, parked cars, or planters. The goal is to keep bikes truly apart from moving traffic.
Green Bike Lanes: The green paint often seen in Washington highlights “conflict zones” like intersections or driveways where cars and bikes are most likely to cross paths. The paint alone isn’t protection: it’s a warning.
Sharrows: Shared-lane markings that simply remind drivers that cyclists may be present. Legally and practically, they offer the least protection.

When Design Backfires: Seattle Case Studies

Seattle has invested heavily in bike infrastructure, but some projects have shown how poor design can actually increase danger:

Green Lake Drive North
In an effort to protect cyclists, the city placed parked cars between the bike lane and moving traffic. But this created blind spots at intersections. A cyclist, Aviv Litov, suffered catastrophic brain injuries after colliding with a right-turning car. His case highlights how “protected” doesn’t always mean safe if visibility is sacrificed.
35th Avenue NE (“Durkan Speedway”)
When Seattle removed bike lanes from this corridor, crashes increased sharply: including a fatal motorcycle crash and a cyclist hit. Locals dubbed it the “Durkan Speedway,” showing how eliminating bike infrastructure can have deadly consequences.
4th & Pine – The Dangerous Merge
A protected bike lane on Pine Street suddenly ended at 4th Avenue, forcing riders into mixed traffic. A hit-and-run crash at this spot prompted protests where advocates acted as human barriers until the city installed physical protection.
Storm Drain Hazards
Beyond lanes, basic street features can also endanger cyclists. A city report found nearly 3,600 storm drains on bike routes in Seattle are hazardous to tires and wheels, despite years of complaints.

The Law: Cyclists’ Rights in Washington

Bikes Are Vehicles: Under RCW 46.04.071, bicycles are legally vehicles. Riders have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers.
Sidewalks: Cyclists have the same rights as pedestrians when riding on sidewalks or crosswalks (RCW 46.61.755).
Passing and Car Doors: Washington law (RCW 46.61.620) prohibits opening a car door unless it’s safe, a rule often broken in “dooring” crashes.
No Contact Needed: Importantly, a cyclist can still have a valid claim against a driver who causes them to crash, even if the vehicle never physically touched the bike.

A Survey From Oregonian Bikers

Research from Portland and national studies suggests they do:

In Portland, 70% of riders said protected lanes made them feel safer and encouraged them to bike more.
Only 3% of cyclists avoided the protected lane after it was built, compared to 12% before.
A majority (62%) of people living near protected bike lanes said they would be more likely to bike if separated from cars by a barrier.
Studies show lanes with stronger separation and fewer intersections or driveways have the lowest crash risks.

Lessons for Planners

The evidence is clear: bike lanes improve safety, but design matters. A painted stripe is not enough. Protection works best when:

Riders and drivers can see each other clearly.
Conflict points (like intersections) are minimized or redesigned.
Barriers are solid and consistent, not just flexible posts or paint.

Seattle’s experience shows both sides: while protected lanes can save lives, poorly designed ones can expose cyclists to new risks. For a city aiming to be bike-friendly, the takeaway is simple. Infrastructure must be built with safety, visibility, and real-world use in mind.