A recent US study examining the effectiveness of paint-only bike lanes has produced findings with clear implications for Australian councils, transport planners, bike riders and other road users.

The research analysed high-stress urban corridors where conventional painted bike lanes – simple white lines without physical protection – are commonly used as a lower-cost cycling treatment. 

The central conclusion is obvious to riders and should be seen as a solid wake-up call to local governments and planners – paint doesn’t deliver any meaningful safety improvements, particularly on busier routes where most serious incidents occur.

Painted lanes were found to marginally increase cyclists’ visibility and, to a degree, calm traffic. But the study found they do little to prevent vehicle encroachment or unsafe passing. 

The findings concluded what many already know: painted lanes can create a false sense of security for riders without actually changing driver behaviour. 

The research reinforces historical evidence that physically separated infrastructure, whether through kerbs, bollards or completely separated lanes, is far more effective at improving safety.

For Australia, where many councils heavily rely on painted lanes to expand networks quickly and cheaply, the message is clear: paint is not protection.

You can read the detailed study here. 

 

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