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.<\/p>\n
The research analysed high-stress urban corridors where conventional painted bike lanes \u2013 simple white lines without physical protection \u2013 are commonly used as a lower-cost cycling treatment.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The central conclusion is obvious to riders and should be seen as a solid wake-up call to local governments and planners \u2013 paint doesn\u2019t deliver any meaningful safety improvements, particularly on busier routes where most serious incidents occur.<\/p>\n
Painted lanes were found to marginally increase cyclists\u2019 visibility and, to a degree, calm traffic. But the study found they do little to prevent vehicle encroachment or unsafe passing.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The findings concluded what many already know: painted lanes can create a false sense of security for riders without actually changing driver behaviour.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The research reinforces historical evidence that physically separated infrastructure, whether through kerbs, bollards or completely separated lanes, is far more effective at improving safety.<\/p>\n
For Australia, where many councils heavily rely on painted lanes to expand networks quickly and cheaply, the message is clear: paint is not protection.<\/p>\n