Ottawa – Ottawa’s first full-lane bike box will be implemented at the Bay and Wellington intersection today.

While cyclists in Ottawa may be familiar with the two-stage bike boxes on the Laurier Avenue segregated cycling lanes, the full-lane bike box is used at intersections to designate a space for cyclists to wait in front of cars at a red light, and to proceed through the intersection first when the light turns green, followed by drivers. The dedicated bike box is clearly marked green with a white bicycle symbol and reserves the full width of the right-hand lane for cyclists ahead of the vehicular stop line. This gives cyclists a clear and safe track for left- and right-hand turns through the intersection when the traffic signal turns green.

For motorists stopping when the signal is amber or red, they must remain behind the white stop line that is behind the green bike box – keeping it clear for cyclists. When the signal turns green, they allow the cyclist to proceed first through the intersection.

No right-hand turns on red are permitted in the intersection. Motorists making a right-hand turn on green must signal and watch for cyclists.

The bike box is part of the City and National Capital Commission’s work to improve conditions for cyclists and pedestrians in the area of Wellington Street and the Portage Bridge.

For more information on the bike box and other cycling safety tips, visit ottawa.ca/cycling.

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