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When I was in Eugene recently I had another chance to ride along the Alder Street cycle track. If you haven’t seen it for yourself it’s a two-way cycle track that skirts along the edge of the University of Oregon Campus.

The cycle track features green bike boxes and ground markings at intersections.

I’ve always been a fan of green (or other color) lane markings and boxes because of how they help people in motor vehicles know when they’re crossing through the right-of-way of other vehicles (a.k.a. “bicycles”).

What finally dawned on me when I was in Eugene was how the lane markings also help alert people on bikes to potential conflicts.

Not only do they provide some reassurance that people in cars will have an easier time noticing other traffic but they also alert people on bikes to an upcoming conflict zones (mostly intersections) where motor vehicles (or other bikes for that matter) might suddenly dart across your direction of travel.

For instance, on Hillsboro’s new cycle track there are no pavement markings indicating an upcoming intersection. It can be difficult to intuitively know where you should keep an eye out for cross traffic.

Colored lane markings make that process easier, allowing your peripheral vision to alert you to conflict areas and cueing you to look over your shoulder as you proceed on your bike.

That’s why I’ve come to realize that colored lane markings are a Prudent Decision, both for people in motor vehicles and for people on bikes.

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My favorite definition of the word “prudent” is: wise in practical applications.

This article is one in a series titled Prudent Decisions. They’re stories highlighting ways I’ve seen bicycles make life easier and better for myself and for others.

If you’re a highly logical thinker you might also want to check out a similar series of articles we’ve published, titled Cycling Facts.

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