Frequently Asked Questions

The Green Bike Lanes in Los Gatos are intended to provide notice to drivers and bicyclists of areas where the two may come in conflict. The white traffic paint bordering the bike lane is the enforceable traffic marking. When the white line is solid, cars may not cross, except to enter a driveway. When it is dashed, cars may enter or cross the bike lane when safe to do so.

The dashed green lanes are areas where cars are and bikes are intended to cross paths. Typically this occurs where the bike lane goes straight and there is a dedicated right turn or dedicated merge lane for vehicles. The green bike lanes are intended to draw the attention of both cyclists and drivers to the potential conflict area.

The Town is piloting multiple materials. These include- 1. Thermoplastic panels. These are often used in traffic markings in high travel areas. The panels are heat applied to the asphalt. 2. Liquid thermoplastic. This product is applied as a liquid and solidifies to resemble the panels. 3. Two-part epoxy. This product is spread with a squeegee and roller. A chemical reaction causes the material to harden. 4. Glass Beads. This product is a resin similar to method three with green glass beads applied to the top. The glass provides reflectivity, color, and texture.

A painted surface would be slippery and is not an accepted surface for travel lanes. Additionally, paint is not as durable as other surfaces, creating a life cycle cost exceeding that of other products. Town staff will evaluate the bike lane materials for durability as well as functionality and cost.

Green is the accepted standard color for bicycle lanes because it provides for minimal confusion with other colors. For example, red means no parking and blue signifies accessible parking. The bright green color aligns with the point of the lanes, namely to call out the potential for cars and bikes to be operating in the same area.

There are differing opinions on installing continuous bike lanes. One side says the continuity creates an ongoing awareness for drivers that there are bike lanes. The other side says that the sudden appearance of green bike lanes where conflict is more likely serves to heighten awareness at that point and that continuous lanes dull that awareness. Due to cost sensitivity in the pilot, the Town opted to try the bike lanes in strategic locations.

Once the white line that accompanies the green bike lane becomes dashed, using your turn signal, identify your intent. When safe to do so, move over towards the curb on top of the green bike lane. This will alert bicyclists to your intent and keep them from passing on the right. Bicyclists should queue in line with vehicles. If a bicyclist is stopped and intends to go straight at the intersection, the vehicle should wait a safe distance behind the bicyclist.

The Town will evaluate the pilot project for effectiveness, public reaction, and maintainability and report this information to the Town Council. Following the initial pilot program, additional green bike lanes may be installed. You can email requests to: ppw@losgatosca.gov