Bike Lanes Cost Less Than You Think

Dec 12

Bike lanes and cycling infrastructure make transportation safer for everyone. Investing in protected bike lanes and other traffic-calming designs is also considerably less expensive, especially for communities looking for intelligent ways to connect thriving commercial and business districts to residential neighborhoods. The cost of bike lanes makes them a relatively affordable investment for municipalities in Michigan and most parts of the US.

How Much Do Bike Lanes Cost?

The US Department of Transportation notes that adding a bike line to an existing street or roadway costs between $5,000 and $50,000 per mile. That figure sounds low, but it reflects the most inexpensive way to incorporate bikes - simply painting a line on the road. This estimate does allow for several variables in restriping a road, including:

Traffic surveys and research
Fixing or repairing curbs
Fixing potholes
Adjusting crosswalk marking
Implementing or replacing signage

Restriping bike lanes is usually a part of road reconstruction projects or resurfacing efforts to mitigate costs.

Building Protected Bikes Lanes

Simple, inexpensive painted bike lanes are a starting point for communities, but a protected bike lane is the safest and most impactful way to get people on bikes. While there are a range of ways to separate motorists and cyclists, protected bike lanes are defined by:

Raised curbs
Planters, bollards, light posts
Floating parking

Protected bike lanes can cost substantially more, with some urban revitalization projects costing several million dollars per mile. But they don’t need to. Organizations put median costs per mile below six figures, while studies show more expansive projects closer to $300,000 per mile on one side of the street.

Bike Lanes vs. Roads

Building a new rural or urban road is much more expensive than building a median-cost protected bike lane. Recent federal data is spotty, but some states show the least-expensive new road option priced at $3.3 million per mile. Milling and resurfacing roadways cost at least $569,000 per mile, with more projects costing substantially more.

The Benefits of Cycling Infrastructure

It’s important to remember that most infrastructure projects aim to incorporate multimodal transportation - as they should. City planners and designers must work to design streets that meet the needs of everyone, including motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, and public transit via holistic, inclusive practices. This approach also blurs how we assign prices to various road infrastructures; the needs of one user group often overlap with those of another, such as curbs, signage, and traffic lights.

Accessible, Affordable, Sustainable Accommodations

Investing in protected bike lanes increases ridership, raises property values, and supports local businesses. Individuals and families who commute by bike also save money on gas and car repairs and enjoy lifelong health benefits. Communities like Salt Lake City and Indianapolis have reported substantial increases in residential and commercial property values, not to mention dramatic improvements in traffic safety.

One Mile at a Time

Norte Youth Cycling is committed to inspiring a culture of bike safety through education and advocacy. Our youth cycling programs help hundreds of kids learn how to ride, connect with their community, and pick up healthy habits for life. Learn more about our work and consider donating to support kids on bikes.

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