Contra-flow facilities

There may be situations where a contra-flow cycle facility could be used to provide for cycling on a route, for example, on one-way streets where a bylaw allows this. This treatment should only be applied in low speed and low-volume environments, and where a suitable transition at each end of the street can be achieved. Contra-flow cycle facilities should be located on the left-hand side of the roadway for the direction of travel within the contra-flow facility, as shown in Figure 8‑15.

Figure 8‑15: Indicative layout for contra-flow cycling facility

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The markings described in cycle lane markings and delineation of this manual should be used to mark contra-flow cycling facilities. At the beginning and end of any contra-flow cycle facility and at intersections or major accesses, additional markings or other traffic control devices may be required to highlight the potential for cyclists to travel in the opposing direction to other traffic. The signs that may be used for contra-flow cycling facilities are shown in Table 8‑12.

Cycle lane markings and delineation

Table 8‑12: Signs for contra-flow cycling facilities

Sign code	Example	Description/use
A43-8 Contra-flow cycle lane Sign to be added to TCD rule		Motorists and cyclists alike need some indication of the presence of contra-flow cycling. At the end where traffic enters, an A43-8 sign informing of oncoming cyclists may be required unless completely separated, while at the other end an R3-4 No entry sign requires an R3-5.2 Supplementary – except cycles sign. If there are any side roads or major accesses along the street, an R3-1 No left turn or R3-2 No right turn sign with an R3-5.2 Supplementary except cycles sign is the preferred approach.
A43-8.1 Advanced contra-flow cycle lane Sign to be added to TCD rule		Motorists and cyclists alike need some advance-warning of the presence of contra-flow cycling. An A43-8.1 sign may be used to indicate the presence of an upcoming contra-flow cycling facility.

Sign code

Example

Description/use

A43-8

Contra-flow cycle lane

Sign to be added to TCD rule

Contra-flow cycle sign with black cycle symbol and two vertical arrows pointing at different directions underneath

Motorists and cyclists alike need some indication of the presence of contra-flow cycling. At the end where traffic enters, an A43-8 sign informing of oncoming cyclists may be required unless completely separated, while at the other end an R3-4 No entry sign requires an R3-5.2 Supplementary – except cycles sign.

If there are any side roads or major accesses along the street, an R3-1 No left turn or R3-2 No right turn sign with an R3-5.2 Supplementary except cycles sign is the preferred approach.

A43-8.1

Advanced contra-flow cycle lane

Sign to be added to TCD rule

Contra-flow cycle sign with black cycle symbol and two horizontal arrows pointing at different directions underneath

Motorists and cyclists alike need some advance-warning of the presence of contra-flow cycling. An A43-8.1 sign may be used to indicate the presence of an upcoming contra-flow cycling facility.

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