Your first ride in a bike lane

Bike lanes in Boston range from painted lines on the road to fully separated paths with their own signals. Here's what to know for your first time in one.

Protected lanes

Also called separated or cycle tracks. These have a physical barrier between you and car traffic — usually parked cars, posts, or a curb. The most comfortable lanes in the city. Stay to the right, pass on the left, and watch for pedestrians stepping into the lane at crossings.

Painted bike lanes

Marked with white lines and bike symbols on the road surface. Cars aren't supposed to be in them, but doors from parked cars can swing open. Ride toward the left side of the lane — far enough from parked cars that an opening door won't reach you. Cyclists call this the "door zone," and avoiding it becomes second nature fast.

Green paint

Marks areas where bikes and cars are likely to cross paths — intersections, merge zones, driveways. It's a heads-up, not a hazard. Just keep your line and make eye contact with turning drivers when you can.

Sharrows

Shared lane arrows, the ones with the chevrons. They mean you share the lane with cars. You're allowed to take the full lane — ride in the center so cars pass you safely by changing lanes rather than squeezing by.

The one habit that matters most

Look behind you before changing your position in the lane. A quick shoulder check before moving left to pass or avoid something — it's the cycling equivalent of checking your mirror.