what is a bike box

A bike box, also known as an advanced stop line or advanced stop box, is a designated area at the head of a traffic lane at a signalized intersection that provides bicyclists with a safe and visible way to get ahead of queuing traffic during the red signal phase. Bike boxes are used to prevent collisions between motorists turning right and cyclists going straight. They are painted with bold demarcations and are often a bright color to make them more visible. Bike boxes can preclude motorists from turning right on red and hitting a bicyclist, and this can be communicated through signage. Bike boxes are used extensively in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Denmark, and other European countries. Research has shown that bike boxes can improve yielding behavior at intersections, decrease conflicts, and improve user perceptions of safety. To use a bike box, cyclists should position themselves in front of motorists when facing a red signal, and drivers should signal turns and make sure the bike lane is clear before turning.