Bicycle Lane System—Mobile and Flexible Bicycle Lanes

Two solutions—one system: from temporary to permanent bike lanes
Why are there yellow and white bike lanes? What's the difference?
Traffic guidance system approved by BAS and Leitboys in accordance with RSA21
Functions and features of the horizontal bike lane system
Selected references: in use around the world!
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horizont Products - Temporary Bike Lane
horizont Products - Protected bike lane (permanent)

Bike lane system: twice as good!

After winning the Eurobike Award 2023 in the “Mobility Solutions and Infrastructure” category, our Bike Path was honored with the prestigious German Design Award 2024 in the “Excellent Product Design” category.

The jury praised the well-thought-out design of the Horizont Bike Lane system, stating:

“Thanks to its raised design and brightly colored cones, the ‘Bike Lane’ system provides spatial and visual separation between the roadway and the bike lane. The fact that the system doesn’t need to be bolted down, can be used temporarily, and can be easily driven over by emergency vehicles demonstrates just how well thought-out this design is. ”

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Two solutions—one system: from temporary to permanent bike lanes

Bicycle lane systems vary depending on the intended duration of their use in a given traffic area. We therefore distinguish between temporary bicycle lanes, for which a “Pop-Up Bike Lane” solution is recommended, and permanent bicycle lanes, which are installed permanently and require the use of a “Protected Bike Lane.”

Why are there yellow and white bike lanes? What's the difference?

In accordance with Polish regulations, specifically the Regulation of the Minister of Infrastructure of July 3, 2003, on detailed technical conditions for traffic signs and signals as well as road safety devices and the conditions for their placement on roads (§ 84(1)), the following rule applies: Yellow road markings placed on the road surface constitute temporary markings that take precedence over white markings and thus temporarily replace them. In the context of traffic management, including the creation of temporary bicycle lanes, elements such as guide ramps may be used as part of temporary road markings and traffic safety devices. Their use complies with the principles of temporary traffic management and aims to ensure safety and clarity for all road users. This must be strictly taken into account when designing and installing temporary traffic solutions, such as bike lanes!

Temporary bike lane

A temporary bike lane, known as a “Pop-Up Bike Lane,” is clearly marked with yellow guide strips or yellow barriers. It is often implemented when new bike lanes are being created to test their functionality and gauge residents’ acceptance of the new solution. If this temporary version of the bike lane proves effective in practice over a specified period, it is possible to proceed with the construction of a permanent system—a “Protected Bike Lane.” It is important to remember that any temporary changes to traffic organization must always be indicated in yellow. Once approval is obtained and a decision is made to implement a permanent solution, the yellow guide strips will be replaced with white ones.

Protected bike lane

A protected bike lane is marked by white guide posts or white speed bumps. Thanks to these white elements, the permanent bike lane blends seamlessly into the street environment. The use of white bike lanes makes the most sense when the new lane is fully accepted by all road users and the bike lane system itself is recognized as proven and effective.

Compliance with BASt and RSA21

horizon Guide rails

As one of the world’s leading companies in the field of road safety, horizont offers a simple-to-implement and proven solution for installing bike lanes. Our guide curbs have been successfully used in traffic management for decades, including in combination with guide posts (Leitboys).

The guide rail is considered very durable and sits stably and reliably on the ground without the need for bolting. The system consisting of the guide rail and guide posts is a traffic management system certified by BASt (Federal Highway Research Institute).

Temporary bike lanes (so-called Pop Up Bike Lanes) represent a true breakthrough in temporary installations, as the pavement remains undamaged and the entire structure can be removed without leaving any traces. If necessary, the guide rail can also be permanently anchored to the ground.

White guide strip with an orange Leitboy guide post

Leitboy

horizont Leitboye

Leitboy, featuring reflective arrow-marked tape that indicates direction, is—when combined with a guide curb—the optimal solution for use as a bike lane. Compliant with the new RSA21 regulations, this system meets all relevant standards for use in traffic management.

Leitboy units are designed so that, in an emergency, emergency vehicles can safely drive over them, and they automatically return to an upright position, ensuring that traffic is neither disrupted nor inconvenienced.

Features and characteristics of the Horizont bicycle lane system

Visual separation for greater safety and visibility

When combined with Leitboy guide posts, the guide ramp ensures a physical separation between the roadway and the bike lane. This gives cyclists enough space to ride safely. Cyclists feel particularly safe on bike lanes that are physically separated from the roadway.

The visual separation of the roadway from the bike lane is further enhanced by guide posts in a high-visibility orange color. The height of the Leitboy posts causes drivers to intuitively maintain a greater distance, which increases the sense of safety among bike lane users.

Greater road safety thanks to a patented climbing edge

Thanks to its patented climbing edge, the guide curb is designed so that a driver who accidentally drives over it is safely guided back onto the roadway. In this way, the guide curb plays an important role in preventing accidents. The climbing edge ensures that the force exerted is directed toward the ground, providing stable and good traction.

In tests, a test vehicle traveling at an impact speed of 80 km/h did not drive over the guide threshold. Despite the tire making side contact with the threshold, it was never driven over during the tests.

A secure fit without needing to be anchored to the floor

The Horizont guide rail is particularly quick to install and can be set up by a small team. Unlike other bicycle lane and traffic separation systems, it does not need to be bolted to the ground.

Exceptional stability is ensured by a sturdy coupling hook—the individual parts are connected by a locking bolt.

No disruption to traffic in emergency situations thanks to the ability to drive over obstacles

Drivable when necessary: Guide posts (Leitboys) are flexible and can be driven over by emergency vehicles in case of an emergency. This ensures that traffic flow is not disrupted, and the self-raising posts further help secure the scene of the incident.

Contour light strip

The integrated light strip is mounted directly on the guide rail. It features an exceptionally long side extension, thereby perfectly matching the shape of the rail. This safety feature is particularly important at night for motorcyclists, as it helps them recognize that there is a raised section on the road.

Reliable traction even in wet conditions

The anti-slip system on the underside of the guide rail ensures excellent traction on the road surface. At the same time, a specially designed groove allows surface water to drain away, for example during heavy rain. This effectively prevents traffic disruptions caused by standing water.

Customized to suit your specific needs

The guide rail is compatible with various (mini) posts and should be adapted to the specific road conditions. Thanks to the option of printing on the posts, the bike lane system can be further customized and personalized. We’d be happy to advise you in person.

Selected references: in use around the world!

Major cities with heavy traffic and bicycle traffic have already successfully integrated both versions of the Horizont bicycle path system into their traffic management systems. Thanks not only to its flexible application options but also to its ease of installation, the Horizont guide rail is used worldwide to provide both temporary and permanent traffic solutions.