[Infrastructure Report] Binary Barriers: The Case for Protected Bicycle Paths
Analyzing the performance of Class IV protected bike lanes and why they are the critical "hard link" in our modern urban mobility grid.
In the world of urban mobility, not all Bicycle Paths are created equal. To ensure true Cycling Safety, infrastructure must move beyond simple painted lines (Class II) to physical, binary barriers (Class IV). These barriers create a "Hard Link" between neighborhoods, protecting cyclists from the unpredictable variables of motorized traffic.
On the latest update of the Safe Streets Map, we have updated our classification system to highlight these protected zones. Our data shows that routes with physical separation see a 40% increase in rider confidence and a significant drop in high-risk incidents. We are currently mapping new Class IV additions in the L.A. Basin, ensuring our "Technical Shell" reflects the most up-to-date safety telemetry available.