Glossary

An active transportation network describes an integrated system of multi-use trails, bike lanes and shared lane markings. This connected network allows pedestrians and bicyclists to commute and be active not only in their community, but also throughout neighboring communities. Tri-State Trails is committed to expanding our region’s active transportation network. Here’s how we’re doing it.

A multi-use trail is a wide path shared mostly by bicyclists, walkers, hikers and joggers, but they’re also great for rollerblading, handcycling and more. Commonly known simply as “trails,” they can be paved or unpaved, and are found in urban, rural and wooded settings. Trails must be at least eight feet wide to accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians moving both directions at once. To keep everyone safe, motorized scooters and similar equipment are not permitted on trails. 

These lanes are built into roadways to create a trail-like experience for people riding bicycles and scooters. They are reserved for all bicyclists, whether they’re riding for transportation, exercise or leisure. Also known as a “two-way cycle track,” a two-way protected bike lane features lane markings to ensure the safety of bicyclists traveling in both directions at once. Separated from roadways either by a physical barrier or painted markings, designated lanes offer protection and peace of mind for both bicyclists and motorists.

Like the two-way protected bike lane, the one-way protected bike lane is built into roadways to create a trail-like experience for people riding bicycles and scooters. They are reserved for all bicyclists, whether they’re riding for transportation, exercise or leisure. Also known as a “one-way cycle track,” this lane can accommodate only one direction of bicycle traffic at a time and is a practical option if space is too limited for a two-way protected bike lane. Separated from roadways either by a physical barrier or painted markings, designated lanes offer protection and peace of mind for both bicyclists and motorists.

These markings are painted onto roadway pavement to indicate that bicyclists may ride with traffic. Also known as “sharrows,” shared lane markings are frequently installed on low-speed, low-traffic streets to create better visibility for bicyclists. Sharrows can be used not only by bicyclists, but also by pedestrians traveling by scooter. 

A sidewalk is a paved pathway that often runs along a street and is reserved for pedestrians. Because sidewalks have a minimum width of only four feet, they are too narrow to safely accommodate bicycles and scooters. 

A demonstration project is a temporary installation of trails and bikeways to demonstrate the value, feasibility and affordability of active transportation infrastructure. Also referred to as “tactical urbanism,” this process has been successfully used around the world to rapidly and inexpensively prototype new street configurations that better serve the needs of pedestrians and bicyclists—in turn, promoting permanent investment.