provides a permanent, physical barrier between bicycles and motor vehicle travel lanes, typically a curb (aka "sidewalk-level"), flex posts, or parked cars (aka "parking protected")

meets Andover's "all ages and abilities" criteria for Complete Streets

has been shown to reduce fatality rates by up to 75%, and make streets safer for all road users, including drivers

induces more bicycle use and supports Andover's Climate Action Plan goal to increase bicycle usage and decrease car usage for short local trips

supported by Andover's Vision Zero policy, which calls for street design that minimizes inherent conflicts and accounts for occasional user error

encourages bicyclists of all ages and abilities, particularly kids or elderly, to ride in the bike lane rather than on the sidewalk

gold standard sidewalk-level cycle tracks provide dedicated space for each mode of transportation to minimize conflicts

provides no physical protection between bicycles and motor vehicles and relies on good driver and bicyclist behavior to prevent crashes

does not meet Andover's "all ages and abilities" criteria for Complete Streets

some unprotected bicycle infrastructure (shared lane markings) actually decrease safety for bicyclists

does not meet Andover's Vision Zero policy, as it relies on drivers and bicyclists never making an error

discourages traffic-averse or high-risk bicyclists from using the bike lane, who instead ride on the sidewalk for physical protection

"paint is not protection"

may be appropriate on low-speed, low-volume neighborhood roads where observed speeds are below 25mph