The Potential of Pop-Ups

Pop-up bike lanes, a relatively new concept, have been underutilized in North America despite their success in many European cities. These temporary trials have shown significant increases in cycling traffic and can dramatically accelerate the pace of bike lane rollouts.

As cities across the country take note of the powerful potential of pop-up bike lanes to expedite the typically lengthy process of building support and implementing infrastructure, there's a valuable learning opportunity. Traffic cones used to demarcate temporary lanes might discourage bikers, perceiving them as construction zones. Solutions include adding small potted plants between cones or using cones of different shapes or colors. Additionally, using chalk paint for temporary markings is crucial to avoid contention with the city.

While pop-ups can't address every concern, they offer a chance for residents to trial a change and make informed decisions about the project's impact. Public opinion is a key element in infrastructure implementation, and pop-ups provide real-time insights into traffic patterns, safety concerns, and citizen engagement. Different cities may adopt various types of pop-up projects. Some may last for a weekend, others may stay for a few months to gauge their popularity before making them permanent.

Through pop-ups, cities can cut through red tape and swiftly build the much-needed bridges—creating safer, more bike-friendly urban landscapes.