Bicycle Signal Head Design Standards: Bike-Specific Signal Faces
Introduction
A bicycle signal head uses the bike symbol on the lens to make clear that the signal applies to cyclists, not vehicles. Without a bike-specific lens, drivers and cyclists can both think the signal is for them, with dangerous results. This guide covers the standards that govern bicycle signal design.
The Bike Symbol Lens
MUTCD and equivalent standards require a bicycle symbol on every lens of a bicycle signal. The symbol must be visible from the stopping sight distance. The lens diameter is typically 200mm or 300mm; 300mm is recommended for high-speed approaches and busy cycle tracks.
GAOQIAO supplies 3-aspect bicycle signal heads (red, yellow, green bike) in 200mm and 300mm diameters, all with bike symbol lenses that meet MUTCD Figure 9C-3.
Format and Mounting
A typical bicycle signal is 3-aspect (red, yellow, green) and mounted at the cyclist's eye height, usually 2.5-3.0 m above the road. The signal is placed on the far side of the intersection in line with the cycle track so the cyclist sees it head-on, not at an angle.
For protected intersections with separate cycle phases, the bicycle signal is paired with a vehicle signal on the same pole but offset toward the cycle track. For unprotected intersections, a single bicycle signal replaces a vehicle signal in that lane.
Detection and Actuation
Most bicycle signals are actuated. Detection options are:
- Push button (cyclist presses to call the phase)
- Inductive loop (large enough to detect a bicycle, typically a 1.5 m square)
- Video detection with bike classifier
- Radar detection
For low-volume cycle tracks, a push button is enough. For higher volume, an inductive loop or video detector reduces cyclist wait time.
Featured Products
GAOQIAO supplies 3-aspect bicycle signal heads in 200mm and 300mm with bike symbol lenses. See the traffic light size selection guide for sizing.
Conclusion
A bicycle signal needs a bike symbol lens, cyclist eye-height mounting and an actuation mechanism that responds to bikes. GAOQIAO supplies all three. Send us your cycle track layout and we will return a signal package.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a separate bicycle signal if the cycle track is in the road?
MUTCD allows a shared signal with bike symbol lenses if the cycle track is in the same lane as vehicles. A separate signal is required if the cycle track is physically separated.
What size bicycle signal head should I use?
200mm for low-speed urban cycle tracks; 300mm for high-speed approaches and busy commuter routes. GAOQIAO can help size the head based on your approach speed.
Can a bicycle signal use solar power?
Yes, paired with a solar wireless controller. GAOQIAO's solar wireless line covers remote cycle track crossings.
Relevant GAOQIAO products
These public GAOQIAO catalogue pages are related to the guide. Open them for the representative description, then confirm the latest drawing and configuration before ordering.
- Traffic signal controllersWired and solar controllers with 6, 22, 44 and 56 output options.
- LED traffic signal heads200mm, 300mm and 400mm signal heads with MUTCD, EN12368, GB14886 compliance.
- Signal polesVertical, signal arm and double-arm poles for any intersection geometry.
- Spare parts and accessoriesSpare LED modules, lenses, visors, surge arrestors and anchor bolts.