non-motorized access on freeways

File:Le Pont de Normandie 2.jpg normally banning non-motorized traffic,{{citation|url = https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/codes/section_lc/LEGITEXT000006074228/LEGISCTA000006159606/#LEGISCTA000006159606 | title = Code de la route : Chapitre Ier : Autoroutes. (Articles R421-1 à R421-10) | quote = I.-L'accès des autoroutes est interdit à la circulation : | access-date = 6 August 2022 }} a warning sign cautions motorists as an exception on the Pont de Normandie.]]

In the countries of Western and Northern Europe with relatively high bicycle share like the Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium and Germany, cycling on motorways is not a topic for debate: cycling is not allowed on official motorways, and is generally forbidden with road signs on all similar roads.{{cn|date=December 2022}}

In those countries it has no practical use, and effort is put in building an independent cycling network, crossing no entrance and exit ramps of arterial roads and expressways. Some sections of the cycle networks of these countries are adjacent to (but separated from) a motorway, but those are exceptions.

In countries such as the United Kingdom and Germany, the difference between a normal road and a freeway-class road (motorway or autobahn) is the restriction of low-speed traffic. Many roads are built to freeway standards but are not legally freeway-class roads for this reason. Indeed, some freeway-class roads are downgraded for short stretches where no alternative exists, to allow low-speed traffic; examples in the UK include the Dartford Crossing{{refn|group=note|name=first|Non-motorized traffic may not use the Dartford Crossing, however cyclists are shuttled across the crossing for free by car.[https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/20/contents Dartford-Thurrock Crossing Act 1988]legislation.gov.uk Retrieved 30 December 2022 Low speed motorized traffic is allowed.}} (the furthest downstream public crossing of the Thames), and the former Cumberland Gap, as well as sections of the A1 not yet designated A1(M), various lengths of the A5, and the entirety of other important and near-motorway-standard links such as the A14, A34, A38, A42, A50, and A55 road, long stretches of which carry {{convert|70|mph}} speed limits. The reasons for such designation vary—physical lack of space (A55), restricted budget (e.g. A42; a full-standard motorway would have been more expensive than an A-road; a motorway with additional service roads further still), or because of legislative or political wrangling (easier to have A-road construction or upgrade authorised and accepted than a more emotionally charged "motorway scheme", and does not require issuing of Special Road orders).

In some US jurisdictions, especially where freeways replace existing roads, non-motorized access on freeways is the rule. Different states of the United States have different laws. Cycling on freeways in Arizona may be prohibited only where there is an alternative route judged equal or better for cycling.{{cite web |author= Staff |date=November 2011 |url= http://www.azdot.gov/Highways/Traffic/standards/PGP/TM1030.pdf |title= 1030: Controlled-Access Highways as Bikeways |work= ADOT Traffic Engineering Policies, Guidelines, and Procedures |publisher= Arizona Department of Transportation |accessdate=December 28, 2012}} Wyoming, the least populated state, allows cycling on all freeways. Oregon allows bicycles except on specific urban freeways in Portland and Medford.{{cite web |author= Staff |title= OAR Banning Non-Motorized Travel On Some Interstate Freeways in Oregon |url= http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/BIKEPED/docs/freeway_ban.pdf |publisher= Oregon Department of Transportation |accessdate= October 12, 2009 |url-status= dead |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20100531211618/http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/BIKEPED/docs/freeway_ban.pdf |archivedate= May 31, 2010 }}

Freeway travel eliminates most collision points that are caused by turning or crossing at intersections, save at entrance and exit ramps. An analysis of crashes in Arizona showed no safety problems with cycling on freeways. Fewer than one motor vehicle-bicycle crash a year was recorded in the 1990s on nearly {{convert|2000|mi|km|adj=pre|shoulder}} open to cyclists in Arizona. The study did not attempt to establish how common cyclists are on Arizona freeways or whether they are aware that they can legally cycle on some freeway stretches; accidents were also noted on stretches where cycling was forbidden.{{cite web |url = http://members.cox.net/ncutcdbtc/freeway/bkfwcr02.pdf |last = Moeur |first = Richard C. |title = Bicycle–Motor Vehicle Collisions on Controlled Access Highways in Arizona: Analysis from January 1, 1991 to June 30, 2002 |publisher = Arizona Department of Transportation |date = October 2002 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110525042942/http://members.cox.net/ncutcdbtc/freeway/bkfwcr02.pdf |archive-date = 25 May 2011 |df = dmy-all }}

File:I5 PitRiverBridge.jpg in California.]]

Most U.S. States with low population densities commonly permit bicycle use on interstate freeways outside urban areas. Additionally, some states permit bicycle use on at least some interstate routes specially designated to accommodate bikes.

{{main|Bike freeway}}

Bike freeways (also known as cycling highways) are direct, long-distance cycle tracks separated from motorized traffic and with almost no big intersections or delays, intended for utility cycling. In countries like the Netherlands and Belgium (Flanders), they are built connecting city and town centers, e.g. adjacent to railroads.

{{portal|Roads}}

• Cycling infrastructure
• Restrictions on motorcycle use on freeways

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Category:Utility cycling

Category:Road transport

Category:Limited-access roads

Category:Controlled-access highways

Category:Bicycle transportation planning