• A bike lane may be designated by a white bicycle or the words "Bike Lane."bike lane image by Barcabloo from Fotolia.com
  
  A bike lane is a part of the highway, adjacent to the road, that is designated for cyclists. In California, bike lanes are designated by a solid white line on the right side of the road at least 4 feet from a curb. Bike lanes provide cyclists a route of passage alongside of motorized traffic and away from pedestrians. As bike lanes are a relatively new concept, laws regulating bike lanes are, at times, ambiguous.
  
  

Motorists

• Motorists--such as those driving cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles--are not permitted to enter the bike lane except for the last 200 feet before a turn onto another street or driveway. Parking in a bike lane is prohibited at all times in certain states and cities. In California, a car may park in the bike lane as long as there is not a "No Parking" sign present and the car does not potentially block a cyclist. In San Francisco, a local ordinance prevents motorists--other than city vehicles--from parking in bike lanes during certain hours.
  
  

Cyclists

• Cyclists operating on public roadways are granted the same rights as motorists and are expected to adhere to the same set of regulations. In some states, such as Oregon, California, Hawaii, Alabama and New York, cyclists are required to use the bike lane. Exceptions are made when passing other cyclists, executing a left turn or when the cyclist determines the bike lane to be unsafe. When no bicycle lane is present, or the bike lane is not safe, cyclists must stay to the right side of traffic in order to avoid obstructing motorists and violating traffic regulations.
  
  

Pedestrians

• Pedestrians--including joggers--should treat a bike lane like any other traffic lane. According to the Seattle municipal code, walking in the bike lane is a violation equivalent to walking in the roadway. A pedestrian is in violation of this law any time he leaves the sidewalk and enters the bike lane. An exception is made when a pedestrian is crossing at an intersection. A cyclist that has dismounted her bike is considered a pedestrian and should not walk in the bike lane.
  
  

Motorized Wheelchairs

• According to Oregon statute 814.500, motorized wheelchairs may use the bike lane and are subject to the same regulations as a cyclist. State regulations may treat motorized wheelchairs as pedestrians, bikes or cars.
  
  

Segways

• Segway is the brand name of a two-wheeled, electronically propelled personal mobility device that operates at speeds under 20 mph. According to "Segway Laws" published in July 2010 by the Governors Highway Safety Administration, Segways--in most states--must follow the same rules as pedestrians when operating on the road or sidewalk. Some states like Kansas and West Virginia allow Segways to operate only on the sidewalk whereas most other states allow Segways to operate on roads.