Is the Auxiliary Lane a Non-Motorized Vehicle Lane?
2 Answers
Generally, the areas on both sides of the solid yellow line are motor vehicle lanes, and further out are the auxiliary lanes. Below is the relevant introduction: Concept of Auxiliary Lane: An auxiliary lane refers to a road set up on one or both sides of a main road, intended for vehicles or tractors that are not allowed to enter or are preparing to enter the main road from an access point. Auxiliary lanes are a term in highway terminology, serving as supporting roads for highway maintenance or traffic diversion. Motor Vehicles: Motor vehicles refer to wheeled vehicles driven or towed by power devices, used for transporting people or goods on roads, or for specialized engineering operations. By definition, motor vehicles are wheeled vehicles driven or towed by power devices, operating on roads for passenger transport, goods delivery, or specialized operations.
Having driven in the city for over 20 years, I've seen that auxiliary lanes are commonly found alongside main roads. They serve as supplementary lanes to alleviate traffic congestion, typically used for bus stops, right-turning vehicles, or low-speed driving, and aren't necessarily designated for non-motorized vehicles. For instance, on Beijing's Third Ring Road, many auxiliary lanes are marked with vehicle arrows and even permit electric bicycles, but they aren't exclusively for non-motorized use. In practice, I've noticed many beginners on shared bikes squeezing into these lanes, narrowly avoiding collisions with motor vehicles—truly hazardous. Remember, the original purpose of auxiliary lanes is to facilitate traffic flow diversion. The key is to check whether road markings or signs designate them as non-motorized vehicle zones. If there's no such indication, it's safer for non-motorized vehicles to avoid risking it and stick to dedicated bike lanes or sidewalks. In short, auxiliary lanes are like supporting actors in the road network—versatile but not specialized, requiring judgment based on specific conditions.
