How can a driver tell a bike lane from a regular lane?

A bike lane is distinctly marked to ensure both drivers and cyclists recognize its purpose and to enhance safety on the roads. The correct answer highlights that bike lanes are typically marked with a solid stripe, which separates them from regular traffic lanes. This solid stripe acts as a clear boundary that indicates the lane is reserved for bicycles, thereby minimizing the risk of confusion for both cyclists and motorists.

Additionally, bike lanes often feature bike symbols or signage that indicate their use, further reinforcing their designation as an area specifically for bicycles. This clear marking helps drivers know to yield to cyclists and avoids potential accidents.

The other choices may offer identifiable characteristics of road markings but do not accurately capture the definitive way to recognize a bike lane. For instance, while a dashed line might indicate different parts of the roadway, it does not specifically define a bike lane, and different colors are not universally applied across all roadways. The lane width can vary but is not a standard differentiator for bike lanes compared to regular lanes. Thus, the solid stripe and additional markings clearly establish the lane as one intended for cyclists.