diff --git a/api/lanes.py b/api/lanes.py
index 66eaa1f54..8eb87113b 100644
--- a/api/lanes.py
+++ b/api/lanes.py
@@ -125,7 +125,8 @@ def create_default_lanes(_db, library):
     if not large and not small and not tiny:
         estimates = library.estimated_holdings_by_language()
         large, small, tiny = _lane_configuration_from_collection_sizes(estimates)
-    priority = 0
+
+    priority = 1000
 
     if large and len(large) > 0:
         language = large[0]
diff --git a/tests/api/test_lanes.py b/tests/api/test_lanes.py
index d41ad714c..a2f158819 100644
--- a/tests/api/test_lanes.py
+++ b/tests/api/test_lanes.py
@@ -288,9 +288,9 @@ def test_create_default_lanes(
         } == {x.display_name for x in lanes}
 
         [english_fiction_lane] = [x for x in lanes if x.display_name == "Fiction"]
-        assert 0 == english_fiction_lane.priority
+        assert 1000 == english_fiction_lane.priority
         [world] = [x for x in lanes if x.display_name == "World Languages"]
-        assert 5 == world.priority
+        assert 1005 == world.priority
 
         # ensure the target age is appropriately set for the children and middle grade lane
         [children_and_middle_grade_lane] = [