m - City of New Braunfels

DRAFT FOR DISCUSSION
76
Bicycle Facility Standards
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Types of Btcycle Facilities
Bicycle facilities include the infrastructure on which
bicyclists travel. There are several types of bicycle
facilities that could be offered in New Braunfels on
appropriate streets, and other types that exist but
may not be appropriate for New Braunfels. Each
bicycle facility type is described below.
Bicycle lanes - Bicycle lanes are an on-street
right-of-way assigned to bicyclists and are designated
by a lane stripe, pavement markings, and signage.
Striped bicycle lanes are intended to promote an
orderly flow of traffic by establishing specific areas
reserved for bicyclists. Typically, the solid stripe of
the bicycle lane is either dropped or dashed prior to
and through intersections, to allow for both cyclists
and motorist turning movements.
Sidewalks - Sidewalks may be useful as bicycle
facilities when: bicycle access is needed and bicycle
volumes and/or pedestrian volumes are expected
to be low; right-of-way is constrained; or there are
traffic safety concerns such as high speeds, high
volumes, or heavy truck traffic. Bicyclists should not
iravel faster than the design speed of the sidewalk,
approximately 5-'10 mph. Bicyclists should not ride
in the opposite direction of vehicle traffic, even when
using a sidewalk bicycle route.
M u lti~use Path - Multi-use paths are paths that
are physically separated from motorized vehicle
traffic by an open space or barrier. Multi-use paths
can be loc3ted within the road tight-of-way, within
fill independent rigl1t-of-way, or accommodated
in another way such as within parks. They are
shared by multiple users including, but not limited
to, pedestrians, skaters, wheel chair users, and
bicyclists.
The surface type is a critical component of multi-use
paths. Generally, two types of surface treatments
are used: crushed granite or hard surface pavement.
Although decomposed or crushed granite can malce
8 t"eason.:!ble surfBCEl in good conditions, it is nm
suitable for all applications and can be hazardous or
difficult for narrow bicycle tires. Depending on the
anticipated use and its location, one surface treatment
may prove to be prefen·ed over the other.
Bicycle Boulevard - These are streets where
preference is given to bicyclists over cars; these
streets are designed to effectively divert motorized
traffic. Design elements could include diverters,
reconfiguration of stop signs to favor the bicycle
boulevard, traffic calming devices, shared lane
markings, and crossing improvements at high traffic
crossings. Motorized vehicle traffic still has access
to the residences or businesses, but traffic control
devices are used to control vehicle traffic speeds and
access while supporting thru bicycle traffic.
Bikeway • This is a road or path way that is
specifically designated for the exclusive use of
bicycles. It does not necessarily have to be within
the roadway.
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Protected Bike Lane - This is a bike lane that
is separated from motorized vehicle traffic by a
row of parked cars, a curb, or some other physical
separation.
Bicycle/Bus/Taxi Shared Lane-A travel lane
that is restricted to the use of bicycles, buses, and/
or taxis.
Climbing Bicycle Lane - A climbing bicycle
lane is marked on one side of the road and benefits
cyclists going up steep hills at slower speeds.
Shoulder-A shoulder is a continuous portion of the
roadway which can accommodate stopped vehicles,
emergency vehicles and bicyclists. A shoulder can
accommodate bicyclists if it is adequate in width and
pavement surface as well as has few crossings or
driveways. Texas legal code allows continuous use
of the shoulder by bicycles, emergency vehicles, and
maintenance crews.
$11ared Lane - Shared lanaa ~11\'l ihe r!ght-iilosi:
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Tl1e 2010 New Braunfels Strategic Parks and Recreation Master Plan Page 5:1'! ;~; H .t\LFF