Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities - The Industrialized ...

guide for the development of bicycle facilities 13
travel, and roadway improvements. Facility selection should seek
to maximize user benefits per dollar funded.
❍ State and Local Laws and Ordinances—Bicycle programs must reflect
state and local laws and ordinances. Bicycle facilities must not
encourage or require bicyclists to operate in a manner that is inconsistent
with these laws and ordinances.
Education Programs for Bicyclists and Motorists
Bicyclist and motorist education programs are key ingredients to building
a successful bicycle transportation system and fostering the growth of
bicycle use in a community. A primary reason is the great amount of misinformation
that has spread about bicycling. Education programs can
help to dispel the myths, encourage courteous and lawful behavior
among motorists and bicyclists of all ages, and enhance the skill level of
bicyclists and motorist awareness, thus leading to a reduction in crashes.
The education program can be administered through a number of different
agencies and interest groups, such as police departments, schools,
libraries, bicycle clubs, and parks and recreation departments.
There are four primary audiences for bicycle safety education and
awareness efforts. For each group, an education program can stress basic
messages that focus on the most frequent causes of crashes and injury.
The following represent messages and skills that should be stressed for
each group:
Young Bicyclists:
❍ How to ride in a straight line without wobbling or swerving
❍ Importance of stopping, looking and yielding before entering or
crossing a roadway
❍ Importance of riding with traffic (on the right-hand side of the
road), rather than against traffic
❍ How to scan behind for traffic before moving or turning left
❍ Importance of helmet use
❍ Importance of using hand signals
❍ Knowledge and understanding of traffic control devices
❍ Methods of crossing intersections
Parents of Young Bicyclists:
❍ Age and developmental factors in bicycle safety
Planning