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

guide for the development of bicycle facilities 15
Chapter 2 Design
Design of new bicycle facilities, as well as improvements to existing facilities,
is an ongoing process that should be consistent with a
comprehensive plan considering the different bicycle users, existing
conditions and community goals. A wide range of facility improvements
can enhance bicycle transportation. An improvement can be simple and
involve minimal design considerations (e.g., changing drainage grate inlets)
or it can be more extensive (e.g., providing a shared use path). For
example, improvements such as bicycle lanes depend on the roadway’s
design. On the other hand, shared use paths are located on independent
alignments; consequently, their design depends on many factors, including
right-of-way, available funding, topography and expected use.
A community’s overall goals for transportation improvements should include
provisions for bicycle travel. Through appropriate planning and
design, general improvements for motor vehicles can also be designed to
enhance bicycle travel. For all roadways where bicycle travel is permitted,
planning and design should consider provisions for bicycling.
Roadway projects that extend near or intersect existing or planned
shared use paths should include careful analysis and design measures to
ensure the continued access and safety of path users. Public involvement
in the form of public meetings, hearings or bicycle advisory groups is encouraged
during the planning and design processes.
Guidelines are presented in this chapter to help design and implement
bicycle facilities that accommodate the operating characteristics of bicycles
as defined in this guide. Modifications to facilities (e.g., widths,
curve radii, superelevations, etc.) that are necessary to accommodate
adult tricycles, bicycle trailers, and other special purpose humanpowered
vehicles and accessories should be made in accordance with
the expected use, using sound engineering judgment.
This chapter has been organized around the various classifications of
bikeways:
❍ Shared Roadways
❍ Signed Shared Roadways
❍ Bike Lanes
❍ Shared Use Paths
❍ Other Design Considerations
Where guidelines overlap across classifications, reference is made to the
appropriate section to eliminate repeating text.
Design