City of Oshkosh, Wisconsin Pedestrian and Bicycle Circulation Plan

OFF-ROAD FACILITIES
Off-road facilities are those that have been identified
as designated bike routes within the City of Oshkosh
coordinated bicycle network. Off-road facilities
within this plan include two facility type; Multi-Use
Trails and Sidepaths. These two off-road facility
types are specifically designed for pedestrians and
cyclists and are physically separated from any motor
vehicle traffic. They are sometimes reserved for
bicyclists only but more often they are open to all nonmotorized
road users, such as pedestrians, bicyclists,
rollerbladers and skateboarders.
Regardless of the fact they are separated from the
streets, off-road facilities should include signage similar to those used for on-street
systems. When possible, pavement or ground markings should also be utilized.
OFF-ROAD FACILITIES - SIDEPATHS
Sidepaths are segregated facilities located next to or alongside a roadway. They
are generally located within the right-of-way but can be on private property via
easements. These facilities are separated from the roadway and divided from
motor vehicle traffic by a physical barrier and/or increased greenspace. A
sidepath is similar to a sidewalk in that is can support two-way traffic but is
generally wider to facilitate multiple use movements. They are most often utilized
in areas where a sidewalk is deemed to be undesirable, unsafe or unfeasible such
as rural highways or in urban areas with limited right-of-way or difficult design
considerations.
Sidepaths are not generally
recommended in areas with a lot of
driveways or road crossings as
they can cause conflicts, especially
for sidepath users traveling in the
opposite direction of the traffic on
Street Cross-Section of Sidepaths
the roadway. Sidepaths are
currently being utilized as pedestrian/bicycle facilities by the Town of Algoma.
Design considerations for sidepaths include:
• Install on one or both sides of the street,
depending on anticipated level of use and
available area.
• May be located within the right-of-way,
easement area of private property or
combination
• Minimum of 8 feet wide for bicycle only travel.
Minimum range of 10-14 feet for multipleuse
with 12 feet being desirable.
Street Cross-Section of Sidepath
CITY OF OSHKOSH BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN PLAN
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