City of Oxnard - Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Appendices

City of Oxnard | Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan
A.5 Signalization
With the needs and characteristics of bicycles and motor vehicles varying so greatly, adequately
accommodating bicyclists at traffic signals can be challenging for traffic engineers. This chapter contains
guidance on the detection of bicycles at signals, bicycle pavement markings at signals, and bicycle signals.
A.5.1. Bicycle Considerations at Traffic Signals
Bicycles typically travel much slower than motor vehicles and can find themselves without an adequate time
to clear an intersection. The duration of the amber phase of signals is typically sufficient to allow motor
vehicles to clear an intersection at the prevailing speed; however, bicyclists typically average only 10 mph
through intersections. Methods for accommodating bicyclists include:
• Lengthening the ‘all red’ phase of the intersection: This allows any vehicles or bicyclists still in the
intersection to clear it before a green phase is given to opposing traffic. The maximum length of the
‘all red’ phase should not generally be greater than 3 seconds. Under no circumstances should this
time be extended beyond 6 seconds.
• Coordinating signals to allow for the 10-15 mph progression speed of bicyclists: Sometimes it is
possible to alter signal timing to provide ‘green bands’ for bicyclists without significantly impeding
motor vehicle flow.
• Increasing the minimum green phase: Bicyclists have slower speeds and accelerations than motor
vehicles and even if they are at the stop line when a green light is given, the bicyclist may still lack
sufficient time to clear the intersection before a conflicting green phase.
• Using signal detection to detect moving bicyclists: Video detection technology may be programmed
to detect the presence of bicyclists. This allows for the adjustment of the minimum green phase, or
the clearance interval based on the presence of bicyclists.
A.5.2. Detectors
A.5.2.1. Video Detectors
Video detection cameras can be used to determine if a cyclist is waiting for a signal. These systems use digital
image processing to detect a change in the image at the location. Video detection cameras should be installed
on the signal pole mast arms or luminaire mast arms and placed at an angle, determined by the manufacturer,
to see oncoming bicyclists within the established detection zone. At night, video detection systems currently
in place have at times had difficulty accurately detecting cyclists, however current strides in detection
technology may eliminate this problem. Video camera system costs range from $20,000 to $25,000 per
intersection. Detection cameras are currently used for cyclists in the City of San Luis Obispo, California,
where the system has proven to detect pedestrians as well.
A.6 Bicycle Parking
Bicycle parking is a support facility that allows bicyclists to store their bicycles when they reach a destination.
These facilities enhance the bicycle and pedestrian environment and are important aspects of a complete
network. Bicycle parking can be separated into two categories: short term and long term.
Alta Planning + Design | A-37