Bicycle Railing Height Report - AASHTO - Subcommittee on Design

BICYCLE RAILING HEIGHT SURVEY
ADVOCACY GROUP RESPONSES
<strong>Height</strong> depends on the circumstances: material used, likelihood of high winds (e.g. near
ocean), distance from traffic, width of trail, and surface (metal bridge, etc.).
Better safety. Potential disadvantages (visibility and sight distances) depend upon other
criteria such as straightness and gradient of path and should be tackled within these
considerations.
It's high enough to protect from falls without spoiling the view for shorter riders.
Two of the principal benefits of cycling are the sense of freedom and enjoyment of views.
In an area where a wall / railing might be necessary to protect from a high fall it's
primary function will be to arrest a slide (due to a blow-out, mechanical failure or loss of
adhesion)rather than a full-on impact. Cyclists do have a responsibility to ride sensibly,
even in races.
If the bridge surface is in very bad condition or very narrow, such that the likelihood of a
fall is greatly increased, then this should certainly be factored into the railing design
(height and other attributes). Similarly, in urban areas where objects being thrown from
the bridge is a serious concern, that must be accounted for. Otherwise, I think a 42"
railing height provides an appropriate mix of safety, visibility, and aesthetics.
As long as the railing is not higher than 54" than height is of no concern. <strong>Railing</strong>s and
fences higher than 54" obscure sight lines and make path users feel like prisonners,
demoralizing them and discouraging use, thus making the path less safe and further
discouraging use.
1.0m - we're metric.
48" for steep drop offs should be the standard. Because: it should be higher than the
standard 42" since bicyclists center of gravity is slightly higher. However, the 42" height
should be used for railings that are not adjacent to a steep drop off. 54" is excessive,
expensive and unnecessary.
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