Bicycle transportation planning and engineering

Bicycle transportation planning and engineering are the disciplines related to transportation engineering and transportation planning concerning bicycles as a mode of transport and the concomitant study, design and implementation of cycling infrastructure. It includes the study and design of dedicated transport facilities for cyclists (e.g. cyclist-only paths) as well as mixed-mode environments (i.e. where cyclists share roads and paths with vehicular and foot traffic) and how both of these examples can be made to work safely.[1] In jurisdictions such as the United States it is often practiced in conjunction with planning for pedestrians as a part of active transportation planning.[2]

Protected intersection

Networks, signage and maps
Further information: Bicycle map, National cycling route network, and Numbered-node cycle network

Most national cycling route networks have long-distance named routes, rather like highways. However, the international numbered-node cycle network has a modular design that enables arbitrary routes using simple signage. Both aim to minimize map use with plentiful signs.

Cycle networks of routes can be developed in co-ordination with cycle maps. Co-ordination can be local or national (the numbered-node cycle network has national co-ordination in some countries, and local co-ordination in others).

Bikeways

Some examples of the types of bikeways under the purview of bicycle transportation engineers include partially segregated infrastructure in-road such as bike lanes, buffered bike lanes; physically segregated in-road such as cycle tracks; bike paths with their own right-of-way; and shared facilities such as bicycle boulevards, shared lane markings, advisory bike lane, road shoulders, wide outside lanes, shared street schemes, and any roadways with legal access for cycling.

In roadway
Further information: Bikeway safety

NACTO guidelines state "desired width for a cycle track should be 5 feet (1.5 m). In areas with high bicyclist volumes or uphill sections, the desired width should be 7 feet (2.1 m)". CROW standard width for one way cycle paths in the Netherlands is a minimum of 2.5 m (8′). For bidirectional use the minimum is 3.5 m (11′).

Unsegregated
Further information: Vehicular cycling
  • One-way street with two-way shared cycling
    One-way street with two-way shared cycling
  • Streetscape in which all modes of travel (pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists) share the road
    Streetscape in which all modes of travel (pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists) share the road
  • Streetscape in which cyclists and motorists share the road
    Streetscape in which cyclists and motorists share the road

Partially segregated
  • Streetscape with dedicated cycle facilities next to other traffic
    Streetscape with dedicated cycle facilities next to other traffic

Segregated
  • One way street with two way cycle tracks and shared road
    One way street with two way cycle tracks and shared road
  • One way street with a single two way cycle track on right
    One way street with a single two way cycle track on right
  • One way street with a single two way cycle track on left
    One way street with a single two way cycle track on left
  • Cycle tracks with concrete barriers in downtown Ottawa, Ontario, Canada on Laurier Avenue in 2011.
    Cycle tracks with concrete barriers in downtown Ottawa, Ontario, Canada on Laurier Avenue in 2011.
  • Separate traffic light for automobiles and bicycles on cycle track in Denmark
    Separate traffic light for automobiles and bicycles on cycle track in Denmark
  • Cycle track with green lanes through intersection in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (also on Laurier) in 2011.
    Cycle track with green lanes through intersection in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (also on Laurier) in 2011.
Barriers

Options for barriers are soft-hit posts, raised curb or traffic barriers.

Off road

Bike freeway

Intersections and signals

Bicycle transportation engineers also are involved in improving intersections/junctions and traffic lights. Advanced stop lines are one example of road markings on mixed mode shared space as cycling infrastructure.

Other infrastructure

Road diets, curb extension, improving the road surface; building bicycle parking such as bicycle locks, bicycle stands, lockers.

Legislation
Main article: Bikeway and legislation

in California new bikeway design standards were last adopted in 1976. Those designs were adapted by the Association of American State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) to become the AASHTO Guide for Bicycle Facilities, which is followed in the USA.

See also

References
  1. "Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals". Retrieved 20 July 2015.
  2. "Active Transportation". Federal Administration Department. Retrieved 18 August 2015.
  3. Modern Milton Keynes: the master plan Archived 28 July 2012 at the Wayback Machine MK Web
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