HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011 01 20 Other - Signed Bicycle Routes-Related to '601' Bicycle And Pedestrian Advisory Committee
Special Meeting
January 20, 2011
The attached documents were provided to the Committee
Members during the Regular Agenda Item "601" at the
January 20, 2011 Bicycle And Pedestrian Advisory
Committee Special Meeting.
SIGNED BICYCLE ROUTES
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Signed bicycle routes are best implemented on existing low traffic volume residential or secondary
roadways where the need for additional construction is not necessary.
DEFINITION
A signed bicycle route is typically designated along more lightly traveled residential or
secondary roads and is indicated by signs with or without a specific route number. This
type of facility should have appropriate directional and informational markers. Signed
bicycle routes are designated by the jurisdiction having authority over the roadways
included in the bicycle route system. Adding pavement width to the existing roads
signed as bicycle routes is not normally required; however, choosing routes with minimal
traffic hazards is typically part of the process to create a good route. Bicycle routes are
often utilized to direct bicyclists to less- congested roadways that may follow the same
general corridor as more heavily traveled arterial highways.
NCDOT — Bicycle Facilities Guide: Types of Bicycle Accommodations
WHEN TO CONSIDER THIS TYPE OF FACILITY
A bicycle route is a suggested route to get to a specific destination. It may include
stretches of other designated bicycle facilities, but in general, a bicycle route does not
require that the road include any special bicycle facilities. For instance, a signed bicycle
route may designate a preferred set of roads from a school to a residential neighborhood.
A network of such routes may be connected to provide bicyclists with a safe and
appealing way to get around the community. Planning for a bicycle route begins by
defining the purpose and need for the facility.
• Designating a bicycle route is a cost - effective way to inform bicyclists of a
safer way to get to their destinations.
• A bicycle route should have a well- defined origin and destination.
• A bicycle route should be part of a comprehensive bicycle system.
PRINCIPAL PLANNING CONCERNS WITH BICYCLE ROUTES
• Roadways to be recommended as bicycle routes should have low traffic
volume and low posted speed limits.
• Scenic, direct routes are preferred by bicyclists.
• Bicycle route signs should include directional arrows to guide the bicyclist at
intersections with other roadways.
• The route should be field checked to avoid potential design and traffic
hazards.
• A map showing the bicycle routes in an area is a good way to inform
bicyclists about the bicycle route network. Mapping encourages greater use of
these facilities.
NCDOT — Bicycle Facilities Guide: Types of Bicycle Accommodations
PLANNING AND DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
Some key elements of bicycle route selection include roadways with adequate width,
high quality pavement, less dangerous intersections, curves with good sight distance and
hills without steep grades. Such traffic conditions as motor vehicle volume, posted
speed limits, and high percentages of truck traffic should also be considered. Another
important consideration should be that the system of signed routes connects origins and
destinations that are of interest to bicyclists.
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Mapped and signed bicycle route systems provide information on safer places to bicycle.
NCDOT — Bicycle Facilities Guide: Types of Bicycle Accommodations