designing streets to increase...

Designing Streets toDesigning Streets toIncrease BicyclingIncrease Bicycling

June 2, 2010June 2, 2010

BicycleBicycle

SolutionsSolutions

Los Angeles CountyLos Angeles CountyMetropolitan Transportation AuthorityMetropolitan Transportation Authority

Designing Streets to Increase BicyclingJune 2, 2010

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WelcomeWelcome

•• Diego Cardoso, EO, Countywide PlanningDiego Cardoso, EO, Countywide Planning•• IntroductionsIntroductions•• Announcements and LogisticsAnnouncements and Logistics•• Q&A at end of each segmentQ&A at end of each segment•• Introduction of John CiccarelliIntroduction of John Ciccarelli


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AgendaAgenda8:30 - 9:308:30 - 9:30 IntroductionIntroduction

9:30 - 9:459:30 - 9:45 BREAKBREAK9:45 - 11:309:45 - 11:30 InnovationInnovation

11:30 - 12:1511:30 - 12:15 LUNCHLUNCH12:15 - 1:1512:15 - 1:15 Design for Complete StreetsDesign for Complete Streets

1:15 - 1:251:15 - 1:25 BREAKBREAK1:25 - 2:501:25 - 2:50 The ToolboxThe Toolbox2:50 - 3:002:50 - 3:00 Wrap-up,Wrap-up, final Q&Afinal Q&A

3:003:00 ENDEND


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Workshop objectivesWorkshop objectives

•• Understand why and how to grow bicycleUnderstand why and how to grow bicycleridershipridership

•• Understand theUnderstand the ““ToolboxToolbox”” and and each tooleach tool’’ssapplicability, includingapplicability, including innovative toolsinnovative tools

•• Prepare for MetroPrepare for Metro’’s Call For Projects with thiss Call For Projects with thisnew knowledgenew knowledge

•• Build interest about new possibilitiesBuild interest about new possibilities


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TopicsTopics

•• Ridership Ridership & counting& counting•• Bicycling trendsBicycling trends•• Policy movementsPolicy movements

and contextand context•• Existing and newExisting and new

planning approachesplanning approaches

•• Innovation and the USInnovation and the USstandards processstandards process

•• How bicyclistsHow bicyclistsoperate on streetsoperate on streets

•• Complete StreetsComplete Streets•• The The ““ToolboxToolbox””::

existing andexisting and new toolsnew tools


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1. Introduction1. Introduction


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1. Introduction1. Introduction

•• RidershipRidership: Counting bicyclists: Counting bicyclists•• Trends in bicycle Trends in bicycle ridershipridership•• How bicycle accommodation aligns withHow bicycle accommodation aligns with

other goals and legislationother goals and legislation•• Why the old planning paradigm wonWhy the old planning paradigm won’’tt

grow bicycling fast enoughgrow bicycling fast enough•• New planningNew planning approachesapproaches


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Ridership: Counting bikesRidership: Counting bikes•• Census - Journey To Work dataCensus - Journey To Work data•• SCAG 2010 travel surveySCAG 2010 travel survey

–– 12% of all trips are by bicycling and walking12% of all trips are by bicycling and walking

•• MTA off-model analysisMTA off-model analysis–– 2.4% of all 2001 trips in LA County are by bicycle2.4% of all 2001 trips in LA County are by bicycle–– Orange Line and Rail Counts Orange Line and Rail Counts –– results in June 2010 results in June 2010

•• LACBC LACBC –– City of LA Bike Counts 2009 City of LA Bike Counts 2009•• Alta - National counting methodologyAlta - National counting methodology•• Emerging counting technologiesEmerging counting technologies

–– Automated counters (for paths)Automated counters (for paths)–– Automated video analysisAutomated video analysis


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TrendsTrends

•• Portland decade trends and countsPortland decade trends and counts•• San Francisco - Market StreetSan Francisco - Market Street•• MTC Bay Area RegionalMTC Bay Area Regional•• Bicycling is growing in LA CountyBicycling is growing in LA County

HOW DO WE INCREASE IT FURTHER?HOW DO WE INCREASE IT FURTHER?


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0 - 2%

2 - 3%3 - 5%

5 - 8%

8 - 10%10+%

City of PortlandDept. of Transportation

Black lines indicate bikeways

Bike CommuteMode Split

(by Census Tract)

19902000

PortlandPortlandGrowth of bikeway system and bicycle useGrowth of bikeway system and bicycle use


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How bicycling alignsHow bicycling alignswith other goals and legislationwith other goals and legislation

•• TrendsTrends–– Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reductionGreenhouse Gas (GHG) reduction–– Travel (VMT) reductionTravel (VMT) reduction–– Compact development / infill / TODCompact development / infill / TOD–– SRTS / ActiveSRTS / Active & Healthy Commutes& Healthy Commutes–– Health & Activity - CDC / RWJFHealth & Activity - CDC / RWJF

•• Policy contextPolicy context–– US DOTUS DOT–– StateState–– LocalLocal


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USDOT (FHWA) PolicyUSDOT (FHWA) Policy20002000

““Bicycling and walking facilities will beBicycling and walking facilities will beincorporated into all transportation projectsincorporated into all transportation projectsunless exceptional circumstances existunless exceptional circumstances exist..””

http://www.http://www.fhwafhwa.dot..dot.gov/environment/bikeped/designgov/environment/bikeped/design..htmhtm


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CompleteComplete Streets - Integrating the Transportation SystemStreets - Integrating the Transportation System

Accommodating all modes = moving people, not just vehiclesAccommodating all modes = moving people, not just vehicles

Caltrans Caltrans DD-64-R1 (Oct. 2008)DD-64-R1 (Oct. 2008)

The California Department of Transportation (Department) providesfor the needs of travelers of all ages and abilities in all planning,programming, design, construction, operations, and maintenanceactivities and products on the State highway system. The Departmentviews all transportation improvements as opportunities to improvesafety, access, and mobility for all travelers in California andrecognizes bicycle, pedestrian, and transit modes as integralelements of the transportation system.

The Department develops integrated multi modal projects in balancewith community goals, plans, and values. Addressing the safety andmobility needs of bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit users in allprojects, regardless of funding, is implicit in these objectives.Bicycle, pedestrian, and transit travel is facilitated by creating"complete streets" beginning early in system planning andcontinuing through project delivery and maintenance and operations.

POLICY


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DD-64 R1 DD-64 R1 vsvs. original:. original:Stronger, active languageStronger, active language


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Assembly Bill 32 (AB 32)Assembly Bill 32 (AB 32)Global Warming SolutionsGlobal Warming Solutions ActAct

•• Signed in 2006Signed in 2006•• Intent: Establish limits, measures and incentivesIntent: Establish limits, measures and incentives•• Action itemsAction items

–– ARB: Prepare and approveARB: Prepare and approve Scoping Plan for maximumScoping Plan for maximumfeasible and cost effectivefeasible and cost effective GHG reductionsGHG reductions

–– IdentifyIdentify 1990 baseline GHG1990 baseline GHG level for setting 2020 limitslevel for setting 2020 limits–– Require GHG reporting by largest industrial sourcesRequire GHG reporting by largest industrial sources–– Identify and adopt regulations for discrete early actionsIdentify and adopt regulations for discrete early actions


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Senate Bill 375 (SB 375)Senate Bill 375 (SB 375)Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection ActSustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act

•• Signed in late 2008Signed in late 2008•• First US legislation to link transportation and land useFirst US legislation to link transportation and land use

planning with global warmingplanning with global warming•• Compels local planning agencies to Compels local planning agencies to foster developmentfoster development

patterns that reduce driving (VMT)patterns that reduce driving (VMT)•• Benefits beyond GHG reductionBenefits beyond GHG reduction

–– Lower per capita transportation infrastructure costLower per capita transportation infrastructure cost–– Better health and fitness (more walking and bicycling)Better health and fitness (more walking and bicycling)–– Reduced air and water pollutionReduced air and water pollution–– Economic vitalityEconomic vitality–– Protection of agricultural land from developmentProtection of agricultural land from development


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The old planning paradigmThe old planning paradigmwonwon’’t grow bicycling fast enought grow bicycling fast enough

•• DesiredDesired usersusers–– Wider age rangeWider age range–– Wider range ofWider range of motormotor traffic tolerancetraffic tolerance–– FemalesFemales–– Families (parents and young kidsFamilies (parents and young kids biking together)biking together)–– Children and teens (school and personal trips)Children and teens (school and personal trips)–– SocialSocial bicyclists (who value side-by-side riding)bicyclists (who value side-by-side riding)

•• New planning approachesNew planning approaches–– Complete Streets: Plan and design for all roads toComplete Streets: Plan and design for all roads to

accommodate bicycling and walkingaccommodate bicycling and walking–– New tools in the New tools in the ““toolboxtoolbox””


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2. Innovation2. Innovation


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2. Innovation2. Innovation

•• ““By The BookBy The Book””–– WhatWhat areare the books? the books?

•• How the innovation process is How the innovation process is ““brokenbroken””•• Why we canWhy we can’’t just copy from Europet just copy from Europe•• Going beyond Going beyond ““The BookThe Book””


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““The BooksThe Books””

California MUTCD 2010 (California MUTCD 2010 (CaltransCaltrans)) A standards manual, not a design guidebookA standards manual, not a design guidebook Based on FHWA 2003 MUTCDBased on FHWA 2003 MUTCD New version based on FHWA 2009 MUTCDNew version based on FHWA 2009 MUTCD

due January 2012; due January 2012; Caltrans Caltrans maymay issue earlierissue earlier

AASHTO Guide for the Development ofAASHTO Guide for the Development ofBicycle FacilitiesBicycle Facilities An introductory design guidebookAn introductory design guidebook 1999 edition is current1999 edition is current; ; 2010 edition imminent2010 edition imminent


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AASHTO Bike GuideAASHTO Bike GuidePlanningPlanning

The Bicycle; The Bicycle; The Bicycle UserThe Bicycle UserChoosing the Appropriate FacilityChoosing the Appropriate Facility TypeTypeTypes of Bicycle FacilitiesTypes of Bicycle FacilitiesInventory; Plans; SelectionInventory; Plans; Selection……Education for Bicyclists and MotoristsEducation for Bicyclists and Motorists

DesignDesignShared Roadways, Signed Shared Roadways,Shared Roadways, Signed Shared Roadways,Bike Lanes.. intersections, turn lanes, symbolsBike Lanes.. intersections, turn lanes, symbolsShared Use PathsShared Use PathsOther Design ConsiderationsOther Design Considerations

Operation and MaintenanceOperation and Maintenance


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AASHTO Bike GuideAASHTO Bike Guide


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California MUTCDCalifornia MUTCDPart 1Part 1 - General- GeneralPart 2Part 2 - Signs- SignsPart 3Part 3 - Markings- MarkingsPart 4Part 4 - Highway Traffic Signals- Highway Traffic SignalsPart 5Part 5 - Low Volume Roads- Low Volume RoadsPart 6Part 6 - Temporary Traffic Control- Temporary Traffic ControlPart 7Part 7 - School Areas- School AreasPart 8Part 8 - Highway-Rail Grade Crossings- Highway-Rail Grade CrossingsPart 9Part 9 - Bicycle Facilities- Bicycle FacilitiesPart 10Part 10 - Highway-Light Rail Grade Crossings- Highway-Light Rail Grade Crossings


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California MUTCDCalifornia MUTCDSection 1A.02 Principles of Traffic Control DevicesSection 1A.02 Principles of Traffic Control Devices……..

Guidance:Guidance:To be effective, a traffic control device shouldTo be effective, a traffic control device shouldmeet five basic requirements:meet five basic requirements:A. Fulfill a need;A. Fulfill a need;B. Command attention;B. Command attention;C. Convey a clear, simple meaning;C. Convey a clear, simple meaning;D. Command respect from road users; andD. Command respect from road users; andE. Give adequate time for proper response.E. Give adequate time for proper response.


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California MUTCDCalifornia MUTCDSection 9C.04 Markings For Bicycle LanesGuidance:

Longitudinal pavement markings should beused to define bicycle lanes.Support:

Pavement markings designate that portion ofthe roadway for preferential use by bicyclists.Markings inform all road users of the restrictednature of the bicycle lane.

Examples of bicycle lane markings at right-turnlanes are shown in Figures 9C-1, 9C-3, and 9C-4.

Examples of pavement markings for bicyclelanes on a two-way street are shown in Figure9C-5. Pavement symbols and markings for bicyclelanes are shown in Figure 9C-6.Standard:

If used, the bicycle lane symbol marking(see Figure 9C-6) shall be placed immediatelyafter an intersection and at other locations asneeded. The bicycle lane symbol marking shallbe white. If the bicycle lane symbol marking isused in conjunction with other word or symbolmessages, it shall precede them.

Typical textTypical text(Standard=shall,(Standard=shall, Guidance=should, Option=MayGuidance=should, Option=May……))

Typical figureTypical figure(Blue markups = California differences from US)(Blue markups = California differences from US)


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How the Books change: slowly!How the Books change: slowly!

MUTCDMUTCD–– Volunteer experts (NCUTCD Technical Committees)Volunteer experts (NCUTCD Technical Committees)

meet twice yearly for 2 days + email between*meet twice yearly for 2 days + email between*–– FHWA rulemaking processFHWA rulemaking process (>1(>1 year)*year)*–– Requests To Experiment (Requests To Experiment (RTEsRTEs)*)*–– Interim Approvals (Interim Approvals (IAsIAs))–– FHWA MUTCD: Every 6 years or so (2003, 2009, FHWA MUTCD: Every 6 years or so (2003, 2009, ……)*)*–– CA (CA (CaltransCaltrans) MUTCD: 18-24 months later) MUTCD: 18-24 months later

AASHTO GuideAASHTO Guide–– Tends to follow MUTCD, but not every MUTCDTends to follow MUTCD, but not every MUTCD–– Over 20 years since last update*Over 20 years since last update*


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The process is brokenThe process is broken

•• ManyMany EuropeanEuropean innovations await USinnovations await US evaluation andevaluation andadaptationadaptation

•• Federal processFederal process–– MUTCD timelineMUTCD timeline–– NCUTCD limitationsNCUTCD limitations–– Federal experimentation funding and resourcesFederal experimentation funding and resources

•• Few citiesFew cities have resources and willingness to conducthave resources and willingness to conductwell-structured, multi-stage experimentswell-structured, multi-stage experiments

•• California processCalifornia process–– Requests to ExperimentRequests to Experiment–– California Bicycle Advisory CommitteeCalifornia Bicycle Advisory Committee


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Why we just canWhy we just can’’t copyt copyfrom Europe without adaptingfrom Europe without adapting•• Different lawsDifferent laws

–– Presumption of motorist fault when a bicyclist orPresumption of motorist fault when a bicyclist orpedestrian is injuredpedestrian is injured

–– Severity of penalties (loss of license)Severity of penalties (loss of license)–– US Right Turn On Red cultureUS Right Turn On Red culture

•• Different intersectionDifferent intersection detailsdetails–– Near-side Near-side vsvs. far-side signals. far-side signals

•• DifferentDifferent urban realitiesurban realities–– Political feasibility of parking removal forPolitical feasibility of parking removal for

bikeway installationbikeway installation–– Some things work at high bike mode sharesSome things work at high bike mode shares


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Bicycle Accommodation ApproachesBicycle Accommodation ApproachesOLDDesignatedBike Routes

NEWAll roads open for public useshould be considered for theirpotential to improve bicycling,based on need and roadcharacteristics.

LIMITATIONSDesignated routesare chosen mainly tominimize impact onmotor vehicle traffic

Users typedby trip type:(recreation,commuting,touring,racing) orskill level:(high,moderate,child/novice)

Facilities should safelyaccommodate the majority ofusers. Roads designed toaccommodate cyclists withmoderate skills will meetneeds of most riders; nearschool areas provide facilitiesdesigned specifically forchildren.

Routes sometimestied to trip types orskill levels. As aresult, adequateroute networks maynot be developed

“Where can we put the bikes?” “All Roads Are Bikeways”


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BreakBreak

9:30 - 9:459:30 - 9:45


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3. How bicyclists3. How bicyclistsoperate on streetsoperate on streets


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3. How3. How bicyclistsbicyclistsoperate on streetsoperate on streets

•• California Vehicle CodeCalifornia Vehicle Code•• Bicyclists are trafficBicyclists are traffic•• A CyclistA Cyclist’’s Eye Views Eye View


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California Vehicle Code (CVC)California Vehicle Code (CVC)

CVC 21200. (a) Every person riding a bicycle upon a highwayCVC 21200. (a) Every person riding a bicycle upon a highwayhas all the rights and is subject to all the provisionshas all the rights and is subject to all the provisionsapplicable to the driver of a vehicle....applicable to the driver of a vehicle....

A bicyclist may leave the right edge (CVC 21202) or bike laneA bicyclist may leave the right edge (CVC 21202) or bike lane(CVC 21208) if as fast as normal traffic, to prepare for a left(CVC 21208) if as fast as normal traffic, to prepare for a leftturn, to pass, and to avoid obstacles and right-turn areasturn, to pass, and to avoid obstacles and right-turn areas

Bicyclists may move like vehiclesBicyclists may move like vehicles……

Bicyclists are driversBicyclists are drivers……

Bicyclists may use any public streetBicyclists may use any public street…………except toll crossings and posted freeway segmentsexcept toll crossings and posted freeway segments


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Bicycles are TrafficBicycles are TrafficSame roads, Same rights, Same rulesSame roads, Same rights, Same rules

•• Between intersections: Between intersections: Speed PositioningSpeed Positioning–– All drivers position laterally by speedAll drivers position laterally by speed–– Enable or deter passing using your position in the laneEnable or deter passing using your position in the lane

•• At intersections: At intersections: Destination PositioningDestination Positioning–– Drivers position laterally by where theyDrivers position laterally by where they’’re goingre going–– Bicyclists choose the rightmost lane or space that goesBicyclists choose the rightmost lane or space that goes

where theywhere they’’re going (rightmost due to lower speed)re going (rightmost due to lower speed)

•• Approaching intersections and conflict areasApproaching intersections and conflict areas–– Transition from Transition from SpeedSpeed to to DestinationDestination positioningpositioning


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A CyclistA Cyclist’’s Eye Views Eye ViewDrivingDriving Your BicycleYour Bicycle in Trafficin Traffic

Chris Chris QuintQuint, Long Beach resident and League Cycling Instructor, Long Beach resident and League Cycling Instructor

YouTubeYouTube: http://www.: http://www.youtubeyoutube.com/user/carrigan88.com/user/carrigan88


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EducationEducation•• Explodes myths of bicycling asExplodes myths of bicycling as

difficult and dangerousdifficult and dangerous•• Empowers bicyclists to use moreEmpowers bicyclists to use more

streets safely and confidentlystreets safely and confidently•• Explains that perceived safetyExplains that perceived safety

and comfort are differentand comfort are different…… and andnot always correlatednot always correlated

•• Emerging directionsEmerging directions–– Handling skills clinics (off-street)Handling skills clinics (off-street)–– NeighborhoodNeighborhood teaching ridesteaching rides–– Tailored classes (women, parents,Tailored classes (women, parents,

middle school kidsmiddle school kids……))


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LunchLunch

11:30 - 12:1511:30 - 12:15


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4. Complete Streets4. Complete Streetsfor Bicyclesfor Bicycles


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4. Complete Streets4. Complete Streets

•• What does What does ““Complete StreetsComplete Streets””mean?mean?

•• Street classificationsStreet classifications•• The evolving ToolboxThe evolving Toolbox


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BicycleBicyclefacility typefacility typedepends ondepends onmotormotor traffictrafficspeed andspeed andvolumevolume

A Collection of Cycle Concepts,Danish Road Directorate, 2000


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Bikeways:Bikeways:Expressways and FreewaysExpressways and Freeways•• Shoulder bikewaysShoulder bikeways

–– Adequate width (8Adequate width (8’’-10-10’’))–– Modify stripe toModify stripe to correctlycorrectly

guide bicyclists at exits andguide bicyclists at exits andright turns, as with bike lanesright turns, as with bike lanes

•• Separated pathsSeparated paths–– Provide through interchangesProvide through interchanges

oror on separate structureon separate structure–– Essential if multi-lane exitsEssential if multi-lane exits

and merges are presentand merges are present

Topanga Canyon RoadTopanga Canyon Road


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Bikeways:Bikeways:Major Arterial StreetsMajor Arterial Streets•• AccommodationAccommodation

–– Bike lanes,Bike lanes, ideally wider than minimumideally wider than minimum•• MeasuresMeasures

–– Analyze peak volume / Revisit LOS assumptionsAnalyze peak volume / Revisit LOS assumptions•• Are all lanes needed?Are all lanes needed?

–– Reduce inside lanes to 10Reduce inside lanes to 10’’ or 10.5 or 10.5’’–– Provide reliable bike detection on cross streetsProvide reliable bike detection on cross streets–– Consider Consider ““bufferedbuffered”” bike lane through bike lane through

interchangesinterchanges


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Bikeways:Bikeways:MajorMajor Arterial StreetsArterial Streets

Van Nuys BoulevardVan Nuys Boulevard


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Bikeways:Bikeways:Arterial StreetsArterial Streets•• AccommodationAccommodation

–– Conventional: Bike lanesConventional: Bike lanes–– Emerging, for special cases:Emerging, for special cases:

On-street one-way pathsOn-street one-way paths–– For moderate speed commercial arterial,For moderate speed commercial arterial,

consider colored shared laneconsider colored shared lane(Long Beach example)(Long Beach example)


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Bikeways:Bikeways:Collector StreetsCollector Streets

•• AccommodationsAccommodations–– Bike lanesBike lanes–– Shared lane (Shared lane (sharrowssharrows))–– Can be components ofCan be components of BicycleBicycle

Boulevard alignmentsBoulevard alignments


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Stadium WayStadium Way


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Bikeways:Bikeways:Local/Residential StreetsLocal/Residential Streets

•• Use traffic calming to keep speeds andUse traffic calming to keep speeds andvolumes low (for livability and volumes low (for livability and ped ped safety)safety)

•• Identify and implement Bicycle BoulevardsIdentify and implement Bicycle Boulevards–– ParallelParallel and close to high traffic streetsand close to high traffic streets–– Potential for keeping volumes < 3000 ADTPotential for keeping volumes < 3000 ADT

(preferably(preferably around 1500 ADT)around 1500 ADT)•• Low volume enables a Low volume enables a ““full-widthfull-width”” passing passing

environmentenvironment

–– Natural and artificialNatural and artificial through vehicle barriersthrough vehicle barriers


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Hart Street (Van Nuys)Hart Street (Van Nuys)


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On-street bikeway retrofitOn-street bikeway retrofit

Courtesy Wilbur Smith AssociatesCourtesy Wilbur Smith Associates

START

NO GO

SHRINKLANE(S)

REMOVEA LANE

(“ROAD DIET”)

REMOVEOR

RESTRICTPARKING

WIDENROADWAY


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Recent findings on arterialRecent findings on arteriallane widths, safety and capacitylane widths, safety and capacity“…“…all projects evaluated duringall projects evaluated duringthe study that consistedthe study that consistedexclusively of lane widths of 10exclusively of lane widths of 10feet or more resulted in accidentfeet or more resulted in accidentrates that were either reduced orrates that were either reduced orunchanged.unchanged.””

NCHRP Report 330:NCHRP Report 330:Effective Utilization of Street Width on UrbanEffective Utilization of Street Width on UrbanArterialsArterials

CONCLUSION:CONCLUSION:On urban arterials, 10-foot lanes are as safe as 12-foot lanes On urban arterials, 10-foot lanes are as safe as 12-foot lanes


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Recent findings on arterialRecent findings on arteriallane widths, safety and capacitylane widths, safety and capacity““A safety evaluation of laneA safety evaluation of lanewidths for arterial roadwaywidths for arterial roadwaysegments found no indication,segments found no indication,except in limited casesexcept in limited cases, that the, that theuse of narrower lanes [than 12use of narrower lanes [than 12’’]]increases crash frequencies.increases crash frequencies.””

Potts, Harwood and Richard:Potts, Harwood and Richard:Relationship of Lane Width to Safety for UrbanRelationship of Lane Width to Safety for Urbanandand Suburban ArterialsSuburban Arterials,,TRB 2007 Annual MeetingTRB 2007 Annual Meeting

CONCLUSION:CONCLUSION:On urban arterials, 10-foot lanes are as safe as 12-foot lanes On urban arterials, 10-foot lanes are as safe as 12-foot lanes


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Florida Department ofFlorida Department ofTransportation (FDOT)Transportation (FDOT)

Conserve by BicycleConserve by BicycleProgram StudyProgram Study

Phase I ReportPhase I ReportJune 2007June 2007

Appendix P:Appendix P:The Effect of Lane Width onThe Effect of Lane Width on

Urban Street CapacityUrban Street Capacity

Recent findings on arterialRecent findings on arteriallane widths, safety and capacitylane widths, safety and capacity““All of the relevant research isAll of the relevant research isin general agreementin general agreement……. so long. so longas all other geometric and trafficas all other geometric and trafficsignalization conditions remainsignalization conditions remainconstant, there is noconstant, there is nomeasurable decrease in urbanmeasurable decrease in urbanstreet capacity when throughstreet capacity when throughlane widths are narrowed formlane widths are narrowed form12 feet to 10 feet.12 feet to 10 feet.””

CONCLUSION:CONCLUSION:On urban arterials, 10-foot lanes carry as much traffic as 12-foot lanes On urban arterials, 10-foot lanes carry as much traffic as 12-foot lanes


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Road DietRoad Diet

““4-to-34-to-3”” Road Diet, Road Diet,Valencia Street,Valencia Street,San FranciscoSan Francisco

BeforeBefore

AfterAfter


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Example: San Fernando RoadExample: San Fernando Road

•• 5151’’-53-53’’ curb to curb (10.5 curb to curb (10.5’’ lanes) lanes)•• Rural -- few driveways Rural -- few driveways•• Miles of empty center-turn lane Miles of empty center-turn lane

What options could be considered?What options could be considered?


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Two new tools forTwo new tools forpath / street intersectionspath / street intersections•• Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (a.k.a. Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (a.k.a. ““HAWKHAWK””))•• Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (““RRFBRRFB””))


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Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (““HAWKHAWK””))

Streetusers see:

Crosswalkusers see:

• In FHWA MUTCD 2009


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Rectangular Rapid Flashing BeaconRectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon(RRFB)(RRFB)

•• VeryVery high motorist yield compliance high motorist yield compliance

•• FHWA Interim ApprovalFHWA Interim Approval (no need (no need for further experiments)for further experiments)

•• Can be solar-powered (cost << signal)Can be solar-powered (cost << signal)


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BreakBreak

1:15 - 1:251:15 - 1:25


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5. New bikeway tools for5. New bikeway tools forgrowing bicycle growing bicycle ridershipridership


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5. New Bikeway Tools for5. New Bikeway Tools forGrowing Bicycle RidershipGrowing Bicycle Ridership

•• Bicycle Boulevards (OK not newBicycle Boulevards (OK not new……))•• Signs to support Signs to support ““claimingclaiming”” a lane a lane•• Shared Lane Markings (Shared Lane Markings (““SharrowsSharrows””))•• ColoredColored bike lanes and shared lanesbike lanes and shared lanes•• Bike boxes (advance waiting areas)Bike boxes (advance waiting areas)•• ““BufferedBuffered”” bike lanes bike lanes•• In-street one-way pathsIn-street one-way paths


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Bicycle BoulevardBicycle Boulevard•• A Local Street thatA Local Street that’’s a thruway for bikes but nots a thruway for bikes but not carscars

•• Parallel and close to a busy motor vehicle streetParallel and close to a busy motor vehicle street•• Serving same major destinationsServing same major destinations

•• Goal: A comfortable Goal: A comfortable ““full-street passingfull-street passing”” environment environment•• Target motor vehicle volumes: 1,500 ADT (3,000Target motor vehicle volumes: 1,500 ADT (3,000 max)max)•• Stop signs Stop signs ““turnedturned”” to side streets (for nonstop pedaling) to side streets (for nonstop pedaling)

•• Traffic calming as needed to achieveTraffic calming as needed to achieve comfort goalcomfort goal•• Barriers to through motor traffic (natural or artificial) Barriers to through motor traffic (natural or artificial)•• Speed controlSpeed control measuresmeasures•• Possibly volume control Possibly volume control measuresmeasures


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Hart Street (Van Nuys)Hart Street (Van Nuys)A sample Bicycle Boulevard candidateA sample Bicycle Boulevard candidate

Parallels Parallels Vanowen Vanowen St andSt andSherman Way for about 4Sherman Way for about 4miles, 0.5 miles frommiles, 0.5 miles fromeacheach

Residential for its entireResidential for its entirelength; few stop signslength; few stop signs

Slow speeds,Slow speeds, low volumelow volume

3636’’ wide, with parking wide, with parkingToo narrow for bike lanes,Too narrow for bike lanes,which arenwhich aren’’t needed anywayt needed anyway


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Hart Street (Van Nuys)Hart Street (Van Nuys)A sample Bicycle Boulevard candidateA sample Bicycle Boulevard candidate

Van

Nuy

s A

irpor

tVa

n N

uys

Airp

ort

School

0.5

mi

0.5

mi

0.5

mi

0.5

mi

School

2-waystop

Frontage roadenables offset

connection

Add creekcrossing?

Supermarket

Add creekcrossing?


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Signs to supportSigns to support““claimingclaiming”” a lane a lane

MUTCD R4-11MUTCD R4-11(FHWA 2009)(FHWA 2009)

VictoriaVictoria BCBC(on bridge)(on bridge)

Long Beach,Long Beach,Santa CruzSanta Cruz

MUTCD W11-1MUTCD W11-1+ W16-1+ W16-1


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Shared Lane MarkingsShared Lane Markings((““SharrowsSharrows””))•• Suggests bicyclist line of travel to avoid conflicts or hazardsSuggests bicyclist line of travel to avoid conflicts or hazards•• CA MUTCD 2006 (along parking)CA MUTCD 2006 (along parking)•• FHWA MUTCD 2009 (no restriction)FHWA MUTCD 2009 (no restriction)•• SF using it on intersection approachesSF using it on intersection approaches•• Not for use in bike lanes or striped shouldersNot for use in bike lanes or striped shoulders

Parking context Intersection approach context


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ColoredColored Bike LanesBike Lanes•• Used routinely in northern EuropeUsed routinely in northern Europe•• Portland Portland ““Blue Bike Lane StudyBlue Bike Lane Study”” (color in conflict areas): (color in conflict areas):

some issues with cyclists scanning lesssome issues with cyclists scanning less•• Examples / experiments include SF, San Jose, Long BeachExamples / experiments include SF, San Jose, Long Beach•• Which color? Green: likely standard. Blue: unlikely (ADA).Which color? Green: likely standard. Blue: unlikely (ADA).

South Burlington, VTSouth Burlington, VT Across US-2 freeway interchange Across US-2 freeway interchange

Cambridge, MACambridge, MABicyclist through movementBicyclist through movement

Bend, ORBend, OR Continuous color Continuous color


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Long BeachLong BeachColored shared laneColored shared lane

• Standard white sharrowscentered on 6’ green band

• Green likely to become MUTCDoptional bikeway color

• Solo bicyclists are guidedto avoid the door zone

• 2-abreast riding is comfortable• Motorists change lanes to pass• Conventional option: 2 travel

lanes plus bike lane + parking

2nd Street through Belmont Shores2nd Street through Belmont Shores


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Bike BoxesBike Boxes(Advance(Advance waiting areas)waiting areas)

1-lane: Bike lane on right side1-lane: Bike lane on right side

1-lane: Bike lane on left side1-lane: Bike lane on left side

•• 1-lane bike box enables1-lane bike box enablesthroughthrough bicyclists to avoidbicyclists to avoidturning motoriststurning motorists(right and left (right and left ““hookshooks””))

•• Multi-lane bike box enablesMulti-lane bike box enablesturning bicyclists to moveturning bicyclists to movelaterallylaterally in frontin front of stoppedof stoppedmotoristsmotorists

•• Safety issue near end of redSafety issue near end of redphase!phase!


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Bike Boxes: Safety issuesBike Boxes: Safety issues

Figure: John Allen, www.Figure: John Allen, www.bikexprtbikexprt.com.com


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Long Beach:Long Beach:Green Bike Box for Left TurnsGreen Bike Box for Left Turns

E. Marina Drive northbound at 2nd StreetE. Marina Drive northbound at 2nd Street

• Colored area and sharrowencourages left turningbicyclists arriving on red tomove into “lane claiming”position at front of through-and-left option lane

• White border provideslegal advance stop line formotorists and enhancescontrast against light concrete

• Unsafe to move laterally inbike box when signal is aboutto turn green


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Long Beach:Long Beach:Buffered bike laneBuffered bike lane

• Buffer increases separationfrom motor traffic, and absorbsexcess width

• Bike lane is comfortablywide for one bicyclist

• 2-abreast riding is comfortable;second bicyclist shares bikelane or rides in buffer

• Crossing conflicts at mergeand diverge areas muststill be resolved bynegotiating with motorists

2nd Street through 2nd Street through Appian Appian Way interchangeWay interchange


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In-street one-way pathsIn-street one-way pathsManhattan - 9th Avenue (NYC DOT)Manhattan - 9th Avenue (NYC DOT)

Buffered by parking lane with Buffered by parking lane withleft-side door / loading arealeft-side door / loading area

Parking becomes left turn lane Parking becomes left turn laneat cross streets that go leftat cross streets that go left


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In-street one-way pathsIn-street one-way pathsManhattan - Grand Street (NYC DOT)Manhattan - Grand Street (NYC DOT)


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Long Beach:Long Beach:On-street one-way paths (planned)On-street one-way paths (planned)


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6.6. Wrap-upWrap-up


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6. Wrap-up6. Wrap-up

•• ResourcesResources•• Call For ProjectsCall For Projects•• Final Q&AFinal Q&A


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Resources - 1Resources - 1

California MUTCD 2010 (California MUTCD 2010 (CaltransCaltrans)) Based on FHWA 2003 MUTCDBased on FHWA 2003 MUTCD New version based on FHWA 2009 MUTCDNew version based on FHWA 2009 MUTCD

due by January 2012due by January 2012

AASHTO Guide for the Development ofAASHTO Guide for the Development ofBicycle FacilitiesBicycle Facilities 1999 current1999 current 2010 edition imminent2010 edition imminent


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Road Diets - Fixing the Big RoadsRoad Diets - Fixing the Big Roads 1999, Dan Burden and Peter 1999, Dan Burden and Peter LagerweyLagerwey Results from Seattle and elsewhereResults from Seattle and elsewhere

Fundamentals ofFundamentals ofBicycle Boulevard Planning & DesignBicycle Boulevard Planning & Design July 2009, July 2009, ibpi ibpi (Portland State University)(Portland State University)


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Main Streets:Main Streets:Flexibility in Design & OperationsFlexibility in Design & Operations CaltransCaltrans, January 2005, January 2005

Traffic Calming - State of the PracticeTraffic Calming - State of the Practice 1999, ITE (Reid Ewing)1999, ITE (Reid Ewing)

Still one of the best references on theStill one of the best references on the subjectsubject


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Designing Sidewalks andDesigning Sidewalks and Trails forTrails forAccess, Part II of II: Best PracticesAccess, Part II of II: Best Practices FHWA, 2001FHWA, 2001

Trail Design Resource HandbookTrail Design Resource Handbook 2000, Contra Costa County2000, Contra Costa County

Good reference for path/street intersectionsGood reference for path/street intersections


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Call For ProjectsCall For ProjectsLynne GoldsmithLynne GoldsmithMetro Bicycle Planning ManagerMetro Bicycle Planning Manager(213) 922-3068(213) 922-3068goldsmithl@[email protected] /www.metro.net /

projects / projects / bikeway_planningbikeway_planning


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Thanks for attending!Thanks for attending!John John CiccarelliCiccarelliBicycle SolutionsBicycle Solutions(415) 912-6999(415) 912-6999johnc@bicyclesolutionsjohnc@bicyclesolutions.com.comwww.www.BicycleSolutionsBicycleSolutions.com.com

designing streets to increase...

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