Planning Safe and Efficient Bicycle Crossings

An exclusive bicycle path is considered by many to be the highest type design for bicycle facilities. The most serious problem associated with them is that they cannot be completely separated from motor vehicle traffic without the use of costly grade separations at crossings. When not grade separated, it is recommended that a choice be made between yield signs, stop signs, and traffic signals to provide control. These common traffic control devices are recognizable and well understood by both motorists and bicyclists. It is possible to make the proper selection of control methodology taking into account anticipated delays and traffic volumes of both bicycles and motor vehicles. Their operators’ behavior patterns are affected by traffic volumes and the control device in place. Knowledge of this behavior will allow for safety to be considered when controls are selected.