Planning Criteria for Bikeways

The transportation planning process is examined including developing master plans and organization for planning and implementation. Guidelines are presented that help the professional and lay person determine the proper type and scale of development and investment in bicycle facilities. User characteristics and travel characteristics which are considered include generation of bicycle trips, trip type and purpose, trip length and travel time, and time of trips. Types of bikeway facilities that can be provided in response to varying needs are exclusive, restricted, and shared bikeways. Design features reviewed for bikeway design are speed, curvature, grade capabilities, surface requirements, intersections and crossings, signing and cross section dimensions and clearances. Specific cross section criteria for exclusive, restricted and shared bikeways are detailed. The cost of developing bikeway facilities is reviewed and the issue of financing considered.