Rethinking Geometric Design Standards for Bike Paths
Publication: Journal of Transportation Engineering
Volume 133, Issue 9
Abstract
The “single file” and “side-by-side” travel characteristics of bicyclists and pedestrians should be considered for the determination of stopping sight distances, horizontal sightline offsets, and minimum lengths of vertical curves for bike paths. This paper describes these unique travel behaviors and classifies them into two cases (Case I and Case II) for geometric design. It presents a set of new design equations and charts that consider these two design cases and introduces design methods to supplement current AASHTO standards and guidelines. The paper then provides a practical procedure for using the new charts and equations for design of bike paths. It is recommended that the new analytical means of evaluating the effect of side-by-side riding on geometric design of bike paths should be included in the revision of the AASHTO Bike Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities.
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Acknowledgments
The comments from Caltrans engineers who attended the training workshops on “Design of Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities” from 2002 to 2005 significantly improved the exposition of our ideas.
References
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Transportation Engineering
Volume 133 • Issue 9 • September 2007
Pages: 539 - 547
Copyright
© 2007 ASCE.
History
Received: Jan 17, 2006
Accepted: Jan 30, 2007
Published online: Sep 1, 2007
Published in print: Sep 2007
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