FHWA Separated Bike Lane Planning & Design Guide

[Bike-Ped Manager]

THIS is a big deal.
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bicycle_pedestrian/publications/separated_bikelane_pdg/
Back in 2013 the Federal Highway Administration, acknowledging the need for more modern, urban bikeway design guidance, officially recognized resources provided by NACTO and others that were already available. Now, the federal government has developed its own set of standards. These new standards will likely be more readily incorporated by the various state DOT’s that collectively administer the bulk of transportation funding in this country. This in turn, should make it easier to incorporate modern, urban bikeway features into actual ROW improvement projects, regardless of their funding source or who is administering it.
Enjoy.

Topic

[Terpfan]

Interesting read. I enjoyed the photo here: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bicycle_pedestrian/publications/separated_bikelane_pdg/page06.cfm

They obviously built MUP-like separated lanes on both sides of the street, yet there is someone going down the sidewalk.

Needless to say, I know opinion is divided on this, but separated bike lanes (15th St Cycletrack for example) were one of the main things that convinced me riding to work was doable a few years ago. The initial comfort level really needed the MUPs/trails and lanes. Obviously, now I routinely take busy roads and while I appreciate the dedicated space, don’t necessarily feel I need it; but, recruiting folks into riding and really bridging that gap to new riders and less experienced ones means it’s a necessity. And, FWIW, I haven’t noticed much in the way of traffic impacts on L or M when those lanes were installed (I worked on M for a few years, including during the installation).

[mattotoole]

Thanks Dave. And thanks for the words — I hope you don’t mind I just quoted you here:

http://www.vabike.org/fhwa-releases-new-separated-bike-lane-planning-design-guide/

It is a big deal!

[Author]

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