Citation

Thompson SR, Monsere CM, Figliozzi M, Koonce P, Obery G. Transp. Res. Rec. 2013; 2387: 1-9.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.3141/2387-01

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a survey of North American jurisdictions with known installations of bicycle-specific traffic signals and a review of available engineering guidance. Surveys were sent to agencies in 21 jurisdictions (19 in the United States and two in Canada). The surveys requested details on the engineering aspects of the jurisdictions' signal designs (e.g., placement, mounting height, lens diameter, backplate color, type of actuation, interval times, use of louvers, performance). Survey responses were received for 63 intersections and 149 separate signal heads, and the results highlighted current treatments and variations in similar designs. The guidance documents that were reviewed included those produced by the National Association of City Transportation Officials, New York; AASHTO, Washington, D.C.; the Transportation Association of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario; CROW, Ede, Netherlands; and the respective manuals on uniform traffic control devices of Canada, the United States, and the State of California. A subsequent review of the documents revealed consistent guidance in general with regard to the design of bicycle-specific traffic signals. Guidance on bicycle signals has grown substantially in recent years, so future designs are likely to vary less.