Citation

Smith DT. Transp. Res. Rec. 1976; 570: 3-8.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1976, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper focuses on several recent failures in bikeway design in the hope that similar mistakes can be avoided in the future. Pros and cons of independent bicycle paths are listed, and the major deficiency is shown to be problems in design, inasmuch as they are usually designed for pedestrians rather than for bicyclists. This paper gives several questions that planners must answer when considering an independent right-of-way opportunity. These relate to safety, utility and linkage, and proximity to population centers. The use of sidewalks as bikeways is discussed, and unsatisfactory experience with such paths is presented. Some of the more obvious problems are poor sight distance, hazards from shrubs and signs, driveways, pedestrians, poor-quality surface, and curbs. Various attempts at curb cuts and ramps are mentioned. Signed bike routes are rarely used by cyclists because they usually do not serve desired activity centers and offer few if any safety advantages. Bike lanes, created from roadway space left over by motor vehicles, are shown to be basically unsatisfactory, though some negative behavior patterns have been modified by the provision of such lanes. The need to acquire accurate before and after data is discussed, as is the need for planners and designers to develop knowledge of good bikeway design. The way to acquire a sensitivity to bicyclists' needs and behaviors is to ride a bike.