Citation

Kaplan JA. Transp. Res. Rec. 1976; 570: 38-44.

Copyright

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

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

More than 1,100 pedal cycle deaths each year for the last 2 years have focused national attention on the growing bicycle safety problem. The Highway Safety Act of 1973 requires that bicycle safety provisions be incorporated into highway safety standards. The Federal Highway Administration is the agency responsible for developing a standard that will encourage safe operation of bicycles in the highway environment through improved traffic engineering practices and physical facilities. In many instances, no physical improvements will be needed. In others, the widening of the outside travel lane or paving of the shoulder may be required. Some situations may justify a bicycle roadway separate from high-speed motor vehicle traffic. The standard will provide guidance to appropriate officials so that safe and usable bicycle facilities will be planned and constructed where needed.

DISCUSSION among educators, enforcement officials, and engineering experts has shown that there is agreement that improving bicycle safety will require a combination of all three areas of specialization. Providing a safe facility is only a partial solution to the bicycle-motor vehicle conflict.