NEIGHBORHOOD BICYCLE ROUTE

Neighborhood bicycle routes are streets with low motor vehicle volumes and speeds where bicyclists share the roadway space with motor vehicle traffic. On neighborhood bicycle routes, traffic calming measures are implemented as needed to enhance comfort for bicyclists and to further minimize motor vehicle traffic volumes and speeds. Neighborhood bicycle routes are identified by signage and pavement markings and should be complemented by sidewalks on both sides of the street.

Neighborhood bicycle routes are differentiated from rural bicycle routes, which are also shared road bicycle facilities, by their location and traffic volumes/speeds. Neighborhood bicycle routes are located on low-volume, low-speed, in-town streets where traffic calming is utilized to further improve the bicyclist experience. Rural bicycle routes, conversely, are located along preferred routes in rural areas with higher traffic volumes and speeds.

Benefits

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Neighborhood bicycle routes provide a comfortable experience for bicyclists of all ages and abilities.

Pavement markings and signage increase motorist awareness of the potential presence of bicyclists.

Challenges

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Some elements of neighborhood bicycle routes have high maintenance needs. Pavement markings experience wear and tear due to motor vehicle traffic and some traffic calming elements have special maintenance needs.

. In general, maintenance, such as plowing and sweeping, is straightforward because neighborhood bicycle routes share street space with vehicles.

Neighborhood bicycle routes can be retrofitted within existing right-of-way.

. Strategically implemented traffic calming elements slow traffic, enhance the bicyclist experience, and improve motorist safety

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Traffic calming elements are needed to create an environment comfortable for bicyclists of all ages and abilities. The selection and implementation of calming elements at strategic locations requires additional planning and costs.

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. Treatments at major intersections, to improve safety for bicyclists, must be designed and implemented.

Considerations

Streets classified as “local” by the City of Columbus Thoroughfare Plan are particularly well suited for neighborhood bicycle routes due to their function within the functional classification system. These streets inherently have less and slower moving traffic than other types of streets within the city because their intent is to provide local access to homes and businesses.

Signage and pavement markings are important for identifying the neighborhood bicycle route for bicyclists and for warning motorists of the possible presence of bicycle traffic.

. Neighborhood bicycle routes may be used to fill gaps between cycle tracks and other dedicated facilities for short segments where there are space constraints.

Where possible, neighborhood bicycle routes should prioritize bicycle travel. Relocating stop signs to allow through bicycle movement should be considered.

Treatments at major street crossings may be needed to maintain a safe connection for bicyclists. Intersection treatments such as median refuge islands, Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacons (RRFBs), and Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons (HAWK Signals), should be considered.

Design Guidelines

Neighborhood bicycle routes should be designed, constructed, and maintained to meet the standards as published by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) current edition, the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), and the design guidelines below.

SPEED LIMIT: Posted speed limits should not exceed 30mph .

SURFACE: Consistent with street pavement .

TRAFFIC CALMING: Traffic calming elements should be implemented as needed to enhance the neighborhood bicycle route and improve conditions for bicyclists of all ages and abilities.

Traffic Calming And Intersection Design Treatments To Consider

The following traffic calming and intersection design treatments, also called countermeasures, should be considered along Neighborhood Bicycle Routes to improve safety and enhance the bicyclist experience.

Traffic Circle

Sometimes called mini-roundabouts, traffic circles lower speeds at minor intersection crossings.

Chicane

A chicane is a slight S-curve in a street intended to slow traffic speeds.

Street Trees

Street trees create vertical “walls” framing streets, providing a defined edge of the street and resulting in motorist speed reduction.

Median Refuge Islands

Medians are raised barriers in the center portion of the intersection that provide a refuge for bicyclists crossing a busy intersection. See more on page 119.

Sharrows

Sharrows, or shared lane markings, are pavement markings in the roadway that indicate to drivers and bicyclists that a lane is to be shared.

Curb Extensions

Curb extensions narrow the roadway at an intersection and reduce the turning radius at street corners, resulting in slower motor vehicle speeds and shorter crossing distances for pedestrians. See more on page 119.

Diverters

Traffic diverters are placed at intersections to restrict through motor vehicle movements, limiting vehicle traffic volumes and giving bicyclists priority on the neighborhood bicycle route.

Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB)

RRFBs are pedestrian/bicyclist activated signals utilized at unsignalized intersections. See more on page 120.

Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (HAWK Signal)

A HAWK Signal is a pedestrian and bicyclist activated signal that stops traffic at high-volume intersections, allowing bicyclists and pedestrians to cross safely. See more on page 121.