RURAL BICYCLE ROUTE

Rural bicycle routes are a system of signs and pavement markings that guide bicyclists along preferred routes in rural areas outside of the Columbus city limits.

Rural bicycle routes are used to identify preferred routes where bicycle infrastructure is not needed or is not feasibile.

Benefits

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Signage and pavement markings may increase motorist awareness of the potential presence of bicyclists.

Challenges

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Bicycle route signage can act as wayfinding aids, guiding experienced bicyclists to destinations and preferred transportation and recreational routes.

. The shared space of a bicycle route makes maintenance, such as sweeping and plowing, less challenging than for separated bicycle facilities.

Bicycle routes utilize signs and pavement markings to identify routes but do not use traffic calming elements. Therefore, motor vehicle traffic can move at high speeds, making these routes comfortable only for the most experienced bicyclists.

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. Bicycle routes have a low cost of implementation.

Considerations

Rural bicycle routes should provide bicyclists with direction, destination, and distance information. .

Although rural bicycle routes are most appropriate for experienced bicyclists, low volume rural roads with wide shoulders and other characteristics that enhance safety are preferred. .

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

Bicycle routes are typically supplemented by signs, especially Bikes May Use Full Lane.

Design Guidelines

Rural 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 and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).

Where possible, rural bicycle routes should have a minimum 4 foot paved shoulder to improve bicyclist safety.