FHWA clarifies status of on-road bicycle treatments

This just came in from the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals listserve from Bill Schultheiss at the Toole Design Group. I've just copied most of his message here since it does as good a job as any in summarizing the FHWA fact sheet:

Federal Highway has just developed a very helpful resource page that summarizes which bicycle facility traffic control devices (Bike Signals, bike boxes, etc) are permitted in the MUTCD. For those devices which are not in the MUTCD, they have listed which devices are currently being researched and are considered experimental devices requiring approval for use.

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bikeped/mutcd_bike.htm

The Bicycle Technical Committee (BTC) of the National Committee for Uniform Traffic Control Devices is presently developing proposals for the use of color, bicycle boxes, bicycle signals, priority shared lane markings, door zone markings. For further information on the BTC please see the following link:

http://members.cox.net/ncutcdbtc/

Op-Ed: Shouldn’t bicycle planning and facility design experts at least ride bikes?

When I go around New Jersey talking about the importance of advocating for better bicycle amenities I’m often told by other bicyclists that they are frustrated, fed up and don’t bother even trying anymore. These bicyclists often complain that when they have petitioned for facilities in the past, if something was built, it was entirely unsuited to their needs. The typical complaint I hear is, “Why bother?!?! If something actually does get built, it will just get designed by someone who has obviously never even ridden a bike!” (I’ve honestly heard close to this exact complaint from several cyclists.)

While I can say with confidence that things are indeed changing for the better here in New Jersey, the unfortunate reality is that these bicyclists’ frustrations are well founded and their misgivings are all too often manifested in the concrete, asphalt, paint and steel of many of the facilities designed for bicycle use around the State. And while the professionals that plan and design these facilities may be very well intentioned and completely sold on the idea and wisdom of accommodating bicyclists, the reality remains that if the expert is not an experienced bicyclist themselves, they may continue to be blind to the potential hazards unintentionally incorporated into their designs and plans.

So I propose a theoretical test for anyone in charge of planning and/or designing bicycle facilities. This test would even be helpful for those in charge of awarding grant funds for bicycle facilities, as they would be more capable of critically evaluating the merits of a project and its usefulness for cyclists. I admittedly set the bar pretty high but that’s the point. If a candidate could pass this test then I would have unquestioning confidence with their professional opinions relative to proposed bicycle facilities. So beyond the candidate’s relative professional and academic achievements (degrees / experience in engineering, planning, etc.) the candidate would need to pass the following requirements to be a qualified bicycle planning and facility design expert. Those are:

Mandatory competences –

1. Theoretical and practical mastery of Smart Cycling as taught by the League of American Cyclists

A comprehensive, firsthand understanding of the hazards cyclists face while interacting with motor vehicle traffic would help prevent the design and construction of undesirable if not unsafe facilities. The candidate would have to demonstrate his/her proficiency with Smart Cycling in both a written format and while riding a bike. The on-bike proficiency must be demonstrated with ease and confidence under all but the most extreme traffic conditions. One does not need to be a League Certified Instructor to show competence in this requirement but it would indeed be a bonus. This requirement does not preclude the expert from approving facilities that do not attempt to exactly replicate Smart Cycling techniques in their profession practice.

2. Practical experience riding a bike for transportation purposes

A bicyclist riding for transportation will frequently seek a route that is the most direct. However, the bicyclist will often have to balance the need for a direct route verses the desire for a route that provides the best level of comfort and safety from motor vehicle traffic. Since most funding sources for bicycle facilities are often based on the premise that people will use their bicycles on these facilities to replace trips that would otherwise require the use of a motor vehicle (private and/or public), having firsthand experience bicycling for transportation would naturally help to make the best use of limited bicycle amenity funding. And by default, having used a bicycle for transportation the candidate would have a better understanding of the practical and proper placement of secure and situational appropriate bicycle parking. The candidate must show competence in using a bicycle for transportation over a minimum one-way distance of ten miles.

3. Experience riding a bicycle in rural, suburban and urban environments

Understanding that the needs of cyclists differ depending on the local environment is critical to providing site appropriate bicycle amenities. For example, barrier-protected bicycle lanes might be highly desirable to provide a comfortable bicycling environment on an urban arterial with heavy traffic volumes but would likely be totally inappropriate elsewhere. Understanding these needs would prevent the construction of inappropriate facilities and also help to wisely disseminate scarce bicycle amenity funding.

4. Experience and confidence riding a bicycle at speeds in excess of 25mph

Such experience would allow the expert to fully comprehend the needs of cyclists comfortable with operating a bicycle at higher speeds. Experience in operating a bicycle at such speeds also brings with it an understanding of a bicyclist’s strong desire to conserve hard earned momentum. Such an understanding could help prevent the design of slow speed facilities in downhill situations and/or the repeated close placement of stops signs on a bicycle facility in all but the most necessary circumstances.

5. Experience riding a bicycle at slow speeds (<12mph) in heavy traffic

Just as some casual bicyclists are completely unfamiliar with the needs of bicyclists who travel at high speeds (averaging >15mph), others who approach bicycling strictly as a high paced and sometimes competitive sport are often equally unaware of how bicycling at slower speeds can completely change the riding experience on a given stretch of road under otherwise identical traffic conditions. The candidate must understand that riding a bicycle at slow speeds can actually make bicycling more dangerous and more stressful, independent of the individual bicyclist’s experience and comfort in traffic. First, bicycling at slow speeds increases the total number motor vehicles that will overtake the slow bicyclist versus that of a fast bicyclist over a given distance. Second, on top of increasing the number of passing motor vehicles, those that do overtaking the slow bicyclist will do so at a higher relative speed, making each pass more stressful and potentially more dangerous. Third and finally, when bicycling at slower speeds it is much more difficult and stressful to take a lane when needed. By contrast the fast bicyclist can interact with traffic more easily, by being able to take a lane for a shorter period of time and with minimal interruption to the velocity of motor vehicle traffic. By understanding that riding a bicycle at slow speeds can actually be more stressful than riding fast, in certain instances, the expert would be better able to identify the needs of slow (often new) bicyclists while also considering the needs of fast bicyclists.

6. Experience riding a bicycle at night

Riding a bicycle at night is a unique experience that poses different challenges and potential dangers. Nighttime is also when a large percentage of bicycle crashes happen with motor vehicles with many of those resulting in fatal injuries to the bicyclist. Having experience riding at night would allow the expert to understand that a facility that may seem to work well during the day could pose significant hazards to bicyclists when used at night.

Elective Competences – (must show proficiency in at least two of the following)

1. Club / Competitive road bicycling

Many persons who readily identify themselves as bicyclists ride in bicycle clubs and/or ride bicycles competitively on the road. They also make up a large portion (if not a majority) of bicycle advocates. Having a firsthand understanding of their requirements would be a highly desirable so the expert could better satisfy their needs. Having ridden in a group and drafted other bicyclists is the critical part of this requirement.

2. Bicycle/Transit integration

Having firsthand experience using a bicycle with mass transit is critical to understanding the detailed needs of persons who wish to use a bicycle with mass transit. The candidate should be familiar with the both needs of bicyclists who use a bicycle just to access a transit station and those that also wish to take a bicycle with them on the transit vehicle. Better bicycle/transit integration has the potential to open up a whole host of possibilities for bicyclists while providing a new source of riders and revenue for transit agencies.

3. Riding with children

One could argue that this should be a mandatory requirement. Understanding the needs of child bicyclists is critical in providing proper bicycle accommodation on select facilities. Bicycle facilities where children are likely, or ones where bicyclists have must use a certain route to reach major, vacation or other family-friendly destinations must consider the needs of child bicyclists. A prime example of the later would be bicycle access to certain critical bridges. These facilities should be made comfortable for children as young as age 10 with adult supervision. This experience is also critical when working on Safe Routes to School bicycle projects.

4. Bicycle touring (preferably unsupported)

Bicycle tourists have many requirements uniquely different from that of most other bicyclists. They will often be totally unfamiliar with the area, roads and trails they are riding through, as they are likely visiting for the first and likely only time. As such bicycle tourist might not be aware of the safe scenic route that parallels a dangerous main highway. They can travel in excess of 100 miles in a single day and will have bicycles loaded with gear that can reach 100lbs or more. Bicycle tourists also require access to dinning and overnight accommodations and advanced knowledge of their precise locations. Again, having firsthand experience with bicycle touring would provide the candidate insights into the needs of a unique form of bicycling that is sure to grow as the popularity of bicycling increases overall.

Note – There is no requirement that the expert have experience with mountain biking. This is because mountain bikers themselves build most mountain biking amenities. There is often little need to bring in an outside expert to plan such facilities. And since these facilities rarely serve a transportation function, they are not usually eligible for transportation funding nor are they put through the same stringent vetting process as other bicycle facilities (yes, I am aware that some people do include sections of mountain bike trail on their commutes to and from work).

In closing, it should be noted that many bicycle planning experts in New Jersey already meet most if not all of the above requirements. Often, the frustrations bicyclists have with some bicycle amenities are due to compromises professional bicycle planning experts have to make with elected officials, other bureaucrats and members of the public others who don’t quite understand the needs of bicyclists. In some cases there is even total opposition to building bicycle accommodations that then force severe compromises to an excellent plan, if not complete cancellation of the amenity. It also cannot be forgotten that budget limitations can, and often greatly thwart otherwise excellent plans and ideas. This final issue is probably the greatest enemy of well thought-out bicycle plans and facility designs.

Still, government agencies, consultants and even the bicycle advocates themselves cannot petition, plan and design world class bicycle amenities until they first fully understand and comprehend the needs of bicyclists, which comes best from firsthand experience.

What do you think? Are there any other requirements that bicycle facility design and planning experts need to have to properly evaluate and design bicycle amenities?

National Park Service to Launch Del. Water Gap Bus Service

From the Pocono Record:

Free bus service from East Stroudsburg to Milford will enhance the way the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is used by local residents and visitors.

Monroe County Transit Authority will operate two new routes, Saturdays and Sundays, from April 30 to Oct. 3.

Full Article

Buses will accommodate bicycles, the Riverview Route (South) will connect East Stroudsburg with Bushkill falls and will have a bike rack. The Mcdade Mover (north) will connect Bushkill Falls and Dingman Boat Launch with Milford and will have a trailer to carry bikes and canoes. The routes will connect with commuter bus services to NYC in Stroudsburg and Milford (unfortunately neither connection is bike friendly). The 32 mile long McDade Recreational Trail is nearly complete - with only about 4 miles of gaps (the gaps can be bridged by the bus or riding on narrow but truck-free US 209). The path is mostly stone dust or packed gravel.




View Delaware River Bridge Bike Ped Crossings and the new bus routes on a larger map

The toll collector stands in the center lane for the Dingmans Ferry Bridge connecting Pike County PA with Sussex County in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.



The MacDade Trail in Delaware Water Gap, PA - Image Friends of DEWA

National Bike Summit News Rundown

Unfortunately once again, I was unable to make it down to the National Bicycle Summit in Washington, D.C. this week.  However, New Jersey was able to send a large contingent this year as usual.  Anyway, I figured the next best thing to being there would be a comprehensive news rundown, so here it goes.

National Bike Summit 2011 Program / Adgenda
League of American Bicyclist

LaHood Kicks Off National Bike Summit
Streetsblog Capitol Hill • Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Obama’s Transpo Secretary Is a Big Fan of Janette Sadik-Khan
Streetsblog Capitol Hill • Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Cyclists Gathered at Bike Summit Are Told Not to “Wait for Washington”
Streetsblog Capitol Hill • Wednesday, March 9, 2011

New York Transportation Chief Defends Bike Lanes
The New York Times • Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Eyes on the Street: Media Envy in DC
Streetsblog • Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Bicycle advocates lobby Congress with jobs pitch
The Washington Post • Thursday, March 10, 2011

Hill visit: LaTourette supports Complete Streets; receives League award from Ohio delegation
League of American Bicyclists Blog • Thursday, March 10, 2011

Transportation Icons Call Bike Advocates “Unstoppable”
Alliance for Biking and Walking Blog • Thursday, March 10, 2011

Watch Blumenauer's speech at Bike Summit congressional reception
BikePortland • Friday, March 11, 2011

The Power of the Bike Pin
Alliance for Biking and Walking Blog • Friday, March 11, 2011

Cyclists Descend on Capitol Hill, Ask Lawmakers to Preserve Bike Funding
Streetsblog Capitol Hill • Friday, March 11, 2011

New Yorkers ask Capitol Law Makers to Retain Bike Funding
Benepe's Bicycle Blog • Friday, March 11, 2011

Congressional Bike Ride in Support of Rep. Giffords
League of American Bicyclists Blog • Friday, March 11, 2011

East Coast Greenway challenges residents to walk across New Jersey

The below comes to WalkBikeJersey from the East Coast Greenway Alliance and the FreeWalkers.  In an effort to maintain full disclosure to our readers, I (Andy B.) am now working for the East Coast Greenway Alliance as their New Jersey Outreach and Events Coordinator.

The East Coast Greenway Alliance along with the FreeWalkers (a long distance walking group) invite the public to strive for a new personal goal in a program called the Cross-Jersey Walking Challenge. The program is free and challenges individuals to walk 100 miles across the entire state – from Trenton to New York City within the next 12 months – along the East Coast Greenway.

The Cross-Jersey Walking Challenge will follow the East Coast Greenway’s entire New Jersey trail which represents about 100 miles out of its 3,000 miles length along the Eastern U.S. from Maine to Key West. Walkers who wish to participate enter and track their progress at the website (crossjerseywalk.org) throughout the year.

While walkers may choose to walk the distance at any time on their own, the FreeWalkers have scheduled three free organized walks that in total cover the entire 100 mile stretch of the ECG:

• April 9, 2011 – “Great Canal Walk” Trenton to New Brunswick - www.TR2NB40.org
• April 16, 2011 - New Brunswick to Metropark - www.nb2mp10.drupalgardens.com
• May 21, 2011 – “The Big Walk” - Metropark to Penn Sta. NYC - www.NJ2NY50.org

Mass transportation and carpooling are encouraged for the walks which happen to be mostly in proximity of the North East Corridor and other rail lines for easy connections. Busses and light rail can also be used for participants from various areas.  See NJ Transit for more details.

For more information on the program or related events contact Paul Kiczek, FreeWalkers, pkiczek@freewalkers.org.

Bike Fest in Morristown on Memorial Day Friday

This comes to WalkBikeJersey from New Jersey Bike Summit sensation, Kendra Arnold of Morristown Pedal Pushers.  If I can make it WalkBikeJersey will be there.  - Andy B.

Hello!

Bike Morristown is planning a big party for the end of Bike to Work Month after Morristown's monthly ride in May (Friday, May 27), and it is going to be inside the old BMW dealership at 55 Bank Street. We are planning on having the Cinnamon Snail veggie food truck return and several bands and fun stuff going on, but it is gigantic space with 2 showrooms. In the smaller showroom (which is still pretty big), we are going to have room for lots of other bicycling groups to come and push their own agenda. Also any sort of bike-related art or whatnot is welcome to some space to sell their stuff or just show it off.

We would love to have any group that wants to set up a table or wants to show up and mix and mingle at the celebration to come. This is very much a DIY thing, so while we have the space, we probably won't have tables, but you are welcome to bring in whatever you want.

Also looking for other fun stuff to have that night, so if you have a fun idea (and even better, want to be in charge of your fun idea), let us know!

This event is totally free, but will be the first time we pass the tip jar for Bike Morristown.

Hope to see you there!
Kendra Arnold

VTC announces new Safe Routes Scoop

Below is copy of the announcement released earlier today from the folks at the Voorhees Transportation Center regarding the latest edition of the Safe Routes Scoop.  This edition has some excellent information regarding engineering practices that effect all types of bike and pedestrians projects and not just those that directly involve Safe Routes to School projects. As such it's a must read for all bike/ped advocates particularly those just starting out. - Ed.

The latest issue of the Safe Routes Scoop is now available. Read the newsletter at:

http://policy.rutgers.edu/VTC/bikeped/Safe_Routes_Scoop/Vol4_Issue2/index.html

The Safe Routes Scoop, a newsletter for the New Jersey Department of Transportation's Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program, will keep you informed about SRTS news, events, local programs, and available resources. Use this newsletter to promote SRTS and to update your members and partners on projects and opportunities.

If you want to provide feedback on this issue of Safe Routes Scoop or if you know of a Safe Routes to School program or a Safe Routes to School champion you would like to tell us about, please click the "Do You Like This Newsletter" link at the top of the Safe Routes Scoop home page.

Feel free to forward this newsletter to other interested parties.

To receive an email notice about future issues or to be added to our NJ Safe Routes to Schoolsrts@rci.rutgers.edu and ask to be added to the subscriber list. listserv, please email your request to
Questions or comments? Contact us at srts@rci.rutgers.edu or visit http://policy.rutgers.edu/vtc/srts

Sorry for any cross-posting.

Thank you!

New Jersey Safe Routes to School Resource Center
Alan M. Voorhees Transportation Center
Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
Rutgers University
33 Livingston Avenue
New Brunswick, NJ 08901

Telephone: (732) 932-6812
Fax: (732) 932-3714
Visit the New Jersey Safe Routes to School Resource Center at http://policy.rutgers.edu/vtc/srts

News you can use - March 8th 2011

Sorry I've been away from the blog for a week.  The weather has warmed up and the lure of the roads traversing New Jersey's beautiful countryside has proven to be too strong for this cooped up cyclist to resist.  Plus, I finally got a job! (yeah!) I've been collecting these articles for nearly a month but they are all important, so pardon if there is a lot of them.  Keep on walkin' and rolin'!
- Andy B.


New Jersey News

Judge throws out confession in hit-run death of 'Idol' hopeful
Asbury Park Press • Monday, March 7th 2011

State gives flat tire to Morristown bike plan
MorristownGreen • Monday, February 21st 2011

Feature: Rage Against Your Machine
Outside Magazine • March, 2011
An excellent, must read piece.

Bike Sharing Coming To Hoboken & Jersey City?
Planetizen • Saturday, February 19th 2011

George Street construction project to reopen in spring
The Daily Targum • Thursday, February 24th 2011I'
I'm planning an in-depth review of this project soon.

Op-Ed: On-Street Protected Bike Facilities Boost Mobility While Lessening Congestion
In Transition Magazine (NJTPA) • Winter, 2011
Being an LCI, can you find the sentence in this otherwise great piece that I have a real problem with? (hint - It's toward the end)


Crashes

Berkeley man, 70, critically injured when SUV strikes him on Route 9 in Lacey
Asbury Park Press • Monday, March 7th 2011
"He was not in the designated crosswalk, according to police."
Google aerial shows no marked crosswalks at intersection.


New York City
NYCDoT and its commssioner, Janette Sadik-Khan have been taking an irrational trashing in the press as of late for their innovative bicycle and pedestrian treatments.  I may not always like some particular things that they do over there but one cannot underestimate how important the innovations going on over in NYC are for the bike/ped movement here in New Jersey and for the nation as a whole.

There Is No War On Cars
Streetsblog • Tuesday, March 1st 2011

Lawsuit Seeks to Erase Bike Lane in New York City
The New York Times • Monday, March 7th 2011

Brad Lander and Park Slope Residents Rally For Prospect Park West Bike Lane
Streetsblog • Tuesday, March 8th 2011

The City's Misunderstood Cyclists
The Wall Street Journal • Friday, March 4th 2011

Feature: For City’s Transportation Chief, Kudos and Criticism
The New York Times • Friday, March 4th 2011
&
Letters: Improver of Street Safety
The New York Times • Monday, March 7th 2011

Eyes on the Street: Wrong Way
Streetsblog • Friday, February 25, 2011


Portland

PSU report: Cycle track, buffered bike lanes working well, but could be improved
Bike Portland • Thursday, February 24th 2011

Will a bike ride a day keep the doctor away?
Portland Tribune • Thursday, March 3rd 2011

That singing bike path idea ...
The Oregonian • Monday, February 21st 2011
Only in Portland


National
Dang! Look at all the cool stuff coming out of Utah!

Utah may become 2nd state to legalize rolling stops for bicycles
Bike Delaware Blog • Tuesday, February 22nd 2011
&
Press Release: Main Street & South Temple Green Shared Lane Pavement Markings
Salt Lake City

‘Dead Red’ Bill May Offer Relief for Kansas Cyclists Stuck at Malfunctioning Red Lights
Kansis Cyclist • Tuesday, February 22nd 2011

Virginia Cops Flag Injured Pedestrians for Interference (with video)
Streetsblog • Wednesday, March 2nd 2011

Op-Ed: How bicycling will save the economy (if we let it)
Grist • Monday, February 28th 2011

Column: Penalty for killing bicyclist is inadequate
St Petersberg Times • Friday, February 18th 2011

It’s hard to imagine… (A 3ft doorzone bikelane)
Commute Orlando Blog • Tuesday, February 22nd 2011


International

The latest City perk: secure bike parking
London Evening Standard • Friday, February 11th 2011

Welcome to the town of SpeedKills
Australian Broadcasting Corpoeration News • Friday, February 18th 2011

Evesham Resident Wants Sidewalks - Gets Results

Full article in the Burlington County Times (Phillyburbs.com)

Evesham resident Jonathan Allen speaks out about lack of sidewalks along Elmwood Road near the Inglis Gardens at Evesham, an independent living facility for adults living with disabilities.



Allen one of about a dozen residents at the facility who walks along Elmwood brought his concerns to the Evesham Township Council on Tuesday and won support:

By Wednesday, Mayor Randy Brown said they’ve already begun work on a plan to expand the sidewalks in the area from Inglis Gardens to Route 70 on both sides of the road, install ramps that are in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act at Route 70 and Evesboro-Medford Road intersections.

“We’re going to fill the void from Inglis toward Route 70,” Brown said. “We’re hoping to get the sidewalks in within 60 to 90 days.”

Kudos to Jonathan for being a champion for local pedestrian issues and to the Evesham Township Council for moving one step closer towards complete streets in their community.

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