Aashto Guide For Development Of Bicycle Facilities
The AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities is a comprehensive guide that outlines best practices for developing bicycle facilities. This guide is the industry standard for planners, engineers, and designers who are responsible for the development of bicycle facilities. It includes recommendations for both on-road and off-road facilities, as well as guidance on planning, design, and implementation.
History of the AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities
The AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities was first published in 1999. Since then, it has been updated several times to reflect changes in the industry and to incorporate new research and best practices. The most recent edition was published in 2019 and includes updated guidance on bicycle facility design, including protected bike lanes and two-way cycle tracks.
Why is the AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities Important?
The AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities is important because it provides a comprehensive set of guidelines for the development of bicycle facilities. By following these guidelines, planners, engineers, and designers can ensure that the facilities they develop are safe, efficient, and effective. Additionally, the guide provides a common language and framework for discussing bicycle facility design, which can help to promote consistency and collaboration among stakeholders.
Key Elements of the AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities
The AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities includes guidance on a wide range of topics related to bicycle facility development. Some of the key elements of the guide include:
- Planning and Design
- Bicycle Facility Types
- On-Road Facilities
- Off-Road Facilities
- Bicycle Parking and Storage
- Maintenance and Operations
Planning and Design
The AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities emphasizes the importance of planning and design in the development of bicycle facilities. It provides guidance on how to develop bicycle networks and routes, as well as how to select appropriate facility types based on factors such as traffic volume and speed. The guide also includes recommendations for design features such as lane width, shoulder width, and intersection treatments.
Bicycle Facility Types
The AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities includes guidance on a wide range of bicycle facility types, including:
- Bicycle Boulevards
- Bike Lanes
- Buffered Bike Lanes
- Protected Bike Lanes
- Shared Lanes
- Multi-Use Paths
- Sidepaths
- Two-Way Cycle Tracks
On-Road Facilities
The AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities includes guidance on a variety of on-road bicycle facilities, including bike lanes, buffered bike lanes, and protected bike lanes. It provides recommendations for lane width, shoulder width, and other design features, as well as guidance on intersection treatments and signage.
Off-Road Facilities
The AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities also includes guidance on off-road bicycle facilities, such as multi-use paths and sidepaths. It provides recommendations for path width, surface type, and other design features, as well as guidance on intersection treatments and signage.
Bicycle Parking and Storage
The AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities includes guidance on bicycle parking and storage. It provides recommendations for the location and design of bicycle parking facilities, as well as guidance on the types of racks and other storage devices that should be used.
Maintenance and Operations
The AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities includes guidance on maintenance and operations. It provides recommendations for the maintenance of bicycle facilities, including snow removal and debris removal. It also provides guidance on how to develop a maintenance plan and how to ensure that bicycle facilities are properly maintained over time.
Conclusion
The AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities is an essential resource for anyone involved in the development of bicycle facilities. By following the guidance provided in this guide, planners, engineers, and designers can ensure that the facilities they develop are safe, efficient, and effective. Additionally, the guide provides a common language and framework for discussing bicycle facility design, which can help to promote consistency and collaboration among stakeholders.