Progress Report on the Update of Ontario Bikeway Planning and Design Guidelines

Amy Ibrahim, P. Eng.MTO, Highway Standards Branch

Jim Dowell, P. Eng.Senior Project Manager, MMM Group

AGENDA1.The 1996 Ontario Bikeway Design Guidelines

2.What will the update focus on?

3.Overview of the Bikeway Design Guidelines Chapters

4.Accommodating Cyclist through Highway Interchanges

1.Project Progress & Next Steps

AGENDA CHAPTER CONTENT INTERCHANGE / RAMPSTABLE OF CONTENTS NEXT STEPSUPDATE TO THE 1996 OBDG

AGENDA QUESTIONNAIREUPDATE TO THE 1996 OBPDG INTERCHANGE STUDYFACILITY TYPE MATRIX NEXT STEPS

1996 ONTARIO BIKEWAY PLANNING AND DESIGN GUIDELINES

Ø Outlined the main engineering design control factors to accommodate cycling

Ø The guidelines was developed based on available standards and references published prior to 1996.

AGENDA CHAPTER CONTENT INTERCHANGE / RAMPSTABLE OF CONTENTS NEXT STEPSUPDATE TO THE 1996 OBDG

AGENDA QUESTIONNAIRE INTERCHANGE STUDYFACILITY TYPE MATRIX NEXT STEPSPROJECT BACKGROUND

• Since that time numerous jurisdictions in North America have developed design guidelines for cycling facilities incorporating design options that better accommodate Active Transportation within the provincial highway network.

UPDATE TO THE 1996 OBPDGAGENDA CHAPTER CONTENT INTERCHANGE / RAMPSTABLE OF CONTENTS NEXT STEPSUPDATE TO THE 1996 OBDG

• In support of provincial Active Transportation initiatives, the Design and Contract Standards Office has initiated a review of the existing 1996 Ontario Bikeways Planning and Design Guidelines

• The Updated Ontario Bikeway Planning and Design Guidelines are intended to focus on cycling facilities on provincial highways

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AGENDA CHAPTER OVERVIEW#1 DRAFT TABLE OF CONTENTS INTERCHANGE STUDYTABLE OF CONTENTS NEXT STEPSUPDATE TO THE 1996 OBDGAGENDA CHAPTER CONTENT INTERCHANGE / RAMPSTABLE OF CONTENTS NEXT STEPSUPDATE TO THE 1996 OBDG

• Introduction• Bikeway Network Planning• Bicycle Facility Type Selection• Bicycle Facility Design• Implementing a Bicycle Network• Maintenance Strategies for Bicycle Facilities• Monitoring Plan for AT Pilot Project in Ontario

Update of Ontario Bikeway Planning and Design Guidelines

AGENDA QUESTIONNAIRE#1 DRAFT TABLE OF CONTENTS INTERCHANGE STUDYFACILITY TYPE MATRIX NEXT STEPSUPDATE TO THE 1996 OBDGAGENDA CHAPTER CONTENT INTERCHANGE / RAMPSTABLE OF CONTENTS NEXT STEPSUPDATE TO THE 1996 OBDG

Chapter 2 – Bikeway Network Planning•Bikeway network planning is an important step which practitioners need to undertake prior to bicycle facility type selection and bicycle facility design.

•This chapter is intended to provide overarching planning concepts necessary when selecting and designing appropriate bicycle facilities. These planning concepts include:

Ø Bicycle User Characteristics; Ø Bicycle Operational Requirements; Ø Bicycle Facilities Types; and Ø Route Selection Criteria.

AGENDA QUESTIONNAIRE#1 DRAFT TABLE OF CONTENTS INTERCHANGE STUDYFACILITY TYPE MATRIX NEXT STEPSUPDATE TO THE 1996 OBDGAGENDA CHAPTER CONTENT INTERCHANGE / RAMPSTABLE OF CONTENTS NEXT STEPSUPDATE TO THE 1996 OBDG

Route Selection Criteria:

•The planning process of developing a comprehensive bikeway network consists of selecting routes that meet the needs of potential users.

•Some route selection criteria are described below which should, at a minimum, be considered when selecting candidate routes.

Ø Access and Potential UseØ Connectivity and DirectnessØ Physical Barriers / ConstraintsØ Scenic and AttractiveØ Risk ExposureØ Investment Cost

AGENDA QUESTIONNAIRE#1 DRAFT TABLE OF CONTENTS INTERCHANGE STUDYFACILITY TYPE MATRIX NEXT STEPSUPDATE TO THE 1996 OBDGAGENDA CHAPTER CONTENT INTERCHANGE / RAMPSTABLE OF CONTENTS NEXT STEPSUPDATE TO THE 1996 OBDG

Chapter 3 – Bicycle Facility Selection Tool

The Bicycle Facility Selection Tool has been developed to assist practitioners in selecting the appropriate bicycle facilities for urban and rural roads.

Ø There is no “formula” when it comes to bicycle facility selection. No one design fits all in all situations.

Ø It is a process that combines an analysis and understanding of the site specific conditions along with sound engineering judgment.

Considerations:Ø Cyclists vary widely in levels of skill, experience and confidenceØ No single type of bicycle facility design will suit every cyclist Ø Gather information on existing and future conditions in order to identify cyclist needs

and safety concerns for a given locationØ Criteria or thresholds to select one facility type over another need to be flexible in order

to accommodate each site’s unique set of circumstancesØ No facility design can overcome a lack of operator skill or lack of attention

AGENDA QUESTIONNAIRE#1 DRAFT TABLE OF CONTENTS INTERCHANGE STUDYFACILITY TYPE MATRIX NEXT STEPSUPDATE TO THE 1996 OBDGAGENDA CHAPTER CONTENT INTERCHANGE / RAMPSTABLE OF CONTENTS NEXT STEPSUPDATE TO THE 1996 OBDG

Bicycle Facility Type Selection Tool : Three Step Process

AGENDA QUESTIONNAIRE#1 DRAFT TABLE OF CONTENTS INTERCHANGE STUDYFACILITY TYPE MATRIX NEXT STEPSUPDATE TO THE 1996 OBDGAGENDA CHAPTER CONTENT INTERCHANGE / RAMPSTABLE OF CONTENTS NEXT STEPSUPDATE TO THE 1996 OBDG

Bicycle Facility Type Selection Tool : Three Step Process

AGENDA QUESTIONNAIRE#1 DRAFT TABLE OF CONTENTS INTERCHANGE STUDYFACILITY TYPE MATRIX NEXT STEPSUPDATE TO THE 1996 OBDGAGENDA CHAPTER CONTENT INTERCHANGE / RAMPSTABLE OF CONTENTS NEXT STEPSUPDATE TO THE 1996 OBDG

AGENDA QUESTIONNAIRE#1 DRAFT TABLE OF CONTENTS INTERCHANGE STUDYFACILITY TYPE MATRIX NEXT STEPSUPDATE TO THE 1996 OBDGAGENDA CHAPTER CONTENT INTERCHANGE / RAMPSTABLE OF CONTENTS NEXT STEPSUPDATE TO THE 1996 OBDG

Step 2: Examine Design Considerations/Application Heuristics1.Volume2.Speed3.Sightlines4.Cyclist demand5.Vehicle mix6.Topographic barriers7.Collision history8.Directness/Accessibility

1. Available space9. User skill/security/safety10. User delay11. Maintenance12. Intersection conditions 13. By-laws/Regulations14. Costs/funding

Bicycle Facility Type Selection Tool : Three Step Process

13AGENDA QUESTIONNAIRE#1 DRAFT TABLE OF CONTENTS INTERCHANGE STUDYFACILITY TYPE MATRIX NEXT STEPSUPDATE TO THE 1996 OBDGAGENDA CHAPTER CONTENT INTERCHANGE / RAMPSTABLE OF CONTENTS NEXT STEPSUPDATE TO THE 1996 OBDG

Step 3: Select Appropriate Facility Type •Based on results from Steps 1 and 2, plus sound engineering judgement

List the relevant principles and

heuristics

If Step 1 yields a result different than Step 2 or if Step 1

is inconclusive, prepare a rationale

for selecting a preferred option.

Document your design

considerations to support the

rationale

Bicycle Facility Type Selection Tool : Three Step Process

AGENDA QUESTIONNAIRE#1 DRAFT TABLE OF CONTENTS INTERCHANGE STUDYFACILITY TYPE MATRIX NEXT STEPSUPDATE TO THE 1996 OBDGAGENDA CHAPTER CONTENT INTERCHANGE / RAMPSTABLE OF CONTENTS NEXT STEPSUPDATE TO THE 1996 OBDG

Bicycle Facility Type Selection Tool : Three Step Process

AGENDA QUESTIONNAIRE#1 DRAFT TABLE OF CONTENTS INTERCHANGE STUDYFACILITY TYPE MATRIX NEXT STEPSUPDATE TO THE 1996 OBDGAGENDA CHAPTER CONTENT INTERCHANGE / RAMPSTABLE OF CONTENTS NEXT STEPSUPDATE TO THE 1996 OBDG

Chapter 4 – Bicycle Facility Design On- Road Facilities:

Design considerations for On-Road bicycle facilities are discussed in the following slides: Ø Shared Roadway/Signed Bike Route; Ø Signed Bike Route with Paved Shoulder or with Buffered Paved Shoulder; Ø Bicycle Lane; andØ Separated Bicycle Lane.

AGENDA QUESTIONNAIRE#1 DRAFT TABLE OF CONTENTS INTERCHANGE STUDYFACILITY TYPE MATRIX NEXT STEPSUPDATE TO THE 1996 OBDGAGENDA CHAPTER CONTENT HIGHWAY INTERCHANGESTABLE OF CONTENTS NEXT STEPSUPDATE TO THE 1996 OBDG

• Signed-only bicycle routes on local roads should be supported by education programming for both cyclists and motorists.

• Routes should use appropriate and consistent designation bicycle route sign types, supplemented by optional “Share the Road” signs.

Shared Roadway / Signed Bike Route

AGENDA QUESTIONNAIRE#1 DRAFT TABLE OF CONTENTS INTERCHANGE STUDYFACILITY TYPE MATRIX NEXT STEPSUPDATE TO THE 1996 OBDGAGENDA CHAPTER CONTENT INTERCHANGE / RAMPSTABLE OF CONTENTS NEXT STEPSUPDATE TO THE 1996 OBDG

Marked buffer where motor vehicle speed and/or volume are high

• Provide a space for cyclists on rural cross-section roads (with shoulders, no curb and gutter).

• Where motor vehicle speeds or volumes are high, a wider shoulder and/or painted buffer enables more separation between the cyclist and motor vehicle, and also reduces the impact of wind-shear on the cyclist.

• Rumble strips could be considered in rural areas as an additional cue, provided that there are clearly marked breaks at regular intervals, allowing cyclists to move in or out of the paved shoulder area to overtake slower moving cyclists.

Paved Shoulders

AGENDA QUESTIONNAIRE#1 DRAFT TABLE OF CONTENTS INTERCHANGE STUDYFACILITY TYPE MATRIX NEXT STEPSUPDATE TO THE 1996 OBDGAGENDA CHAPTER CONTENT INTERCHANGE / RAMPSTABLE OF CONTENTS NEXT STEPSUPDATE TO THE 1996 OBDG

A wider bike lane is needed beside parked cars

• A dedicated facility located in the travelled portion of the roadway for one-way cyclist traffic.

• Motor vehicles are not typically allowed to drive, park or stand in a bike lane, but right turning motor vehicles can enter the lane at intersections to complete their turn.

• Ensuring consistency in the design and signing of bike lanes and other bikeway facilities is crucial to educate and inform cyclists and motorists on their proper use.

Bike Lanes (dedicated space)

AGENDA QUESTIONNAIRE#1 DRAFT TABLE OF CONTENTS INTERCHANGE STUDYFACILITY TYPE MATRIX NEXT STEPSUPDATE TO THE 1996 OBDGAGENDA CHAPTER CONTENT INTERCHANGE / RAMPSTABLE OF CONTENTS NEXT STEPSUPDATE TO THE 1996 OBDG

Buffered Bike Lanes (dedicated space)

• Buffered bike lanes provide additional space/separation between the cyclist and motor vehicles.

• They should be considered on high volume, higher speed roads.

AGENDA QUESTIONNAIRE#1 DRAFT TABLE OF CONTENTS INTERCHANGE STUDYFACILITY TYPE MATRIX NEXT STEPSUPDATE TO THE 1996 OBDGAGENDA CHAPTER CONTENT INTERCHANGE / RAMPSTABLE OF CONTENTS NEXT STEPSUPDATE TO THE 1996 OBDG

On-Road Bicycle Facilities at Highway Interchanges

Bicycle Lane Carried across Lower Speed Ramp with Acceleration Lane

Bicycle Lane Carried across Lower Speed Diverging Ramp with Parallel Lane

AGENDA QUESTIONNAIRE#1 DRAFT TABLE OF CONTENTS INTERCHANGE STUDYFACILITY TYPE MATRIX NEXT STEPSUPDATE TO THE 1996 OBDGAGENDA CHAPTER CONTENT INTERCHANGE / RAMPSTABLE OF CONTENTS NEXT STEPSUPDATE TO THE 1996 OBDG

In-Boulevard Bicycle Facilities at Highway Interchanges

Typical Design for Cyclist Crossing at High-Speed Diverging Ramp

AGENDA QUESTIONNAIRE#1 DRAFT TABLE OF CONTENTS INTERCHANGE STUDYFACILITY TYPE MATRIX NEXT STEPSUPDATE TO THE 1996 OBDGAGENDA CHAPTER CONTENT INTERCHANGE / RAMPSTABLE OF CONTENTS NEXT STEPSUPDATE TO THE 1996 OBDG

In-Boulevard Bicycle Facilities at Highway Interchanges

Typical Design for Cyclist Crossing at High-Speed Merging Ramp

1. Project Start-up – January, 2011

Project Progress & Next Steps

2. Submission of Draft Chapters – June, 2012

3. Review of Draft Guidelines – Fall 2012

4. Submission of Final Draft Guidelines – End of 2012

June, 2012 – September, 2012

AGENDA QUESTIONNAIRE#1 DRAFT TABLE OF CONTENTS INTERCHANGE STUDYFACILITY TYPE MATRIX NEXT STEPSUPDATE TO THE 1996 OBDGAGENDA CHAPTER CONTENT INTERCHANGE / RAMPSTABLE OF CONTENTS NEXT STEPSUPDATE TO THE 1996 OBDG

AGENDA QUESTIONNAIRE#1 DRAFT TABLE OF CONTENTS INTERCHANGE STUDYFACILITY TYPE MATRIX NEXT STEPSUPDATE TO THE 1996 OBDGAGENDA CHAPTER CONTENT INTERCHANGE / RAMPSTABLE OF CONTENTS NEXT STEPSUPDATE TO THE 1996 OBDG

Thank You