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Bicycles/Pedestrians

Safety Toolbox: Engineering


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Bicycle boulevard



   
A bicycle boulevard is a roadway that motorists may use, but that prioritizes bicycle traffic through the use of various treatments. Through motor vehicle traffic is discouraged by periodically diverting it off the street. Remaining traffic is slowed to approximately the same speed as bicyclists. Stop signs and signals on the bicycle boulevard are limited to the greatest extent possible, except where they aid bicyclists in crossing busy streets. The bicycle level of service may be further enhanced through the use of directional signage and other amenities. The development of a bicycle boulevard may include the alteration of intersection controls, the installation of signage, stencils, or other treatments that facilitate bicycling. Bicycle boulevards are most effective when several treatments are used in combination.
objective To provide an alternative to bicycling on arterial roads. To improve the safety and convenience of bicycling on local streets.
applications For use on residential streets parallel to a nearby arterial, on a route with high or potentially high bicycle traffic. Bicycle boulevards are generally too narrow to install a bicycle lane or have such low vehicle volumes that a bike lane is unnecessary. Direct, cross-town routes are preferable.
target population All Bicyclists, Motorists
crash type Wrong Side of Road, Excessive Speeds, Improper Passing
advantages
  • Increases efficiency and safety for bicyclists
  • Potentially improves safety for pedestrians
  • Reduces and slows through vehicle traffic
disadvantages
  • Neighborhood residents may object to the alteration of their street, especially intersection controls (stop sign rotation, traffic circles) and vehicle access limitations
  • Depending on the location of the installation, it may divert vehicle traffic to
  • If bicycle boulevard design includes closures, partial-closures or forced right-turn treatments for vehicles, it may result in more circuitous vehicle circulation routes, possibly affecting emergency vehicle response.
pointers Bike Boulevard streets should have a high degree of pavement maintenance or they could create a hazardous condition for cyclists.
cost Varies
responsibility Public Works Department, Planning Department
further reading

Bicycle Boulevards Campaign
examples City of Palo Alto, CA; City of Portland, OR; City of Berkeley, CA
related tools Pavement legends for bicyclists, "Share the Road" signage

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