Safety Toolbox: Engineering

Index: alphabetical / cost / crash type / target population

Bicycle-sensitive roadway drainage treatments

A narrow drain is situated adjacent to the curb, along the entire length of the block. One treatment located on the Stanford University campus ends with a regular sized drain approximately twenty feet before the intersection.

objective

To substitute for the gutter on roadways that are too narrow to provide standard width bike lanes. To eliminate seams parallel to the direction of travel. To improve drainage on bikeways, especially when the bikeway is located adjacent to an embankment.

applications

For use on roadways with bike lanes or routes, bike paths, especially roadways that are otherwise too narrow to provide a standard-width bike lane, or have drainage problems.

target population

All Bicyclists

crash type

Improper Passing, Other Hazardous Movement

advantages

Eliminates the need for a cement gutter, which creates a seam parallel to the direction of bicycle travel
Preserves the edge of the pavement
Improves bike lane quality
Allows bike lanes to be provided on roadways that would otherwise be too narrow
Improves drainage and reduces water encroachment onto the bikeway, which improves safety
Eliminates catch basins, which can be uncomfortable and dangerous for bicyclists to cross

disadvantages

Cost of installation and on-going maintenance may be a concern
Drain may become slippery in wet conditions
Traveling over the drain may be uncomfortable for bicyclists

pointers

Improves drainage and reduces water encroachment onto the bikeway, which improves safety.

cost

Varies, Dependent on design.

responsibility

Public Works

further reading

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examples

Stanford, CA; Plano, TX

related tools

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Index: alphabetical / cost / crash type / target population

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Safety Toolbox: Engineering