PRSR 10-12-1994 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Feb. 8, 1983 BIKEWAYS -30- ahead to the bicyclist. Fencing of both sides of the bike- C. CONFLICTS INTERSECTIONS PRESENT • way at each end of the underpass might serve as deterrent to undesirables. Where a bikeway is routed under a struc- Conflicts between bicyclist behavior motorist ex- ture, fencing on the trail side between and adjacent to pectation, relative to traffic behavior, is a significant cause piers and abutments to screen out points of possible of accidents at intersections. Some of these conflicts are: ambush might be in order. Where nighttime riding is expected, adequate lighting shall be provided under struc- 1. The right turning motorist vs.the bicyclist tures and in underpasses and as deemed necessary at ap- proaches. In certain cases, lighting may be required on a Bicyclist traveling on the right side of the road- daily 24 hour basis. way, either going straight through an intersection or turning right, often have a problem with right-turning motorists approaching the intersection in the same direction. The VI. INTERSECTION TREATMENT reasons for this are: A. INTRODUCTION — Poor visibility to the right rear of a motor vehicle and limited target visibility of the cyclist. Safe movement of bicyclists through intersections is of paramount concern. A high percentage of bicycle-motor — Lack of expectation on the part of a motor vehicle collisions take place at intersections. The cause of vehicle operator in the right hand travel lane for a these accidents are numerous, but no one type seems "through"vehicle on his right. dominant. A number of elements compound the basic fact that intersections are inherently points of significant traffic — Poor driver perception of cyclist speed. conflict. Among these are human error, basic conflict between behavior and expectations, and the fact that — Preoccupation of the motorist with cross-street measures undertaken to improve motor vehicle flows and traffic, particularly that coming from his left, or with ped- safety may conflict with bicyclist operational convenience estrian traffic in the crosswalk area. and safety. It must be remembered that there is no single measure that will provide a primary solution to the inter- — Motorist's expectation that cyclist will yield to a • section problem. Each intersection must be studied in- "bigger"vehicle. dividually. — Failure to signal properly for the right turn. B. DESIGN APPLICATION — The mandatory right turn lane. Statistics show that accident occurrence depends significantly on the age and/or experience of the bicyclist: In the case of mandatory right turn lanes, where adult vs. young children; the expert vs. the inexperienced. all road users have to turn right, bicyclists, often, violate The bicyclist can be placed into three general categories: the lane mandate. If he travels straight through in keep- the young bicyclist, the average adult bicyclist, and the ing to the right, he violates the law and causes difficul- expert bicyclist. The young bicyclist is not old enough to ties to motorist observing him since the motorist expects possess a driver's license and thus the bicycle often become him to turn. If the cyclist uses the left through lane to a major and inexpensive means of transportation. This avoid the mandatory right turn lane, he must weave category includes children under the age of 16. This group through the right turning traffic and this is a difficult involved the highest percentage of bicycle/motor vehicle thing for young cyclist to do. In the case of optional right accidents. Most children's accidents occur when they are turn lane, it is difficult for both the motorist and cyclist just "riding around". The average adult bicyclist includes to recognize the intent of each other. adults and children over the age of 16. Usually, this class of riders prefer to use residential streets and off-road 2. Left Turning Bicyclists bicycle facilities, but will occasionally ride on major streets for a short distance. They ride only occasionally and may When making a left turn maneuver the difference not be very skillful. The expert bicyclist consists of a between an experienced bicyclist and the inexperienced small group which has extensive bicycle knowledge and bicyclist shows up the most. The experienced bicyclist skill. Included within this group are bicycle commuters will tend to follow the same maneuver that motor vehicles and touring bicyclists. use. The weaving movements necessary to cross to the center lane or left turn lane are difficult for the bicyclist Since the expert bicyclist can generally handle them- and unanticipated by motorists.The tendency for bicyclists selves in most traffic situations, the following design to "double-up" with turning vehicles, rather than fall in guide was developed primarily with the inexperienced line, also creates sideswipe exposure. Opposing vehicles cyclist in mind. tend to not see or fail to grant right-of-way to turning bicycle.