PRSR 10-12-1994 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Feb. 8, 1983 BIKEWAYS -38_ D. SIGNALS The Standard Signs Manual Parts 1, 2, and 3 contain detail drawings of all approved traffic signs. Traffic signals used solely for bicyclists will be rare;however, when signals are involved on the bike route, Both of the above-mentioned manuals are available the following comments should be considered: from Mn/DOT Traffic Engineering Section, St. Paul, free of charge to all governmental road authorities in the State. — Where a bikeway is a separate facility adjacent Private firms may purchase the manuals at a nominal fee. to the road, the bicyclist can be considered as a pedes- Technical assistance on the use and application of traffic trian at cross road intersections and pedestrian indications control devices on bikeways is also available from the should be provided if not present at existing signals. Mn/DOT District Traffic Engineers and the Traffic En- gineering Section staff. — Warrants used for motor vehicles are considered appropriate for use in determining the need for signals F. LAWS to serve bicyclists. Listed below are pertinent sections of the Minnesota — Generally bicycles can cross intersections under Motor Vehicle and Traffic Laws current as of 1981. the same signal timing arrangement as motor vehicles. But at signalized intersections of multilane streets, bicyclists may have difficulties crossing, if the clearance interval CHAPTER 169 (amber interval plus optional all-red interval) is not of MINNESOTA HIGHWAY TRAFFIC REGULATION adequate duration. Extremely short clearance intervals should not be used. 169.01 DEFINITIONS. Subdivision 1. Terms. For the purposes of this chapter, the terms defined in this section — On-road bikeways will require engineering judg- shall have the meanings ascribed to them. ment to determine if clearance intervals should be modified to allow a more adequate clearance interval for bicyclists to Subd. 5I. Bicycle. "Bicycle" means every device pro- clear the intersection. pelled solely by human power upon which any person may • ride, having two tandem wheels except scooters and similar — Clearance time required for bicycles should devices and including any device generally recognized as a be evaluated as a standard practice for each signalized bicycle though equipped with two front or rear wheels. intersection along a bikeway. A bicyclist's speed, repre- sentative of bikers' ages and travel characteristics for each Subd. 62. Bicycle lanes and ways. The terms "Bicycle specific case, should be utilized in the calculations. The lane" and "Bicycle way"shall have the meanings ascribed number of seconds required to cross a street can then be to them in section 160.263. determined. To this figure will be added the amount of time necessary for the bicyclist to perceive, react and brake 169.06 SIGNS, SIGNALS, MARKINGS.Subdivision 1. to a stop without entering the intersection. Uniform systems. The commissioner shall adopt a manual and specifications for a uniform system of traffic-control — At installations where only programmed vehicle devices consistent with the provisions of this chapter for signals are used, special attention should be given to adjust- use upon highways within this state. Such uniform system ing the signals so bicycles on the regular bicycle lanes or shall correlate with and so far as possible conform to the travel paths can see the signals. If programmed signals system then current as approved by the American Associ- cannot be aimed to serve the bicyclist, then separate sig- ation of State Highway Officials. The adoption of the nals shall be provided. manual and specifications by the commissioner as herein provided is specifically exempted from the provisions — At low volume intersections utilizing semi-actu- and requirements of Minnesota Statutes section 15.0411 ated controllers, it may be necessary to provide special to 15.0422 and acts amendatory thereto. "pedestrian type" detectors (pedestrian pushbuttons). for bicyclists because the motor vehicle detectors normally Subd. 2.Placement and maintenance on trunk highways. will not detect bicycles. The commissioner shall place and maintain such traffic- control devices, conforming to the manual and specifica- E. REFERENCES tions, upon all state trunk highways as he shall deem necessary to indicate and to carry out the provisions of this The Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control chapter or to regulate, warn, or guide traffic. The commis- Devices, Part IX Traffic Controls for Bicycle Facilities, sioner may construct and maintain signs at the entrance should be reviewed to determine proper use and installa- of each city, which sign shall have placed thereon the Lion of traffic control devices. All traffic control devices name of the city, and the population thereof. The coin- installed must conform to this manual under the pro- missioner may construct and maintain other directional visions of Minnesota Statutes 169.06. signs upon the trunk highways and such signs shall be