Bike Paths

Bicycle Paths Chapter 4 41

Chapter 4
Bicycle Paths
Bicycle paths consist of multiple use paths or trails, separated from motorized vehicular traffic, on which bicycle travel is anticipated and permitted. Bicycle paths may be located within a highway right-of-way or on an independent right-of-way. Because of their expense, bicycle paths seldom are constructed for the exclusive use ofbicyclists, but instead must be shared with other users. Bicycle paths can serve a variety of purposes. They can provide a commuting bicyclist with a shortcut through a residential neighborhood (e.g., a connection between two cul-de-sac streets). Located in a park, they can provide an enjoyable recreational opportunity. Bicycle paths can be located along abandoned railroad rights of way, the banks ofrivers, and other similar areas. Bicycle paths can also provide bicycle access to areas that are otherwise served only by limited access highways closed to bicycles. Appropriate locations can be identified during the planning process. Examples of bicycle paths are shown in Figure 34 and Figure 35. All bicyclists can find bicycle paths inviting places to ride. In addition, since paths augment theroadway system, they can extend circulation options for bicyclists, making trips feasible which might not be feasible if bicyclists had to depend exclusively on roadways. Basic bicyclists and children, however, especially appreciate the freedom from conflicts with motor vehicles which off-road paths promise. Provision of a bicycle path should not be used as a rationale for prohibiting use of parallelroadways by bicyclists nor as an excuse for not designing such roadways to be compatible with bicycle use. Because of conflicts created by intense usage, differing speed and riding skills of bicyclists and conflicts between users, multiple use recreational paths may often be inappropriate facilities for experienced bicycle riders. In fact, many conflicts on popular multiple use paths can be avoidedby encouraging more experienced bicyclists to use parallel roadways. Figure 34
Example of Bicycle Path

Source: Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities, AASHTO, 1991

1. Planning Issues in Designating Bicycle Paths
a. Shared Use of Multiple Use Paths
As indicated, off-road paths are rarely constructed for the exclusive use of bicyclists, but instead must be shared with othernon-motorized users (or, in some instances, with specialized motorized uses such as snowmobiles, off-road motorcycles and similar vehicles). Just as conflicts can occur between bicycles and pedestrians on sidewalks, or between motor vehicles and bicycles on highways not constructed to compatible standards, heavy use of trails and other multiple use paths can create conflicts between different usergroups. Among bicyclists, basic riders and young children who travel at speeds below 15 km/h (9 mph) will conflict with more advanced riders travelling at speeds greater than 20

NJDOT Bicycle Compatible Roadways and Bikeways • Planning and Design Guidelines

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km/h (12 mph). Pedestrians, in-line skaters and bicyclists, both basic and advanced, will wish to travel at substantially differentspeeds. So long as the volume of users is low, the conflicts between difFigure 35 ferent groups can be Example of kept manageable. Bicycle Path However, even moderate volumes may result in substantial deterioration in level of service and can expose users to substantial safety risks. Conflicts between users are especially likely to occur on regionally significant recreational trails which attract aSource: Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities, AASHTO, 1991 broad diversity of users.

b. Regulation of Multiple Use Paths
The types of conflicts on multiple use paths have increased substantially in recent years with the increased popularity of mountain bikes and in-line skating. Methods of addressing these conflicts include providing alternative facilities for different groups,...