Bike and pedestrian infrastructure is crucial for sustainable urban transportation. It includes dedicated lanes, paths, and facilities that make cycling and walking safer and more convenient. These improvements encourage , reducing traffic congestion and emissions while promoting public health.

Effective design focuses on connectivity, safety, and accessibility for all users. Best practices integrate bike and pedestrian networks with public transit, incorporate measures, and leverage technology for improved user experiences. Supportive policies and programs help prioritize active transportation and measure its impact on communities.

Types of bike infrastructure

  • Bike infrastructure refers to the physical facilities and amenities designed to support and encourage cycling as a mode of transportation
  • Proper bike infrastructure enhances safety, convenience, and accessibility for cyclists, making it more attractive for people to choose cycling over other modes of transport

Bike lanes

Top images from around the web for Bike lanes
Top images from around the web for Bike lanes
  • Designated lanes on roadways marked with paint or thermoplastic to separate bicycle traffic from motor vehicle traffic
  • Can be located on the right side of the road or between parked cars and the curb (protected )
  • Width typically ranges from 4 to 6 feet, with a minimum of 3 feet required for safe operation
  • Bike lanes improve cyclist safety by providing a dedicated space and increasing visibility to drivers

Separated bike lanes

  • Also known as protected bike lanes or cycle tracks, these are physically separated from motor vehicle traffic by barriers such as curbs, bollards, or planters
  • Separation can be at street level, raised to sidewalk level, or at an intermediate level between the two
  • Offers a higher level of safety and comfort for cyclists compared to traditional bike lanes
  • Examples include the two-way cycle track on Dunsmuir Street in Vancouver and the protected bike lanes on 2nd Avenue in Seattle

Bike boulevards

  • Low-volume, low-speed streets optimized for bicycle travel through traffic calming measures and signage
  • Prioritize bicycle movement while discouraging through motor vehicle traffic
  • Often include features such as traffic diverters, speed humps, and bicycle-friendly stop signs
  • Examples include the Bryant Street Bicycle Boulevard in Palo Alto and the N Williams Avenue Bikeway in Portland

Bike parking facilities

  • Secure and convenient parking options for bicycles at destinations such as workplaces, schools, transit stations, and commercial areas
  • Can include bike racks, lockers, or sheltered parking structures
  • Encourages cycling by providing a safe place to store bicycles and reduces the risk of theft
  • should be located close to building entrances and be easily accessible

Types of pedestrian infrastructure

  • Pedestrian infrastructure encompasses the facilities and amenities designed to support and enhance the safety, comfort, and accessibility of walking
  • Well-designed pedestrian infrastructure encourages walking as a mode of transportation and improves the overall livability of communities

Sidewalks and walkways

  • Paved paths dedicated to pedestrian travel, typically located along the sides of streets or roads
  • Provide a safe and comfortable space for pedestrians to walk, separated from motor vehicle traffic
  • Width should be sufficient to accommodate expected pedestrian volumes and allow for passing and side-by-side walking (typically 5 to 8 feet)
  • Sidewalks should be well-maintained, free of obstacles, and have a smooth, slip-resistant surface

Crosswalks and crossing signals

  • Designated locations where pedestrians can safely cross streets or intersections
  • Marked with high-visibility paint or thermoplastic to alert drivers to the presence of pedestrians
  • Can be controlled by traffic signals, such as walk/don't walk signs or pedestrian-activated push buttons
  • Examples include the "Barnes Dance" diagonal crossing at Oxford Circus in London and the pedestrian scramble at Yonge-Dundas Square in Toronto

Pedestrian bridges and underpasses

  • Grade-separated crossings that allow pedestrians to safely cross over or under busy streets or highways
  • Provide a direct and efficient route for pedestrians, avoiding conflicts with motor vehicle traffic
  • Can be enclosed or open-air, and may include features such as lighting, seating, and public art
  • Examples include the Millennium Bridge in London and the Puente de Luz in Toronto

Pedestrian-friendly street design

  • Urban design principles that prioritize pedestrian comfort, safety, and accessibility
  • Includes features such as wide sidewalks, street trees, benches, and pedestrian-scale lighting
  • Traffic calming measures, such as curb extensions and raised crosswalks, slow motor vehicle speeds and improve pedestrian safety
  • Examples include the shared space concept in Exhibition Road, London, and the pedestrianized streets in Copenhagen's city center

Benefits of bike and pedestrian infrastructure

  • Investing in bike and pedestrian infrastructure offers numerous benefits to individuals, communities, and the environment
  • By making active transportation more attractive and feasible, well-designed infrastructure can help shift travel behavior away from motor vehicles and towards more sustainable modes

Improved safety for cyclists and pedestrians

  • Dedicated facilities, such as bike lanes and sidewalks, reduce conflicts between active transportation users and motor vehicles
  • Traffic calming measures and improved crossing treatments lower the risk of crashes and injuries
  • Increased visibility and awareness of cyclists and pedestrians through infrastructure design enhances overall safety

Reduced traffic congestion and emissions

  • Shifting trips from motor vehicles to active transportation modes reduces the number of cars on the road
  • Less traffic congestion leads to improved travel times and reduced delays for all road users
  • Fewer motor vehicle trips result in lower greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality

Increased physical activity and health

  • Active transportation infrastructure makes it easier and more convenient for people to incorporate physical activity into their daily routines
  • Regular cycling and walking can improve cardiovascular health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and enhance mental well-being
  • Increased physical activity levels contribute to overall public health and can help reduce healthcare costs

Enhanced community livability

  • Bike and pedestrian-friendly streets create more vibrant and engaging public spaces
  • Improved accessibility and connectivity foster social interaction and community cohesion
  • Active transportation infrastructure can boost local economies by attracting businesses and increasing property values

Challenges in implementing bike and pedestrian infrastructure

  • Despite the numerous benefits, implementing bike and pedestrian infrastructure can face various challenges related to space constraints, competing interests, and public perception
  • Addressing these challenges requires careful planning, , and a commitment to creating more sustainable and equitable transportation systems

Limited space in urban areas

  • Dense urban environments often have constrained right-of-way, making it difficult to accommodate dedicated bike and pedestrian facilities
  • Competing demands for space, such as parking, transit, and vehicular travel lanes, can limit the feasibility of implementing infrastructure
  • Creative solutions, such as road diets, parking removal, or shared space designs, may be necessary to reallocate space for active transportation

Conflicts with vehicular traffic

  • Introducing bike and pedestrian infrastructure can sometimes be perceived as a threat to the convenience and priority of motor vehicle travel
  • Concerns about reduced traffic capacity, increased congestion, or loss of parking can lead to opposition from some stakeholders
  • Careful traffic analysis, public outreach, and design solutions can help mitigate these conflicts and demonstrate the benefits of a more balanced transportation system

Funding and maintenance costs

  • Implementing and maintaining high-quality bike and pedestrian infrastructure requires dedicated funding sources
  • Limited budgets and competing priorities can make it challenging to secure adequate resources for active transportation projects
  • Innovative funding mechanisms, such as value capture, public-private partnerships, or targeted taxes, can help overcome these financial barriers

Public perception and acceptance

  • Some members of the public may view bike and pedestrian infrastructure as unnecessary or a waste of resources
  • Resistance to change and concerns about the impact on driving and parking can lead to opposition to projects
  • Effective communication, public engagement, and education campaigns can help build support and demonstrate the benefits of active transportation infrastructure

Best practices in bike and pedestrian infrastructure design

  • Effective bike and pedestrian infrastructure design should prioritize safety, comfort, and accessibility for all users
  • Best practices involve creating connected networks, incorporating safety features, and integrating with other modes of transportation

Connectivity and network planning

  • Bike and pedestrian facilities should form a cohesive, interconnected network that links key destinations and neighborhoods
  • A well-connected network enables direct and efficient travel, reducing the need for out-of-the-way detours
  • Network planning should consider both local and regional connectivity, as well as integration with transit systems
  • Examples include the comprehensive bike network in Copenhagen and the pedestrian wayfinding system in Legible London

Safety features and traffic calming measures

  • Infrastructure design should incorporate safety features to reduce the risk of crashes and injuries
  • Traffic calming measures, such as speed humps, chicanes, and curb extensions, can slow motor vehicle speeds and improve safety for active transportation users
  • Intersection treatments, such as raised crosswalks, bicycle boxes, and protected intersections, can enhance visibility and priority for cyclists and pedestrians
  • Examples include the protected intersection design in Davis, California, and the raised crosswalks in Langley, Washington

Accessibility for all users

  • Bike and pedestrian infrastructure should be designed to accommodate users of all ages and abilities
  • Facilities should meet accessibility guidelines, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards
  • Design elements, such as curb ramps, detectable warning surfaces, and accessible pedestrian signals, ensure that infrastructure is usable by people with disabilities
  • Examples include the accessible floating bus stops in Portland, Oregon, and the tactile paving in Tokyo's subway stations

Integration with public transit

  • Bike and pedestrian infrastructure should be seamlessly integrated with public transit systems to facilitate multimodal travel
  • Secure bike parking, such as racks or lockers, at transit stations and stops encourages cycling as a first- and last-mile solution
  • Pedestrian access to transit should be prioritized through well-designed walkways, crossings, and waiting areas
  • Examples include the bike-transit integration in Münster, Germany, and the transit-oriented development around the Fruitvale BART station in Oakland, California

Technology in bike and pedestrian infrastructure

  • Advances in technology are transforming the way bike and pedestrian infrastructure is designed, implemented, and used
  • Innovative solutions can enhance safety, efficiency, and user experience for active transportation users

Automated pedestrian crossing systems

  • Pedestrian detection systems use sensors, such as cameras or infrared detectors, to automatically activate crossing signals when a pedestrian is present
  • These systems can extend crossing times for slower pedestrians, such as seniors or people with disabilities
  • Automated crossing systems can improve safety by ensuring that pedestrians have sufficient time to cross and reducing the risk of conflicts with turning vehicles
  • Examples include the PUFFIN (Pedestrian User-Friendly Intelligent) crossings in the UK and the HAWK (High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk) signals in the US

Bicycle detection and counting systems

  • Bicycle detection systems use sensors, such as inductive loops or video cameras, to detect the presence of cyclists at intersections or along bike routes
  • These systems can trigger green lights for cyclists, adjust signal timing to accommodate bicycle speeds, or collect data on bicycle volumes and patterns
  • Automated bicycle counters provide valuable data on ridership trends, helping inform planning and investment decisions
  • Examples include the Intersector bicycle detection system in Pleasanton, California, and the Eco-Counter automated bicycle counters used in cities worldwide

Smart lighting and wayfinding

  • Adaptive lighting systems can adjust illumination levels based on the presence of pedestrians or cyclists, improving safety and energy efficiency
  • Interactive wayfinding kiosks or displays can provide real-time information on routes, distances, and points of interest for active transportation users
  • Smart wayfinding apps can offer personalized route recommendations, navigation assistance, and alerts about potential hazards or detours
  • Examples include the SmartPaths wayfinding system in Eindhoven, Netherlands, and the Cycleways smart lighting project in Brisbane, Australia

Mobile apps for route planning and safety

  • Mobile apps can help cyclists and pedestrians plan safe and efficient routes based on their preferences and real-time conditions
  • Some apps allow users to report hazards, such as potholes, debris, or construction, helping city officials prioritize maintenance and repairs
  • Safety apps can alert users to potential conflicts or collisions with motor vehicles, using GPS and sensor data from smartphones or wearable devices
  • Examples include the CycleMaps route planning app and the Bike Shepherd collision detection system

Policies and programs supporting bike and pedestrian infrastructure

  • Implementing effective bike and pedestrian infrastructure requires supportive policies and programs at the local, regional, and national levels
  • These initiatives can help prioritize active transportation, allocate funding, and encourage behavior change

Complete Streets policies

  • policies require streets to be designed and operated to enable safe access for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities
  • These policies ensure that the needs of active transportation users are considered in every transportation project, from planning and design to construction and maintenance
  • Examples include the Complete Streets ordinance in Chicago and the Complete Streets Act in Hawaii

Vision Zero initiatives

  • is a strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries while increasing safe, healthy, and equitable mobility for all
  • Vision Zero initiatives prioritize safety through a combination of engineering, enforcement, education, and evaluation measures
  • These initiatives often include targeted investments in bike and pedestrian infrastructure, such as protected intersections and traffic calming treatments
  • Examples include Vision Zero programs in New York City, Los Angeles, and Edmonton, Canada

Bike share and rental programs

  • Bike share systems provide a network of publicly available bicycles for short-term rental, often located at docking stations throughout a city
  • These programs make cycling more accessible and convenient, particularly for first- and last-mile connections to transit or for short trips within urban areas
  • Bike rental programs, such as those offered by bike shops or hotels, can also encourage cycling by providing access to bicycles for longer-term use
  • Examples include the Citi Bike program in New York City and the Vélib' system in Paris

Education and encouragement campaigns

  • Education campaigns can help raise awareness about the benefits of active transportation and provide information on safe cycling and walking practices
  • Encouragement programs, such as bike-to-work days, walking challenges, or ciclovías (car-free streets), can incentivize people to try active transportation and build community support
  • Marketing and outreach efforts can help promote the availability and benefits of bike and pedestrian infrastructure, encouraging more people to use these facilities
  • Examples include the Safe Routes to School program in the US and the Cycle to Work scheme in the UK

Measuring the success of bike and pedestrian infrastructure

  • Evaluating the success of bike and pedestrian infrastructure is essential for justifying investments, identifying areas for improvement, and demonstrating the benefits to stakeholders
  • Various metrics and data sources can be used to assess the performance and impact of active transportation facilities

Safety metrics and crash reduction

  • Analyzing crash data, particularly those involving cyclists and pedestrians, can help evaluate the safety impact of infrastructure improvements
  • Metrics such as the number of crashes, injuries, and fatalities can be tracked over time to assess trends and identify high-risk locations
  • Before-and-after studies can be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of specific safety interventions, such as protected bike lanes or pedestrian crossing treatments

Mode share and ridership data

  • Mode share data, typically obtained through travel surveys or census data, can reveal the percentage of trips made by cycling and walking
  • Increases in the mode share of active transportation can indicate the success of infrastructure investments and supportive policies
  • Ridership data, collected through automated counters or manual counts, can provide more detailed information on the usage of specific bike and pedestrian facilities
  • Analyzing ridership patterns can help identify popular routes, peak demand periods, and potential gaps in the network

Economic impact and business vitality

  • Bike and pedestrian infrastructure can have positive economic impacts, such as increased retail sales, property values, and job creation
  • Business surveys or sales tax data can be used to assess the economic vitality of areas with improved active transportation facilities
  • Case studies or economic impact analyses can demonstrate the return on investment for bike and pedestrian infrastructure projects
  • Examples include the economic impact study of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail and the business benefits of the protected bike lanes on 9th Avenue in New York City

Community feedback and satisfaction surveys

  • Gathering feedback from the community, including residents, businesses, and visitors, can provide valuable insights into the perceived success and benefits of bike and pedestrian infrastructure
  • Satisfaction surveys can assess user experiences, preferences, and areas for improvement
  • Public meetings, online platforms, or intercept surveys can be used to collect qualitative and quantitative feedback
  • Incorporating community input can help build support for future projects and ensure that infrastructure investments align with local needs and priorities

Key Terms to Review (25)

Active transportation: Active transportation refers to any self-propelled mode of transportation that requires physical activity, such as walking, biking, or using a scooter. This mode of transport promotes not only individual health but also helps reduce traffic congestion and environmental impacts. Emphasizing active transportation in urban planning can enhance community connectivity and encourage healthier lifestyles.
Automated pedestrian crossing systems: Automated pedestrian crossing systems are advanced traffic management technologies designed to enhance pedestrian safety and mobility at crosswalks. These systems utilize various sensors, signals, and communication technologies to automatically control traffic signals and provide real-time information to both pedestrians and drivers. By minimizing human error and streamlining the crossing process, these systems aim to reduce accidents and improve the overall efficiency of urban transportation networks.
Bicycle detection and counting systems: Bicycle detection and counting systems are technological tools designed to identify and quantify bicycle traffic at various locations, such as intersections, pathways, and bike lanes. These systems help city planners and transportation agencies gather data on cycling patterns, which is crucial for making informed decisions regarding bike infrastructure and promoting sustainable transportation options.
Bike boulevards: Bike boulevards are low-traffic streets designed specifically to promote safe and comfortable cycling by prioritizing bicycle traffic over motor vehicle traffic. These boulevards often feature various traffic calming measures, signage, and roadway markings that enhance the cycling experience while ensuring safety for cyclists and pedestrians. They connect neighborhoods, parks, and important destinations, contributing to a comprehensive bike and pedestrian infrastructure.
Bike lanes: Bike lanes are designated sections of the roadway specifically marked for bicycle use, aimed at promoting safe and efficient cycling. These lanes serve as a vital component of bike and pedestrian infrastructure, encouraging more people to choose cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation while reducing conflicts between cyclists and motor vehicles. By providing a safe space for cyclists, bike lanes enhance overall mobility in urban environments.
Bike parking facilities: Bike parking facilities are designated areas designed to securely store bicycles, allowing riders to park their bikes safely while they go about their activities. These facilities can vary in complexity from simple bike racks to more sophisticated structures that provide shelter, security features, and amenities. A well-designed bike parking facility plays a crucial role in promoting cycling as a viable transportation option by ensuring that cyclists have a safe and convenient place to leave their bikes.
Bike share and rental programs: Bike share and rental programs are systems that provide bicycles for short-term use, allowing individuals to rent bikes from designated stations or locations. These programs promote cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation, making it easy for people to access bikes for commuting or leisure while reducing reliance on motor vehicles.
Complete Streets: Complete Streets are roadways designed to provide safe and accessible transportation options for all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and transit riders. These streets incorporate various features like bike lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, and public transit access to promote active transportation and improve overall mobility within communities.
Complete Streets Policy: Complete streets policy refers to a transportation approach that designs and operates roadways to provide safe and accessible options for all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and transit riders. This policy aims to create a balanced transportation system that accommodates diverse travel needs and promotes active lifestyles, ultimately enhancing the quality of life in urban environments.
Crosswalks and Crossing Signals: Crosswalks are designated areas on a roadway for pedestrians to cross, often marked with painted lines, while crossing signals are traffic control devices that indicate when it is safe for pedestrians to cross the street. These features are essential components of pedestrian infrastructure, ensuring the safety of individuals as they navigate urban environments. Properly designed crosswalks and effective crossing signals enhance pedestrian visibility and help manage vehicle traffic at intersections, ultimately promoting safer walking conditions in urban areas.
Infrastructure investment: Infrastructure investment refers to the allocation of financial resources towards the development, maintenance, and improvement of foundational facilities and systems that support transportation, utilities, and public services. This type of investment is crucial for promoting sustainable growth and enhancing connectivity, particularly for bike and pedestrian infrastructure, which fosters safe and efficient travel options while encouraging healthier lifestyles and reducing environmental impacts.
Level of Service: Level of Service (LOS) is a qualitative measure used to evaluate the performance and efficiency of transportation systems, typically ranging from A (excellent conditions) to F (failing conditions). It reflects the ability of a transportation facility, such as a road or transit system, to accommodate users' demands while considering factors like travel speed, delay, comfort, and convenience. This measure helps in understanding how well infrastructure supports mobility and safety for all types of users, including drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Mobile apps for route planning and safety: Mobile apps for route planning and safety are applications designed to assist users in navigating transportation networks efficiently while ensuring their safety. These apps typically provide real-time information on traffic conditions, alternative routes, and safety features such as hazard alerts, which help users make informed decisions when traveling on foot or by bike.
Pedestrian bridges and underpasses: Pedestrian bridges and underpasses are dedicated structures designed to facilitate safe and efficient movement for pedestrians across busy roadways or obstacles. These infrastructures not only enhance pedestrian safety by separating foot traffic from vehicle traffic but also encourage walking and cycling as viable modes of transportation, contributing to more sustainable urban environments.
Pedestrian-friendly street design: Pedestrian-friendly street design refers to the planning and construction of urban streets that prioritize the safety, comfort, and accessibility of pedestrians. This design approach often incorporates features such as wide sidewalks, safe crossings, reduced vehicle speeds, landscaping, and amenities like benches and lighting to create inviting environments that encourage walking. By fostering a culture of walking, these designs contribute to enhanced community connectivity and improved public health.
Public involvement: Public involvement is the process by which individuals, organizations, and stakeholders engage in decision-making and planning related to transportation projects and policies. It emphasizes transparency, collaboration, and feedback, ensuring that the needs and concerns of the community are considered. This participation helps to create more effective transportation systems that reflect the values and priorities of those they serve.
Safety audits: Safety audits are systematic evaluations conducted to assess the safety performance of transportation infrastructure, including facilities for cyclists and pedestrians. These audits aim to identify potential hazards, assess compliance with safety standards, and recommend improvements to enhance the overall safety of road users. Through the analysis of bike and pedestrian infrastructure, safety audits play a crucial role in promoting safe travel options for vulnerable road users.
Separated bike lanes: Separated bike lanes are designated cycling paths that are physically separated from motor vehicle traffic, typically by a barrier, curb, or other obstacles. This design enhances safety for cyclists by reducing the risk of collisions with cars and providing a dedicated space for biking, encouraging more people to choose cycling as a mode of transportation.
Sidewalks and walkways: Sidewalks and walkways are designated pedestrian paths that provide safe and accessible routes for individuals traveling on foot, often situated alongside roadways or within public spaces. These infrastructures are crucial for ensuring the safety of pedestrians, promoting walking as a mode of transportation, and enhancing urban mobility. Well-designed sidewalks and walkways contribute to the overall livability of an area by facilitating pedestrian movement and connecting various destinations within a community.
Smart lighting and wayfinding: Smart lighting and wayfinding refers to the use of intelligent lighting systems combined with navigational aids to enhance the experience of cyclists and pedestrians in urban environments. This approach integrates technology such as sensors, mobile applications, and adaptive lighting to provide real-time information and guidance, making it easier for users to navigate while improving safety and accessibility.
Stakeholder engagement: Stakeholder engagement is the process of involving individuals, groups, or organizations that have an interest in or are affected by a project or initiative. This interaction fosters collaboration and communication, allowing stakeholders to provide input and feedback, which ultimately shapes decision-making and project outcomes. Engaging stakeholders is essential for building trust and ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered, particularly in areas like transportation planning, infrastructure development, environmental assessments, strategic planning, and legal compliance.
Traffic Calming: Traffic calming refers to a set of design strategies and techniques aimed at reducing vehicle speeds and improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists in urban areas. By incorporating physical changes to roadways, such as speed bumps, curb extensions, and chicanes, traffic calming creates a more pedestrian-friendly environment. The overall goal is to encourage safe walking and biking, while simultaneously reducing the negative impacts of vehicular traffic in neighborhoods.
Transportation funding: Transportation funding refers to the financial resources allocated for the development, maintenance, and improvement of transportation systems and infrastructure. This funding is crucial for supporting projects related to roads, public transit, bike paths, and pedestrian facilities, ensuring that communities can safely and efficiently move people and goods. A diverse range of funding sources, such as federal grants, state budgets, local taxes, and private investments, contribute to these efforts.
Universal Design: Universal design is a design philosophy that aims to create products, environments, and systems that are accessible and usable by all people, regardless of age, ability, or status. This approach emphasizes the importance of inclusivity, ensuring that the infrastructure caters to the needs of everyone, including cyclists and pedestrians. By focusing on usability for a diverse population, universal design enhances mobility and promotes active transportation options.
Vision Zero: Vision Zero is a transportation safety initiative that aims to eliminate all traffic-related fatalities and severe injuries while promoting safe, healthy, and equitable mobility for all users. This approach emphasizes the responsibility of system designers and policymakers to create safer road environments through improved infrastructure, education, and enforcement strategies. By focusing on the notion that no loss of life is acceptable on the roads, Vision Zero encourages cities to prioritize safety in urban planning and transportation policy.
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.