Bicycle Integrated Design Lecture Notes PDF

Module 2 Bicycle Integrated Design LECTURE 1: Bicycle Design Focus and Needs Importance of Cycling Design Focus Types of Cyclists Design Needs  Importance of cycling Canadian transportation agencies are increasingly working to accommodate bicyclists in transporta...

Module 2 Bicycle Integrated Design LECTURE 1: Bicycle Design Focus and Needs Importance of Cycling Design Focus Types of Cyclists Design Needs  Importance of cycling Canadian transportation agencies are increasingly working to accommodate bicyclists in transportation plans and geometric designs – Reduce emissions – Improve health outcomes – Mitigate road congestion – Contribute to sustainable communities Demand for cycling has increased, even in winter conditions Need for safe, comfortable, and efficient cycling infrastructure  How do you typically commute to University? A. Single-occupant vehicle B. Carpool C. Transit D. Bicycle E. Walk Strava Global Heatmaps All Cycle Sports Strava Global Heatmaps All Foot Sports  Design focus The focus of bicycle integrated design has shifted from a viewpoint of “bicycles as vehicles” to “people riding bicycles” Bicyclists vary in: – Age – Size – Ability (e.g., speed, gauging traffic) – Preferences (e.g., facilities, directness, distance, groups) The ranges in these characteristics influence various geometric design components Different types of riders based on trip purpose (utilitarian vs recreational) and level of comfort and skill  Types of bicyclists: experienced and confident Strong and fearless (1%) Ride anywhere regardless of road/weather condition or traffic level Prefer direct routes Enthused and confident (5-10%) Comfortable on all types of bikeways, but prefer low traffic streets or multi- use paths May deviate from a more direct route  Types of bicyclists: casual and less confident Interested but concerned (60%) Only ride on low traffic streets or multi-use paths in good weather Perceive significant barriers to increase cycling, but could become “enthused and confident” with improved facilities, education No way, no how (30%) People who are not cyclists by choice or lack of ability Perceive severe safety issues, but may become “interested but concerned” with time and education (although many will not)  What type of cyclist are you? A. Strong and fearless B. Enthused and confident C. Interested but concerned D. No way, no how  Bicycle Human Factors Perception of cyclist safety and comfort is critical for design – Cyclists are influenced by the perceived level of stress, which is impacted by the available bike facility, curb lane traffic volume, posted speed, lane width, parking turnover, heavy vehicle volumes etc. Cyclists are vulnerable road users at risk of severe injury or fatality at impact speeds >30km/h  Bitter Lake 2018 Bicycle Haller Lake Level of Traffic Stress d u n Citywide Snapshot S o Green Lake Lake Union Ü W a s h i n g t o n Elliott Bay Bicycle LTS Low Stress k e a L Medium Stress High Stress g e t P u  Bicycle design needs 1. Design vehicle 2. Operating space/dimensions 3. Safety and security 4. Speed and momentum 5. Connectivity and directness 6. All-season surface quality  1. Design vehicle Regular bicycles Children’s bicycles Adult tricycles Cargo bicycles Bicycles with trailers Electric bicycles Recumbent bicycles Tandem Bikes Non-standard cycles Tricycle Handcycle Recumbent Tricycle Recumbent Handcycle  2. Bicycle operating space: measurements for a road bike (adult) 2 1.8 Vertical Operating Envelope 1.6 Eye Level 1.4 1.2 Handlebar Height meters 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0  Bicycle operating space: measurements for swept path 1.6 Front Tire Path 1.4 1.2 Swept Path Trail-a-bike 1 meters Back Tire Path 0.8 Road Bike 0.6 Child’s Bike 0.4 0.2 0 How manageable is this radius?  Bicycle operating space International guidance on accessible cycling Reproduced with the express written authority of the recommends a design vehicle of 1200mm (W) x Transportation Association of Canada (TAC). 2600mm (L) for a long-wheelbase tricycle Excerpted from the TAC publication: Geometric Design https://www.nzta.govt.nz/assets/resources/accessible-cycling-infrastructure/accessible- Guide for Canadian Roads (2017) cycling-infrastructure-design-guidance-note-draft.pdf Bicycle operating space 3. Safety and security for bicyclists Safety performance of bikeway facilities generally associated with level of separation from traffic stream (decreasing order of safety performance) – Roadside bike paths or multi-use paths – Protected bike lanes – Bike lanes (buffered, unbuffered) – Bicycle boulevards – Shared lanes (on major streets) – *note: this may be different at intersections Design can also help prevent crime, which can be a significant barrier to cycling How safe does this feel? How safe does this feel?  4. Speed and momentum Typical speed range: 15 to 30 km/h (higher with e-bikes!) If no physical barrier is provided between bicyclists and motor vehicles, speed differentials should not exceed 20 to 25 km/h Bicycle routes should be designed to enable continuous riding: – Avoid requirements to slow or stop – Minimize steep gradients – Minimize rough surfaces – Minimize sharp corners – Minimize number of intersections – Minimize need to yield to other users 4. Speed and momentum ~4.6m  5. Connectivity and directness Connectivity is the extent that a bikeway network offers effective and convenient route choices A network should provide direct routes Check out Winnipeg’s efforts to build its active transportation network here ‘Current’ Cycling Network Map: Future Cycling Network Map:  6. All-season surface quality Provide an even, firm riding surface Clear of obstacles and debris Asphalt and concrete surfaces are preferred over granular, timber, or cobblestone surfaces Consider maintenance requirements for all seasons