Demystifying Signalized Intersection Design for Bicyclists

摘要

In the United States, a growing number of communities are seeking ways to improve safety and efficiency of transportation systems, particularly to encourage active transportation modes, such as bicycling. There is a set of cost-effective techniques that can be applied at signalized intersections to significantly improve bicycle comfort, efficiency, and safety. Bicyclists' unique characteristics, including slower acceleration and operating speeds than motor vehicles, often require specific adjustments to signal design. Specialized signal-design techniques include bike signals, leading bike intervals, separate bicycle phases, and detection methods. Beyond signal adjustments, additional physical design treatments can be utilized such as bicycle lanes, cycle tracks, bicycle boxes, and turn pockets at signalized intersections. This paper includes the following topics; Why Design for Bicyclists, Current Guidance, Bicycle Signal Timing Basics, Detection for Bicyclists, Bicycle-specific Signals, and Summary of Physical Design Treatments.