We -- the Portland, OR Bike Program -- are in the process of applying
for an ODOT grant to fund a demonstration project using colored bicycle
lanes and / or pavement markings at key conflict points, typically where
a through bike lane weaves across a higher volume/speed right turn auto
lane. Our idea at this point -- it's still evolving -- is to provide more
visual definition of the crossing point for cyclists and _especially_ motorists,
similar to designs used in many northern European cities. This is prompted
by our dissatisfaction with the way we currently deal with such situations,
as voiced by numerous cyclists -- the best we can seem to offer, without
reconstruction of the roadway, is a delicate white skip stripe that's probably
all but invisible to most drivers. We also plan, as part of this project,
to test a variety of materials for durability, visibility, etc.
My question is: do you know of any place in North America that has any experience
in this area? Any similar attempts, sucessful or otherwise, to test European
bikeway designs? I can't seem to recall any, but I thought you might have
some recollection in this area... also, any thoughts or caveats you might
have about our project would certainly be welcome.
The colored pavement concept is an intriguing one that has been around
for a while. Of course, European designers have used a variety of approaches--sometimes
involving some sort of colored paving stones, alas! But my knowledge of
their approaches is less than it should be. Been a while since I rode over
there.
The right turn lane vs. bike lane weaving area is one I haven't before heard
suggested as a place to use colored pavement, at least in the U.S. First,
though, I think it might be useful to go through a bit of the evolution
of the standard designs suggested in the AASHTO Guide. While I don't have
all the details, one of the early users of a merging zone in a high volume
right turn lane situation on a major arterial was Glenn Grigg of Cupertino.
The site I'm most familiar with involved an intersection of a major road
and an interstate highway, so the turn lanes were more "serious"
than average.
Glenn used time-lapse photography to watch how cyclists dealt with the situation
before installing the bike lanes. He found that experienced riders tended
to make their merge based primarily on the traffic situation. They'd start
scanning early and would either negotiate their way left or take advantage
of a gap to move. On the other hand, less-experienced cyclists tended to
get all the way down to the on-ramp and would dash across at the last moment.
His initial design had two skip stripes defining a bike lane that crossed
the turn lane. However, after getting input from local cyclists and thinking
about how the merge was likely to happen (and should happen), he modified
the design by eliminating the second stripe. In a sense, then, the one stripe
defined a merging zone rather than a specific crossing place. The stripe
was supplemented by signage as well.
He again used time-lapse to see how it worked. Basically, the more experienced
riders did what they'd done before. The less-experienced riders no longer
rode down the freeway on-ramp, nor did they dash pell mell across the turn
lane to arrive in the bike lane to the left of the turn lane. Rather, they
pulled to the curb a bit after the dashed line, looked back, and crossed
when there was a break in traffic.
So, after this long-winded introduction, here are a couple of thoughts.
First, I think I'd use the pavement color (or whatever approach you decide
upon) to define a merging zone rather than a narrow and specific bike lane
xing. Second, definitely use video before and after to check results. And
budget some $$ for modifications if you or the users don't like what's happening.
After all, it's an experiment. Third, if you haven't already, take a look
at standard right turn lane designs and warrants. As someone who walks a
lot, I can tell you I hate the automatic priority that higher speed turn
lane designs give to motorists. The fewer such lanes there are (and the
tighter the turn radius), the slower motorists will be going and the better
chance peds crossing the ramp entrance and less experienced riders crossing
the right turn lane will have.
Dear John Williams,
I was surfing the Web and came across your consulting firms web page. I am a avid cyclist and president of Asphacolor Corporation.
I noticed that some people were interested in coloring the bike lanes as they do in Europe. My company Asphacolor, manufactures two products that might be of interest to you.
I will try and contact you personally after the Holidays.