Better Bike Facilities

Photo Caption: A bike lane marked with green paint to alert both cyclists and drivers of high-conflict zones where cars are likely to merge across the bike lane. Courtesy of SDOT

All across the US, cities large and small have been experimenting to create new kinds of bike facilities that create safer travel environments for cyclists and vehicles. The new facilities include a broad range of things, such as green bike lanes (shown above), contra-flow bike lanes, bike boxes, bicycle signal heads to tell cyclists when it's safe to go, and more. Cities like Philadelphia, New York, Phoenix, Chicago, Detroit, Baltimore, Portland, Houston, and Boston have come together to share the work they are doing with one another through the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO). Now, as part of the Cities for Cycling initiative, NACTO has released the Urban Bikeway Design Guide to "provide cities with state-of-the-practice solutions that can help create complete streets that are safe and enjoyable for bicyclists."

So, why haven't we seen any of these best-practices in Missouri?
First of all, the documents/guidelines that transportation engineers most commonly use -- AASHTO's Green Book and Guide for Bicycle Facilities and the MUTCD -- do not include these best-practices, despite the fact that are being successfully implemented from coast to coast. Second, our state's major cities are not yet plugged into NACTO's professional network. In addition, there are budgetary constraints, lack of local leadership, and not enough public pressure. With regard to the last item, take some time to peruse the Urban Bikeway Design Guide, educate yourself, and then educate your local elected officials. MO Livable Streets is hosting a series of advocacy trainings throughout the state that will prepare you with the tools you need to be an effective advocate for complete streets -- there is a training March 29th in Kirksville, April 28th in Kansas City, and one May 3rd in Cape Girardeau.

How quickly do you think we can get a green bike lane painted in our state? See below for additional pictures of best-practice facilities.

A contraflow bike lane -- think of it as a two way street, where only bikes are allowed on one side. Photo thanks to SDOT

A bike box, which improves intersection safety. Photo thanks to BikePortland.org

A bike corral places bike parking in a traditional car parking spot. It keeps the sidewalk clear for pedestrians and can accommodate more than ten bikes in a single car parking space.