Draft Comprehensive Transportation Plan Update_September 25

DRAFT

BICYCLE NETWORK The recommended bicycle network for the Town of Morrisville Comprehensive Transportation Plan Update includes a coordinated group of on- and off-street facilities. Connectivity between bicycle facilities and activity centers was an important consideration as recommendations were developed. The planning process also emphasized vetting previous plans with the updated roadway recommendations. The emphasis was necessary given the limited funds available for standalone bicycle and pedestrian projects. The facility recommendations shown in the maps on the pages that follow are coordinated with the roadway recommendations provided in Chapter 3. On-Street Bicycle Facilities On-street bicycle facilities planned for the Town of Morrisville include bike lanes, shared lane markings, and wide shoulders. Some of these treatments can be eligible for short-term implementation, while others require phased, long-term improvements ancillary to a roadway upgrade. The section below describes the recommended facility types that are shown on the following page. BIKE LANES Bike lanes are one way treatments that typically carry bicycle traffic in the same direction as adjacent motor vehicle traffic. Bike lanes are provided for the exclusive or preferential use of bicyclists on a roadway and are identified through signage, striping, and pavement markings. These lanes allow bicyclists of all skill levels to ride at comfortable speeds and encourage a position with the roadway where they are more likely to be seen by motorists. State and federal guidance should be referenced to handle areas where bicycle lanes may come into conflict with travel lanes such as around turn lanes or merge sections. General Considerations · Bike lanes are preferred treatments for urban and suburban thoroughfares, and should be a minimum of five feet wide. · Lanes should provide a smooth riding surface and be free of debris. · Lanes should be provided on both sides of a two-way street. · Bike lanes are most appropriate on streets with higher traffic volumes and posted speeds of 30 mph or greater. PAVED SHOULDERS Paved shoulders are often found in less dense rural areas along roadways without curb and gutter. Paved shoulders may offer convenient access to nearby communities, particularly for more experienced recreational cyclists. Some of these roads may eventually be reconstructed to include bike lanes, but if the road is not anticipated to be widened in the future, adding or improving striped shoulders may be a simpler bike accommodation. General Considerations · Paved shoulders should be provided on both sides of the roadway. · Paved shoulders are not considered travel lanes, but can be occupied by disabled vehicles. · Absent of other facilities, paved shoulders will be shared with pedestrians. SHARED LANE MARKINGS Shared lane markings can help bicyclists position themselves appropriately in travel lanes and provide wayfinding. The signage and markings provide awareness to motorists of the likely presence of bicyclists and that they must share the road. General Considerations · “Share the Road” signs do not indicate a bike route to motorists. · Shared lanes markings are best used on streets with constraints such as limited rights-of way. · Shared lane markings should not be used on roads with speed limits above 35 mph.

FACILITY TYPES

Bike Lane

Paved Shoulder

Shared Lane Marking

Source: FHWA Small Town and Rural Design Guide, Facilities for Walking and Biking

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September 25, 2017 Draft