3.3.2.b Bikeway System Discussion
| Like pedestrians, bicyclists are often overlooked when considering transportation facilities. Cycling, however, is a very efficient mode of travel. Bicycles take up little space on the load or when parked. They do not contribute to air or noise pollution and offer relatively higher speeds than walking. Bicycling should be encouraged to decrease the use of automobiles for short trips in order to reduce some of the negative aspects of urban growth. Linked trips using bicycles and transit are possible since all Valley Metro regional buses have bike racks on the front. Noise, air pollution, and traffic congestion could be mitigated if more short trips were taken by bicycle or on foot. Riding a bike for short distances between residences and transit stops helps reduce our vehicle impacts during peak travel hours. Typically, a short trip that would be taken by bicycle is two miles; on foot, the average distance commonly walked is around one-half mile. Recreational bicycling is also gaining popularity as an essential need of the bikeway system in Surprise especially along Sun The Alternative Modes Plan includes three types of bike path
Bicycle parking and support facilities Every bicycle trip has two components; the route selected by the bicyclist and the “end-of-trip” facilities at their destinations. Support facilities are facilities that cyclists use Issues of concern for bicyclists include: barriers (freeways) and hazards (e.g., rail crossings), lack of bicycle accommodations on existing major roadways, lack of alternatives on heavily used major roadways due to inadequate street connectivity, and lack of traffic control devices that work for bicyclists. Maintenance of bicycle facilities is also a concern due to debris accumulation and surface deterioration. Types of bicycle parking and support facilitiesThere are different types of support facilities just as there are different levels of bikeway facilities. Support facilities fall into one of three main categories: Short-term bicycle parking:Bicycle racks are low cost devices that provide a location to secure a bicycle. Ideally, bicyclists can lock both their bicycle frame and wheels. The bicycle rack should in a highly visible location secured to the ground, preferably within 50 feet of a main entrance to a building or facility. Short-term bicycle parking is commonly used for short trips, when cyclists are planning to leave their bicycles for a few hours.Long term bicycle parking:Bicycle lockers are covered storage units that can be locked individually, providing secure parking for one bicycle. Bicycle cages are secure areas with limited access roads. Occasionally they are attended. Each of these means is designed to provide bicyclists with a high level of security so that they feel comfortable leaving their bicycles for long periods of time. They are appropriate for employees of large buildings and at transit stations.Shower and locker facilities: Lockers provide a secure place for bicyclists to store their helmets or other riding gear. Showers are important for bicycle commuters with a rigorous commute and/or formal office attire. Bicycle stations:Bicycle stations provide free all day attended bicycle parking. Bicycle stations usually provide bicycle tune ups, repairs, and rentals in order to sustain their operation. They are intended to serve locations with larger numbers of bicycle commuters needing long-term bicycle parking and are an excellent means of facilitating the inter-modal connections between bicycles and transit.Public educationTo be responsible bicyclists, riders should learn their rights and responsibilities and safe riding techniques. This knowledge is also necessary for motor vehicle drivers sharing the road with bicyclists. There is a continuous need to provide education for bicyclists and motorists including development and distribution of bicycle maps and other informationalmaterials and conducting safety and training programs. |
|
- Tag page
-
- What links here
Images 6
