Garden City Bicycle and Pedestrian Neighborhood Plan 1. Bicycle Treatments 1.1 Signed Shared Roadway Low volume and low speed streets that have signage and pavement markings indicating the street is a route to be used by cyclists. ADVANTAGES Cost-effective and typically simple to implement Creates a comfortable, low-volume, low-speed space for bicyclists and pedestrians CHALLENGES Does not provide physical separation between cyclists and motorists traffic streets LOCATION TYPE Streets parallel to larger, high traffic streets Creates a comfortable, low-volume, low-speed space for bicyclists and pedestrians 1.2 Bike Lane The area of roadway designated for non-motorized bicycle use, separated from vehicles by pavement markings. ADVANTAGES Improves safety and comfort by increasing the visibility and awareness of cyclists Provides an exclusive space for bicyclists CHALLENGES May still have conflicts with motorists (e.g., opened car doors), which can be reduced by providing a buffer space between the bike lane and the motor vehicle travel lane Motorists may illegally park in bike lane LOCATION TYPE Non-local streets with adequate space for accommodation 1.3 Buffered Bike Lane On-street bike lanes that include an additional stripped buffer of typically 2-3 between the bicycle lane and the motor vehicle lane and/or the motor vehicle parking lane. ADVANTAGES Increased separation between people bicycling and people driving A buffer between the bike lane and parked cars can reduce the likelihood of “dooring.” CHALLENGES Does not provide a physical barrier, so may not be comfortable for all on busier streets Motorists may illegally park in bike lane LOCATION TYPE Roads with moderate speeds and traffic volumes 1.4 Raised Bike Lane An exclusive bike lane that is raised higher than the adjacent roadway (similar to a sidewalk, but may be a lower height than the adjacent sidewalk). ADVANTAGES Higher level of comfort than painted bike lanes Attractive to a wider be spectrum of the public than bike lanes CHALLENGES Expensive Bicyclists passing each other can be challenging, depending on the design LOCATION TYPE Roads with higher speeds and traffic volumes 1.5 Protected Bike Lane An exclusive bike lane separated from vehicle travel lanes, parking lanes, and sidewalks. Parked cars or other vertical elements separate bike lane from moving traffic and bike lane is next to curb. ADVANTAGES Higher level of comfort than painted bike lanes Reduced risk of doors opening into the lane compared to a typical bike lane Attractive to a wider spectrum of the public than bike lanes CHALLENGES May be more expensive than a standard bike lane Requires more space than bike lanes LOCATION TYPE Roads with higher speeds and traffic volumes 1.6 Two-Way Cycle Track A protected bike lane with two-way bicycle traffic. Parked cars or other vertical elements separate bike lane from moving traffic and bike lane is next to curb. ADVANTAGES Requires less space than two one way protected bike lanes Reduced risk of doors opening into the lane compared to a typical bike lane Attractive to a wider spectrum of the public than bike lanes CHALLENGES May be more expensive than a standard bike lane Requires more space than bike lanes Intersection conflicts LOCATION TYPE Roads with higher speeds and traffic volumes, especially one way streets or streets where it make sense to only have the bike lane on one side 1.7 Shared Use Pathways Paved pathways away from the road and out of the path of turning vehicles designed with adequate space for pedestrian and bicyclist use. Advantage Separates bicyclists from vehicle traffic Combination of pedestrians and bicyclists may require less space than separate facilities for each Challenges Needs adequate space to accommodate buffer from street and width to allow the passing of bicyclists and pedestrians Bicycle and pedestrian conflicts High potential for crashes in highly urban areas or along roads with driveways Location Type Parallel to high-speed, limited-access roads 2. Pedestrian & Crossing Treatments 2.1 Sidewalks Sidewalks may be directly adjacent to the edge of the roadway (attached) or separated with a buffer space (detached). ADVANTAGES CHALLENGES LOCATION TYPE Improves pedestrian comfort . Can be costly to install, . Along any urban street and reduces crashes by providing particularly if stormwater separation from motor vehicles drainage is not already present Provides a dedicated space for . May require right-of-way pedestrians purchase 2.2 Raised Median/Refuge Island Provides a protected area in the middle of a crosswalk for pedestrians to stop while crossing street. ADVANTAGES Reduces the number of crashes at marked and unmarked crosswalks Preferred on multilane streets Requires shorter gaps in traffic to cross the street CHALLENGES Must have at least 6 feet of space to accommodate wheelchairs; not all streets will have adequate space Physical barrier in the street Can limit motorvehicle access LOCATION TYPE Areas with high volume traffic conflict and high pedestrian crash locations 2.3 Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon Signs with a pedestrian-activated “strobe-light” flashing pattern that attracts attention and notifies motorists that pedestrians are crossing. ADVANTAGES Typically increases yielding by drivers compared to marked crosswalks only Warning information is at eye level of drivers CHALLENGES Motorists may not understand flashing lights Requires pedestrian activation LOCATION TYPE Area with high midblock crossing 2.4 Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon Pedestrian activated beacon, unlit when not in use, begins with a yellow light alerting drivers to slow, and then a solid red light requiring drivers to stop while pedestrians have the right-of-way to cross the street. ADVANTAGES A very high rate of motorist yielding to pedestrians Drivers don't have to wait as long at hybrid beacons compared to other signalized intersections CHALLENGES Expensive compared to other crossing treatments Requires pedestrian activation LOCATION TYPE Larger roadways where mid-block crossing is difficult or crossing opportunities are limited School walk route connectivity 2.5 Widened Shoulders Widened shoulders are directly adjacent to the edge of the roadway or separated with a curb. ADVANTAGES Provides a dedicated space for pedestrians and bicyclists Not as costly as sidewalk No storm drain needed CHALLENGES Not as comfortable for pedestrian as sidewalk On street parking may reduce space available LOCATION TYPE Along any urban or rural street 3. Crossing Treatments 3.1 High Visibility Crosswalks Clear, reflective roadway markings and devices at intersections on priority pedestrian links, located only where motorists should expect pedestrians with sufficient sight distance and reaction time. ADVANTAGES Warns motorists of potential for pedestrians Designates a preferred location for pedestrians Idaho law requires motorists yield to pedestrians in crosswalks Relatively inexpensive to install CHALLENGES Most effective with other traffic control (signals, stop signs) or physical treatments (bulb outs) that help to reinforce drivers yielding to pedestrians Motorists may ignore LOCATION TYPE Intersections and preferred mid-block crossing locations 3.2 Raised Crosswalk A pedestrian crossing area raised higher to give motorists and pedestrians a better view of the crossing area. A raised crosswalk is essentially a speed table marked and signed for pedestrian crossing. ADVANTAGES Provides better view for pedestrians and motorists Slows motorists travel speeds Broad application on both arterial & collector streets CHALLENGES Can be difficult to navigate for large trucks, buses, snow plows. Would require coordination with emergency responders LOCATION TYPE Areas where driver speeding is a problem and/or it is difficult to cross the street 3.3 In-Street “Yield to Pedestrians” Signs Signs placed in the middle of crosswalks to increase driver awareness of pedestrians and the legal responsibility in Idaho to yield right-of-way to pedestrians in a crosswalk. ADVANTAGES Can increase the number of motorists who yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk Reinforces the rights of pedestrians crossing the road CHALLENGES If used too often, motorists may be more likely to ignore the signs They don’t have much effect on wider roads LOCATION TYPE Areas with high mid-block crossings and/or poor yield rates by motorists School zones 3.4 Bulb-Outs/Curb Extensions An extension of the curb or the sidewalk into the street, usually at an intersection, that narrows the road, inhibits fast turns, and shortens the crossing distance for pedestrians. ADVANTAGES Shorter crossing distances for pedestrians Reduces motorists’ turning speeds Increased visibility between motorists and pedestrians Enables tree and landscape planting and water runoff treatment CHALLENGES Can only be used on streets with on-street parking Physical barrier can be exposed to traffic Greater cost and time to install than high visibility crosswalks LOCATION TYPE Streets with on-street parking