Active Transportation Advocates Cedar Park
Safety and Usability Guidelines
For Accessible Shared-Use Paths and Sidewalks
In this document “path” is used to include sidewalks, shared-use paths, bikeways, park trails, etc. A path is any route which may be used by active transportation.
1) Ensure a “clear zone” of 3+ feet horizontally from and level with the edge of the path, and 10 feet vertically where feasible. Maximum 1/4” dropoff along the path and slope less than 5% to allow rider recovery.
2) Design and plan to separate different speeds of traffic where possible. Minimize conflict points with motor vehicles. Design speed of 18+ MPH for faster lanes where feasible.
3) Radius all turns and avoid sharp turns. Use broad curves, a minimum 200′ radius when there are no significant constraints such as existing large trees. Keep road/driveway crossings generally straight.
3) Require landscaping plans to account for full maturity size of all plants, ensuring no future clear zone issues. Plant appropriate native shade trees 4-5 feet from the edge along all paths to provide shade. Prune up as they grow. Maintain paths free of debris.
4) Eliminate encroachments. No posts, guardrail, mailboxes, fire hydrants etc. in the path or clear zone. Either offset encroachments or broaden the path as needed. Eliminate “dooring” risks from parked cars. Locate grates or utility covers outside the travel lane or utilize cycle-friendly grates.
5) Path/road intersections must be wider than the path and have broad curves to allow for transition between path and road. The “clear zone” applies to these transitions as well. Slope at least the width of the clear zone, even with the street across the whole width. This means flaring a 10 foot SUP to 16 feet at the crossing. Curb cuts must include grinding to a smooth transition with no lip.
6) Require frequent, functional access points to destinations such as shops and neighborhoods along the path. Where feasible, install locations for easy transition between the path and parallel streets or parking lots. If high usability cannot be combined with ADA or other requirements in a particular location, construct parallel facilities to meet both needs, as allowed under ADA.
7) Prioritize non-contact detection of Active Transportation users at controlled intersections.
8) Design for all citizens of varying abilities and all modes when feasible. Wheelchair, walker, cargo bicycle, adult tricycle, 5-year-old on a bike with training wheels, etc.
9) Install periodic benches, pulloffs and other rest points as appropriate.
10) Install guide signs and regulatory signs appropriate to the facility.
References:
NCHRP 25792 Bicyclist Facility Preferences and Effects on Increasing Bicycle Trips (2020)
* Supports 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 & 9. Supports part of 1.
NCHRP 13897 Guide for Reducing Bicycle Collisions
* Supports 2, 5, 7, 9, 11. Supports parts of 3, 4, 6
NCHRP2548 Design Guide for Low-Speed Multimodal Roadways
* Supports 2, 6, 8
NCHRP 25808 Guidance to Improve Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety at Intersections (2020)
* Supports 2, 7, 10, Outreach for safety input from users highly encouraged
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
* Supports 1, 6, 8, 9, 10
Version 3.4