Print this page Traffic Controls for Bicycle Facilities
Vincent D. Reynolds, MBA, P.E.
Course Outline
Traffic control is of great importance in traffic engineering. The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) is a guideline that promotes the safe and efficient movement of traffic. Part 9 of this manual provides guidelines for the traffic control for bicycle facilities including placement of signs, striping, and much more. This course will provide the reader with the knowledge to use the basic principles of the traffic controls for bicycle facilities provided by the MUTCD. The course materials are based solely on Part 9 of the 2003 edition MUTCD for Streets and Highways.
This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of course materials.
Learning
Objective
At the conclusion of this course, the student would have learned the following:
- How to properly layout bike lanes;
- What defines bicycle facilities;
- Where to place yield signs along shared-use paths;
- What should be the minimum size of signs for shared-use paths;
- The minimum height of signs measured from the surface;
- Signs to use at decision points along designated bicycle routes;
- How to select proper pavement markings for bicycle facilities; and
- The segment-to-gap ration for broken lines along shared-use paths.
Intended Audience and Benefit
This course is intended for those wanting an understanding of the basics of traffic control design for bicycle facilities and their functions in roadway safety. This course is designed so that the intended audience will benefit immediately with the information to make intelligent decisions related to traffic control for bicycle facilities.
This course is intended for Traffic engineers, roadway engineers, urban planners, landscape architects, or anyone with an interest in the Traffic Controls for Bicycle Facilities.
Course Introduction
Traffic control is of great importance in designing bicycle facilities. Part 9 of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) is a guideline that promotes the safe and efficient movement of bicycle traffic along roadway and shared-use paths. This manual gives guidelines for the placement of highways signs, striping, and much more.
This 2 hour course will examine the guidelines and engineering procedures for the Traffic Controls for Bicycle Facilities. Several factors affecting the layout of bicycle lanes will be discussed such as the type and placement of signs, location of striping and signal operations.
Course Content
The purpose of this course will be to provide information on applying Part 9 of the MUTCD to a bicycle facilities project. You will be directed to the Federal Highway Administration website to study Part 9 of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices 2003 edition.
Traffic Controls for Bicycle Facilities
(http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/2003/Ch9.pdf)
Please click on the above underlined hypertext to view, download or print the document for your study. Because of the large file size, we recommend that you first save the file to your computer by right clicking the mouse and choosing "Save Target As ...", and then open the file in Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you still experience any difficulty in downloading or opening this file, you may need to close some applications or reboot your computer to free up some memory.
Course Summary
The implementation of good traffic controls for bicycle facilities is essential to the safety of bicyclists as well as motorists. Each traffic control item plays an integral part in providing safety on our roadways. Good Engineering judgment is always paramount is traffic control design. Utilizing good engineering judgment and the standards set forth in Part 9 of the MUTCD, the designer will be able to design roadways that promote the safe and efficient movement of bicycle traffic.
Related Links
For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites:
http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/
www.aashto.com
www.ite.com
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
