31.02.444 Bicycle facility improvement needs.
The improvements included below are those which would most significantly contribute to safe cycling in the most cost effective manner. Many recommended improvements simply involve road designs and improvements that foster motorist awareness and consideration of bicyclists. Other improvements are designed to guide cyclists regarding their position on the pavement. Where possible, the listed improvements are referenced by a Clallam County Policy from CCC 31.02.420.
(1) Roads, Shoulders and Bridges.
(a) Roads.
(i) Bicycle facilities should, at a minimum, meet the current AASHTO Guidelines. (Policy 8.a, subsection (1)(h)(i))
(ii) Incorporated or urban growth areas should have designated vehicle-shared or separated bike lanes on Highway 101 and Race Street. (Policies 1.a and 8.b, subsections (1)(a)(i) and (1)(h)(ii))
(b) Shoulders.
(i) As an alternative to bike lanes, shoulders should be sufficient to accommodate cyclists and/or pedestrians. (Policies 5.c, 5.d, and 8.a, subsections (1)(e)(iii), (1)(e)(iv), and (1)(h)(i))
(ii) Shoulder design guidelines for County-designated bike routes with more than 200 vehicles average daily traffic (ADT):
|
Speed Limit (mph) |
Min. Shoulder Width |
|---|---|
|
30 or 35 |
3' |
|
40 or 45 |
4' |
|
50 or 55 |
5' |
(iii) Shoulders should be swept regularly to keep pavement free of debris. (Policy 1.a, subsection (1)(a)(1))
(iv) Shoulder should be repaired with smooth patches to prevent accidents.
(v) Shoulder widths should be maintained as future turn lanes are added.
(vi) Fog lines should be repainted as needed to stay visible.
(vii) Shoulders should be unobstructed by overhanging mailboxes.
(c) Bridges. It is recommended that signing and education be used to warn cyclists and motorists of the hazards bridges create for both cyclists and motorists. Bridge improvement, such as a consistent shoulder width between roadway and bridge, is the best method for assuring a high level of safety.
(2) Other Improvements.
(a) Catch basin drain grates should be brought to street level and oriented properly along Highway 101 in urban growth areas. Adjust level of grates to be flush with future pavement overlays;
(b) Install bicycle sensitive traffic signals at major intersections during regular replacement schedule of traffic signal sensors. Mark the bicycle detection zone at those intersections. (Policy 29.l, subsection (5)(l));
(c) Development review should include consideration of traffic impacts to bicyclists and the potential of mitigation for bicycle facilities. (Policy 29.e, subsection (5)(e));
(d) Regular resurfacing projects should encompass the entire length of road rather than brief portions in order that the road conditions for the whole road be unsuitable for only one construction season (rather than have consecutive portions of the same road be unsafe for several maintenance periods).
(3) Bicycle Parking. Convenient, secure, and protected bicycle parking is as crucial to encouraging non-motorized transportation as parking space is to a motor vehicle. County and city building codes, for municipal, commercial, or business development, should include a minimum standard for bicycle parking capacity equal to 10 percent of required motor vehicle parking spaces.
(4) Transit Connections. There is tremendous potential in Clallam County for linking bicycling with transit due to the linear orientation of Highway 101. Several County road collectors, of generally six to eight miles each (ideal bicycle commuting distance), connect with Highway 101. With facilities such as secure bicycle parking and bike racks on buses, bicycling becomes a strong alternative for many commuters living miles outside of urban growth areas.
A very important consideration is that of safety for both bicyclists and pedestrians in crossing the highway to and from transit stops. The most suitable solution may be bicycle/pedestrian overpasses at major intersections, such as the junction of Old Olympic Highway/SR 101, to maintain traffic flow without traffic signals.
(5) Signage. Clear, prominent, and consistent signage to safely and expeditiously guide trail/path users to and along the entire bicycle complex, whether the Olympic Discovery Trail, the Adventure Trail, and the Scenic Bike Route; and to and from other major trails such as the Pacific Northwest Trail and any of the feeder routes.