H . Raised Bike Lanes
Raised bike lanes provide a psychological and physical separation between the bicyclists and the motorists using the street . They require a mountable curb to allow bicyclists to enter or leave the bike lane as needed for turning or passing . The mountable curb acts as a prevention for motorists entering the bike lane and provides a clear and strong , visible right-hand edge to the vehicle travel lanes . The raised bike lanes also experience less wear and tear than bike lanes at the same level as travel lanes . The raised bike lane should apply to limited urban environments . Raised bike lanes construction costs are mitigated by reduced long-term maintenance costs ( Figures 7.51.21 to 7.51.23 ).
Design Criteria :
• Provide a mountable concrete curb or a 4:1 concrete slope left edge to the raised bike lane . The concrete edge shall be beveled at a maximum of 4:1 with a transition width of 1 ’ -0” ( 3-inch rise in a 1-foot run ).
• Raised bike lanes can be constructed of ei- ther concrete or asphalt .
• Minimum width of the raised bike lane is 6-foot .
• Drop the raised bike lane at intersections and handicapped ramps to meet ADA requirements .
• Provide signing and markings to comply with MUTCD and AASHTO standards .
• Provide 6-inch white lane markings to denote edge of raised bike lane .
• Provide color pavement markings at intersections to identify beginning and ending of raised bike lanes .
• Special attention needs to be provided to storm drainage measures .
Figure 7.51.21 . Example of storm drainage with raised bike lane .
Figure 7.51.22 . Example of transition between bike lane and raised bike lane along four lane street .
Figure 7.51.23 . Section of raised bike lane .
Chapter 7 : Design Guidelines | 7-27