CITY OF ARLINGTON , TEXAS
Current AASHTO literature , research , and precedent examples ( including some found in Arlington ) support the notion of reducing travel lanes to 10 foot lanes . The 2004 AASHTO Green Book states that travel lanes between 10 and 12 feet are adequate for urban collectors and urban arterials .
( 1 ) “ On interrupted-flow operating conditions ( where traffic flow experiences regular interruptions due to traffic signs and signals ) at low speeds ( 45 mph or less ), narrow lane widths are normally adequate and have some advantages .” At the 2007 TRB Annual Meeting , a research paper using advanced statistical analysis , supported the AASHTO Green Book in providing flexibility for use of lane widths narrower than 12 feet on urban and suburban arterials . The paper indicates there is no difference in safety on streets with lanes ranging from 10 to 12 feet . “ The research found no general indication that the use of lanes narrower than 12 feet on urban and suburban arterials increases crash frequencies . This finding suggests that geometric design policies should provide substantial flexibility for use of lane widths narrower than 12 feet .” The research paper goes on to say “ There are situations in which use of narrower lanes may provide benefits in traffic operations , pedestrian safety , and / or reduced interference with surrounding development , and may provide space for geometric features that enhance safety such as medians or turn lanes . The analysis results indicate narrow lanes can generally be used to obtain these benefits without compromising safety .” and “ Use of narrower lanes in appropriate locations can provide other benefits to users and the surrounding community including shorter pedestrian crossing distances and space for additional through lanes , auxiliary and turning lanes , bicycle lanes , buffer areas between travel lanes and sidewalks , and placement of roadside hardware .” ( 2 )
Precedent examples also show the large number of communities around the United States that have narrowed travel lanes to enable the development of bicycle lanes . The Missoula Institute for Sustainable Transportation accumulated a list of these communities through information provided by members of the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals . The webpage titled “ Accommodating Bike Lanes in Constrained Rights-of-Way ( www . strans . org / travellanessurvey . htm ) lists the community , their methods , and contact information . Cities such as Arlington , VA , Cincinnati , OH , Charlotte , NC , Houston , TX , and Portland , OR have regularly narrowed travel lanes to 10 foot and many commonly use them in new roadway development . Arlington , VA has been installing bicycle lanes on streets when they are repaved and have a number of streets with 10 foot lanes and bicycle lanes that have been functioning well without operational issues and complaints . Cincinnati , OH uses a policy that 10 foot lanes on collectors and arterials are always permitted . New installations of 10 foot travel lanes with bicycle lanes require a
3-4 | Chapter 3 : Bike Network