RTC TrailBlog : crossings

RTC Releases New Report on Trail Crossings at Major Roadways

Steve Schweigerdt (RTC) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 17:44:00 GMT

One of the challenges we face on urban pathways, and particularly in our work with the Compton Creek Bike Path, is how to get a continuous and extended trail experience when the trail is regularly bisected by major streets with high traffic volumes and speeds.

Trail users need and should be able to get across these streets to continue their journeys. Many cities are able to bridge over or tunnel under these major streets, but in some cases it is not feasible or desirable to invest in grade separation.

Fortunately, there are devices that can be used to improve the safety of these crossings with signs and markings, raised medians and refuge islands, and new beacons and signals. RTC's Western Regional Office has compiled a report of methods that can be used to improve at-grade mid-block crossings of multilane roadways, including examples of the treatments used together and examples of improved and planned crossings in California. You can download the report from our library.

Research Shows Zig-Zag Markings Create Safer Trail Crossings

Stephen Miller (RTC) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 17:27:00 GMT

Back in April 2009, the very first post on RTC TrailBlog reported on an experiment by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) with zig-zag markings on roadways approaching trail crossings along the Washington & Old Dominion Trail. Now, more than a year later, the Virginia Center for Transportation Innovation and Research has released a report showing that the markings have reduced vehicle speeds and improved motorists' rate of yielding to trail users.

"Before the study, we thought the zig-zag pavement markings would have an immediate impact on motorist awareness, but over time would lessen," researcher Lance E. Dougald said in a statement. "The markings actually had a sustained positive impact on speed reduction even after the markings had been in place for one year. One possible explanation for this is that markings installed within the roadway, especially unique markings, are more visible than signage and are less likely to blend into the roadside environment."

These high-visibility markings are especially cost-effective when compared to other trail crossing controls such as flashing beacons. The report recommends that VDOT lead an effort to have these markings included in the next version of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices so that traffic engineers across the nation implement it as a standard trail crossing marking.

However, the report also notes that there are some drawbacks. Motorists "have limited understanding regarding the purpose of the markings," though this may improve as the markings become more commonplace. Finally, the markings did little to clear up continued confusion among both trail users and motorists regarding right-of-way at trail crossings.

More coverage of the report is available at WTOP-FM, TheWashCycle and the Washington Post.

UPDATE 02/01/2011: Hawai'i County, Hi., also uses zig-zag markings to slow motorists at pedestrian crossings.

The Ludlam Trail: Florida's Next Great Trail?

Ken Bryan (RTC) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 19:11:00 GMT

The proposed Ludlam Trail provides a unique opportunity to develop a 6.2-mile multi-use trail through the heart of Miami-Dade County within the former Florida East Coast railway right-of-way. The trail will provide a safe dedicated and direct route for cyclists and pedestrians to schools, parks, work and shopping. The trail can connect more than 34,000 people within a half-mile, walkable service area to five greenways, five schools, four parks and two transit hubs.

The Ludlam Trail Design Guidelines and Standards report provides both specific guidance for the design of the Ludlam Trail and general guidance for urban trails within Miami-Dade County, including illustrated graphics. It is based on a transparent, methodical approach to planning an urban trail that includes research of official documents, evaluation of comparable trails, best practices principles, lessons learned, recommendations and standards, and design guidelines.

For additional information, please view the recently completed report and executive summary developed by the AECOM and Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in conjunction with the Miami-Dade County Park and Recreation Department (Note: these files will not copy or print). Please contact Mark Heinicke, MDPR project manager, at 305.755.7811 or mheinic2@miamidade.gov to obtain PDF files for printing or for further inquires on this project.

This post was modified from its original version to include information on the Ludlam Trail Design Guidelines and Standards report.

How to Ride Safely Across Tracks? Seattle Shows How it's Done

Stephen Miller (RTC) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 19:23:00 GMT

Streetfilms recently visited Seattle, where they saw how the city addressed a tricky railroad crossing along the missing link of the Burke Gilman Trail. By using sharrows that encourage cyclists to cross the tracks at a close-to-90-degree angle, the city has implemented a solution until this section of the trail is complete. In the video, John Mauro of the Cascade Bicycle Club explains how this nontraditional application of sharrow markings educates both cyclists and drivers on what can otherwise be a dangerous maneuver for cyclists.

Does the Trail Cross the Road, or Does the Road Cross the Trail?

Stephen Miller (RTC) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:18:00 GMT

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Crossings have been on the brain here lately. RTC Blogroll member M-Bike.org has been thinking about them, as well, and recently noticed (in a post that was picked up by Streetsblog) that newly installed solar-powered crosswalk signs at crossings along the Huron Valley Trail in Michigan have been less than successful in getting drivers to stop for trail users:

Their ineffectiveness may stem from their poor location outside of the driver’s view...Once the trees leaf out, it’s uncertain how much of the sign will even be visible... It should also be noted that these signs were installed on the wrong side of the trail. They should be on the right not the left. Their location is being changed. If we’re not mistaken, these were installed in the fall. Already a driver has taken one out. It’s being replaced.

The Katy Trail in Dallas is also having visibility problems with flashing-light crosswalk signs. But the problem with this Huron Valley Trail crossing goes beyond design; the signs include audio instructions that tell trail users to "remember to thank the driver as you are crossing the roadway." While a friendly wave is always nice, these crossing instructions leave the impression in the minds of trail users that they use the crosswalk only at the whim of drivers who allow them to cross. In fact, drivers must stop for crosswalk users. Not stopping is a violation of the law.

This road is scheduled to be rebuilt. Currently, it includes a center turning lane. With reconstruction, M-Bike.org sees an opportunity to include "bump outs, a refuge island, improved street lighting and zebra striping." These improvements could go a long way toward reversing the autos-first mentality at this intersection.

What Can Be Done to Reduce Danger at Dallas Trail Crossings?

Stephen Miller (RTC) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:43:00 GMT

The Katy Trail is a very popular rail-trail through the heart of Dallas. KDFW-TV reports on a dangerous crossing where the trail intersects Knox Street. Too often, drivers don't stop for trail users in the crosswalk, even though they are required to by law. This dangerous game of Frogger makes trail users nervous, and drivers on Knox Street have a hard time seeing the crosswalk and warning signs. According to KDFW, the city of Dallas is seeking federal funding to improve trail crossings across the city; a decision on that money is due by July. Recently, the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center hosted a webinar on treatments for unsignalized crossings like this one on the Katy Trail. A full resource guide to trail crossings can be found in our Trail-Building Toolbox.

2009 MUTCD Includes Updated Standards for Shared-Use Path Signage

Stephen Miller (RTC) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 21:19:00 GMT

This morning, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) released the 2009 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), which sets national standards for roadway and shared-use path signage and treatments. Perhaps the most noticeable active transportation-related change to the document, which was last comprehensively updated in 2003, is the addition of the sharrow to the canon of MUTCD-approved road treatments.

Beyond this high-profile new addition, there are numerous changes that affect off-road shared-use paths and railroad crossings, including mounting height requirements for signage on a shared-use path, new mode-specific signage for shared-use paths, new signage to indicate to motorists when a trail crosses the roadway, and the addition of yield or stop signs at rail crossings. A full overview of changes to standards for rail crossings, shared-use paths and bicycle infrastructure can be found in a PowerPoint training slideshow from FHWA describing changes to Parts 8 and 9 of the MUTCD. Training slideshows that describe changes to the rest of the MUTCD are also available.

Another major change involves guidance for signal timing for cyclists and pedestrians crossing roadways, as reported by BikePortland:

One source I spoke to this morning said the most important change to the MUTCD has to do with criteria used to determine when a traffic signal can be installed. The new MUTCD makes it easier for engineers to install traffic signals where bikeways and trails cross larger arterial streets based not just on volume of non-motorized traffic, but on how long of a delay they experience.

This is crucial, because engineering analysis of some crossings would yield low counts of biking and walking traffic simply because the crossing is so intimidating and dangerous. Now, with the new rules, this catch-22 is avoided and the decision is much more friendly to biking and walking traffic that it has been in the past.

Although this latest iteration of the MUTCD includes some significant improvements for trails, biking and walking, many active transportation professionals argue that the MUTCD is too far behind the latest best practices in bicycle and pedestrian facility design. One effort that seeks to fill this gap is Cities for Cycling, which was formally launched last week in Washington, D.C., by the National Association of City Transportation Officials.

According to FHWA, states must adopt the latest version of the MUTCD as their legal standard for traffic control devices within two years.

Image from MUTCD.

Chain links: Happy Labor Day

Stephen Miller (RTC) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 20:19:00 GMT

The Washington Area Bicyclist Association held a Full Moon ride on the Capital Crescent Trail last night, followed by a barbeque at City Bikes in Chevy Chase, Md.. Click on the photo to browse more scenes from the event.
Also in the nation's capital, NPR takes a look at the D.C. Bikestation, which is almost ready to open at Union Station, the southern terminus of the Metropolitan Branch Trail.
We recently brought you the story of police enforcing stop sign laws for cyclists crossing roads on a newly-opened trail in Minnesota. Police along Maryland's Indian Head Rail Trail are taking a broader approach, by using targeted enforcement to remind both drivers and trail users of the need for safe speeds and safe crossings.
The Regional Plan Association's Alex Marshall writes in Governing Magazine that transportation policy should take into account not only the time spent traveling, but the quality of the journey - for many, a quiet ride down a rail-trail is a more pleasant experience than sitting in gridlock. Numbers are important, but not the only way to measure commute quality.
After profiling RTC and our efforts to promote active transportation, syndicated columnist Neal Peirce takes a look at RTC founder Peter Harnik and the rebirth of urban parks in America. For more on city parks, check out the City Parks Blog, a member of our Blogroll and a joint effort of the Trust for Public Land and City Parks Alliance.
The National Trust for historic preservation is offering a second round of "Helping Johnny Walk to School" sub-grants to encourage design and access for walking and bicycling to educational facilities. The application deadline is September 16.
A new study in the journal Public Health shows that urban teens who perceive their neighbrohoods to be unsafe are more likely to be overweight. Hat tip: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, via railstotrails on Twitter.

Photo: A cyclist excited for WABA's Full Moon ride along the Capital Crescent Trail. Photo by M.V. Jantzen on Flickr.

N.C. trail begins to reach into downtown Greensboro

Stephen Miller (RTC) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 22:29:00 GMT

Battleground Avenue in Greensboro, N.C. is a busy suburban commercial strip, a dangerous place for cyclists and pedestrians, as reported by WGHP-TV above. Now, thanks to a voter-approved bond passed in 2000 and federal Transportation Enhancements funds, active transportation has a safe place along this corridor. Construction of the Battleground Rail Trail, located half-a-block east of Battleground Avenue, began in June, with an anticipated completion date of January 2010. The trail will run in a tunnel under busy Cone Boulevard and although it's only 1.3 miles long, the trail will connect with Greensboro's larger rail-trail system, which until now has served less densely-populated areas and large parks. Connecting people with parks is one of the things trails do best, and it's great to see Greensboro make that connection, as well - but the city isn't stopping with this latest addition to its network. Future phases of the Battleground Rail Trail will extend the extra couple miles into downtown, creating a trail system that runs from nearby farms and parks to the heart of this Southern city.

Minnesota trail sees enforcement of stop sign rules

Stephen Miller (RTC) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 15:40:00 GMT

Minnesota's Dakota Rail Regional Trail opened in June and has quickly become a popular trail in Hennepin County. Recently, police began ticketing cyclists who do not stop at road crossings with stop signs and KSTP-TV was there to document it. The report doesn't make it clear what the rules are for crossings on this particular trail - for example, it's unclear whether a dismount is required. In addition to being properly enforced, crossings and the rules that govern them must be properly crafted to safely accomodate all types of trail users as well as road users crossing the trail. Notably, the woman interviewed in the report who dismounted with her children and walked across the road was wearing her helmet incorrectly. It's more proof that when it comes to safety, we all have room to improve.

Virginia DOT Uses Experimental Markings to Improve Safety at W&OD Trail Crossings

Stephen Miller (RTC) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 20:52:00 GMT

The Washington Post's Get There blog reports that the Virginia DOT is using experimental markings along roads crossing the Washington & Old Dominion Trail to alert drivers in Loudoun County that bicyclists and pedestrians will be crossing. Inspired by zig-zag markings seen in the United Kingdom and Europe, VDOT sought permission from the US DOT to use these experimental markings. The success of the new treatment will be evaluated and its use will be expanded to other trail crossings along the W&OD if the zig-zag stripes prove successful.

UPDATE 01/26/2010: The report researching the effectiveness of this treatment has been released. Read about it.

Photo: Mike Salmon, VDOT