Building Safe Bikeway Infrastructure for Less

Example of a Neighborhood Bikeway crossing. Image Credit: StreetsBlog USA

With the help of Alta Planning + Design, Fort Collins is turning towards a new method of creating safe spaces for bicyclists to ride; one that is both fast and affordable. “Neighborhood Bikeways” use low-density, low-traffic local streets as the base of the network. Infrastructure interventions, like protected bikeways, are rarely required on these streets because auto traffic is already minimal. At major intersections that lack traffic signals, cities can install biker-activated signals that only give arterial streets a red light when bikers press the crossing button.

These projects are typically only 60 to 70 percent of the cost of a full signalized intersection. Furthermore, unlike a regular traffic signal, they don’t attract more traffic, which would run counter to the goal of a low-traffic bike corridor. For a fraction of the cost, neighborhood bikeways provide bikers of all ages and abilities with a safe, low-stress option for getting where they need to go, or just for enjoying a little time outside!

For more information, check out Michael Andersen's article in StreetsBlog USA.