BIKE: Sidewalks and Bicycle Facilities

[Andrew Wimsatt]

This is from TxDOT's Roadway Design Manual .  The whole manual can be 
viewed or downloaded at:

http://manuals.dot.state.tx.us/dynaweb/

It is in the Design Section.

Andrew

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(Chapter 2, Section 6)

Sidewalks and Pedestrian Elements

Sidewalks provide distinct separation of pedestrians and vehicles, 
serving to increase
pedestrian safety as well as to enhance vehicular capacity. Sidewalks 
are typically an
integral part of the transportation system in central business 
districts. In rural and suburban
areas, sidewalks are most justified at points of community development 
such as at schools,
recreation areas, and local businesses, that result in pedestrian 
concentrations near or along
the highways. In typical suburban development, there are initially few 
pedestrian trips
because there are few closely located pedestrian destinations. However, 
when pedestrian
demand increases with additional development, it may be more difficult 
and more costly to
go back and install pedestrian facilities if they were not considered 
in the initial design.
Early consideration of pedestrian facility design during the project 
development process may
also greatly simplify compliance with accessibility requirements 
established by the
Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) and 
the Texas
Accessibility Standards (TAS).

Sidewalk Location.

For pedestrian comfort, especially adjacent to high speed traffic, it is
desirable to provide a buffer space between the traveled way and the 
sidewalk as shown in
Figure 2-11(A). For curb and gutter sections, a buffer space of 3 ft 
[915 mm] or greater
between the back of the curb and the sidewalk is desirable. For rural 
sections without curb
and gutter, sidewalks should be placed between the ditch and the right 
of way line if
practical.

--------------------------

(Chapter 6, Section 4)

Bicycle Facilities

Overview

The Texas Legislature has directed TxDOT, in Texas Transportation Code 
01.902, to
enhance the use of the state highway system by bicyclists. 
Administrative rules adopted by
the commission in 43 TAC 25.50-25.55 affirm TxDOT's commitment to 
integrating this
mode of travel into project development.

Guidance for Bicycle Facilities

The AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities is the guide 
for planning,
design, construction, maintenance, and operation of bicycle facilities. 
There are two types
of bicycle facilities described in the guide. These are bicycle lanes 
and bicycle paths. A
bicycle lane is defined as a portion of a roadway which has been 
designated by striping,
signing and/or pavement markings for the preferential or exclusive use 
of bicyclists. A
bicycle path is defined as a bikeway that is physically separated from 
motorized vehicular
traffic by an open space or barrier, either within the highway right of 
way or within an
independent right of way, that can also be used by pedestrians, 
skaters, joggers, wheelchairs,
and other non-motorized users.

Design Exceptions and Design Waivers for Bicycle Facilities

If the minimum requirements give in the AASHTO Guide for the 
Development of Bicycle
Facilities for bicycle lanes cannot be met, these variances will be 
submitted as design
exceptions to the Roadway Design Exception Committee. For new shared 
lanes on a signed,
designated bicycle route, the minimum lane width shall be 14 ft [4.2 
m]. Proposed widths
less than 14 ft [4.2 m] will require approval by the Roadway Design 
Exception Committee.
If the minimum requirements given in the AASHTO Guide for the 
Development of Bicycle
Facilities for bicycle paths cannot be met, these variances will be 
handled by design waivers
at the district level.