Bicycle Suitability Criteria for State Roadways in Texas

Study No. 7-3988This study identified and developed bicycle suitability criteria for evaluating state roadways in Texas. The bicycle suitability, or "bicycle friendliness," of a roadway typically is determined by the roadway cross section (shoulder or travel lane width), traffic volumes, and vehicle speeds. Bicycle planners commonly use suitability criteria to evaluate existing bicycle facility conditions and plan for improvements. TxDOT's most immediate need for bicycle suitability criteria is in developing a proposed Texas Bicycle Map that provides roadway information to bicyclists. TxDOT can also use the suitability criteria developed in this study to identify gaps or deficiencies in regional or intercity bicycle route networks. The recommended bicycle suitability criteria for state roadways in Texas includes shoulder or travel lane width; average daily traffic (ADT) volume per lane; vehicle speed (or posted speed limit); and shoulder or travel lane pavement surface quality. A bicycle suitability score is presented that combines values for these factors into a single numerical score, which is used in quantitative bicycle planning. The research team recommends that TxDOT adopt the bicycle suitability criteria as standard policy for evaluating the 'bicycle friendliness' of Texas highways, and that TxDOT integrate the bicycle suitability criteria and score into their planning, design, and maintenance processes. Bicyclists' input should be obtained in providing future refinements and enhancement to the bicycle suitability criteria, and in better understanding bicyclists' roadway information needs for the proposed Texas Bicycle Map