Citation

Shaw CS. Transp. Res. Rec. 1976; 570: 31-37.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1976, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Citizen participation is critical to the development of a sound traffic system plan that serves all segments of the public. Cyclists are a segment with unmet needs who can greatly assist in developing and consequently supporting such a plan. This paper examines the reasons that many highway departments lack good bicycle-related knowledge. The characteristics of today's bicyclists and their needs are presented, along with a discussion and evaluation of bikeway design criteria. The following courses of action are recommended to attract broad public support and increase traffic safety: (a) initiate a program to reduce the serious hit and run problems, (b) enforce regulations controlling motor vehicle emissions, (c) make pedestrian and bicyclist access part of new traffic system improvements, (d) provide safe, attractive bicycle paths, and (e) assign agency personnel and resources to the bicycle field and include them in decision making. The circumstances of Chief Justic Warren E. Burger's bicycle accident are examined, and it is revealed that the causal factors were the responsibility of public agencies. The methods for eliminating these factors have been well- documented.