01623047

Component

Transportation planners and engineers need estimates of pedestrian and bicycle traffic volumes to assess the need for traffic controls at intersections in transportation networks. Shared-use paths form the backbone of non-motorized transportation networks in many American cities. Although many local governments now are implementing non-motorized traffic monitoring programs, few have implemented comprehensive programs, and fewer have systematically used monitoring results to assess traffic safety. This case study contributes to the literatures on traffic monitoring and safety by demonstrating how results from comprehensive monitoring of a shared-use path network can be used to assess the need for traffic controls at roadway-path intersections. The authors' study area is Minneapolis, Minnesota. In 2013, following procedures in the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Traffic Monitoring Guide, the authors monitored each mile of the city’s 80-mile shared-use path network and computed annual average daily trail traffic (AADTT) for each segment. The authors subsequently inventoried road crossings, including road geometry and traffic controls, and obtained state and local estimates of motorized annual average daily traffic (AADT) for each street. The authors then used standard factoring approaches to calculate and match summertime peak-hour trail and roadway traffic volumes. Following procedures in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices, the authors then assessed the need for pedestrian hybrid beacons (PHBs) or traffic signals at each crossing. The authors' analyses show that warrants for controls are more likely to be met on weekends than weekdays; that 25% and 7% of crossings, respectively, meet warrants for PHBs and traffic signals; and that more than 60% of all crossings that meet warrants already have controls. Additional traffic controls may be warranted at 9% of all crossings in the shared-use path network. Systematic application of FHWA guidelines for non-motorized traffic monitoring can support efforts to increase crossing safety and help set priorities for investment of limited resources.

This paper was sponsored by TRB committee ANF10 Standing Committee on Pedestrians.

01618707

17-01179

English

17p

2017

Transportation Research Board 96th Annual Meeting

Digital/other

Figures; Maps; References; Tables

Annual average daily traffic; Case studies; Cyclists; Highway beacons; Intersections; Pedestrian movement; Pedestrian safety; Pedestrian traffic; Traffic safety; Traffic signals; Traffic surveillance; Traffic volume; Vehicle mix

Bicycle traffic; Shared use facilities

Minneapolis (Minnesota)

Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Pedestrians and Bicyclists; Planning and Forecasting; Safety and Human Factors

Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting 2017 Paper #17-01179

PRP, TRIS, TRB, ATRI

Dec 8 2016 10:21AM