BICYCLE FACILITY DESIGN REVIEW/OPERATING SPACE
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Operating space takes into account the dimensions necessary for exclusive and preferential operation of a bicycle including the space needed to ride comfortably and safely under different conditions. It also considers the unique needs related to powering a bicycle and staying balanced. Operating space may take into account that the facility may have multiple users (including non-bicyclists) traveling at different speeds who all need space to safely maneuver and pass each other.
Design Standards & Guidelines::
- Bicyclist essential physical operating width: 40 inches min.
- Operating width to exclusively or preferentially accommodate forward movement: 48 inches min.
- Preferred operating width: 60 inches
- Essential physical operating width to accommodate bicycling with adjacent barrier (guardrail, curb, etc.) or in stressful environment: 60 inches or more
- Vertical clearance to accommodate adult bicyclist standing upright on pedals: 100 inches
- Distance bicyclists tend to ride from curb: 32-40 inches
- Eye height of adult bike rider: 60 inches approx.
- Eye height of recumbent bike rider: 46 inches approx.
Design & Safety Issues to Consider:
- Providing sufficient operating space eliminates the need for bicyclists to shift position
- Room is needed for bicyclists to react to unexpected events in their path
- Extra width is required to allow passing and to maintain balance at low speeds or in windy conditions
- Space may be required to accommodate non-standard bicycles (for example recumbents and cargo bikes)
- Bicyclists may need to pedal upright (such as going uphill) and require additional vertical clearance
- Bicyclists’ skill, confidence and comfort levels vary so operating space comfort levels differ
- Gutter area directly next to the curb should not be included in calculating available operating space
- Area close to curb where most bicyclists tend to ride should be kept clear of road hardware
- In assigning space in the roadway, the design should recognize that bicyclists are more vulnerable to injury when in a crash
Review Checklist:
- Width of exclusive space
- Passing space
- Conflicts with other users
- Lateral and vertical clearance
- Non-standard bicycles
- Low-hanging branches
- Traffic mix and volume
- Obstacles and road hardware
- Buffers around fixed objects
- Gutter space not part of operating space
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Guide for Reviewing Public Road Design and Bicycling Accommodations for Virginia Bicycling Advocates