Browsing by Subject "Traffic calming"

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    Creating Bicycle Transportation Networks: A Guidebook
    (Minnesota Department of Transportation, 1996-07) Sykes, Robert D.; Driscoll, Trina Wicklatz
    This guide presents a practical planning model for bicycle transportation in cities, suburbs and small towns. It focuses on the use of networks of specialized bicycle facilities and bicycle friendly zones to support and promote the use of bicycles for transportation. The potential of using bicycle roadway networks in relationship to land use is discussed in terms of using them to make a civic contribution to the form of the city beyond transportation function. A model classification system for bicycle facilities is presented that is similar to the "functional classification of streets" for motor vehicle roadways. Bicycle Expressways, Bicycle Boulevards and Bicycle Byways are introduced and discussed as specific types of bicycle roadways. Detailed planning parameters are recommended for assembling the different types of bicycle facilities into integrated systems to support bicycle use for utilitarian transportation. Planning guidelines for bicycle friendly zones are presented, along with a step-by-step process that describes how communities can plan for bicycle transportation. Planning and design considerations that are important to the success of a bicycle transportation system are also discussed. These considerations include the needs of cyclists, skill levels, personal safety issues, system legibility and traffic calming techniques. This guidebook is intended for use by professional planners, designers and engineers, neighborhood groups, bicycle advocates and community decision makers.
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    Investigating the Effects of Roadway Design on Driver Behavior: Applications for Minnesota Highway Design
    (Minnesota Department of Transportation, 1999-02) Scallen, Stephen; Carmody, John
    This report details a project to study the relationship between highway design and human behavior as influenced by roadside environments. In a visualization phase, computer simulation modeled an actual segment of urban highway planned for reconstruction in Tofte, MN Using a driving simulator, project design team members test drove the highway reconstruction project and evaluated the planned elements. In an experimentation phase, researchers tested drivers' responses to different design scenarios to identify the architectural and aesthetic elements with the greatest potential for calming or slowing traffic. Results indicated that the visualization phase increased communication among project team members and state agencies, facilitated problem Identification-resolution strategy development, and contributed to decision-making concerning potential design options and design elements. Data also indicated that white pavement treatments produced desirable traffic calming effects. Analyses of drivers' speed patterns indicated a consistent speed profile, characterized by both decreases and increases in speed. The report concludes with recommendations for the expanded use of visualization in general and the implementation of white pavement treatments in the target reconstruction project specifically. It also recommends further consideration of landscape architecture treatments.