active transportation

This article on bicycle level of service outlines the adaptation of the language long used for automobiles. Since its publication, Bike Level of Service has become a commonly used tool to determine the types of facilities that might be needed for certain contexts. The researchers used a sample of cyclists with a cross section of age, gender, experience level, and geographic origin. They then measured their comfort with riding over conditions where the variables were per-lane motor vehicle traffic volume, speed of motor vehicles, traffic mix, potential cross-traffic generation, pavement surface condition, and width for bicycling. They were then able to provide a methodology for ranking road segment on an A-to-F level of service that is analogous to the automobile version. The key difference is that where the traditional automobile version is based on mobility, while the bicycle version is based on safety and accessibility. This presentation from Missouri Livable Streets shows an application of the model.