Because bicyclists are often operating with motor vehicles, designers should consider the bicyclists’ perception of safety and the type of bikeway relative to the context in which the bikeway is located. In many instances the use of minimum values for design criteria do not account for the user’s perception of safety using the facility. The perception of how safe a person feels on the transportation system can have significant impacts on how they choose to use or avoid the facilities provided. Assessments of perceived safety for the same site will vary between observers but is increasingly measurable by comfort rating tools found in the . Perceived safety is analogous to “subjective” safety as defined by the .

While performance characteristics for micromobility devices are limited and not incorporated into this guidance, providing bikeway designs which accommodate adult bicyclists and the

Interested but Concerned Design User

(see ) will generally lead to the establishment of geometric and operational design criteria that will result in bikeways that accommodate all users of bikeways including people using micromobility devices and personal assistive mobility devices.

The following terms are used throughout the guide to define the desirable, minimum, and constrained conditions for which bikeway widths will be determined:

Desirable values are stated explicitly throughout the chapter by using the words “desirable” or “desired.” In many instances, these will be presented as a range of values (e.g., bike lane width). The design value should be chosen to meet the purpose and need objectives of the bicycle facility where practicable. In general, desirable values (typically larger values) should be used to maximize the safety and comfort benefits for bicyclists and other users. Alternative values should only be used in locations where it is not possible to use desirable values due to social, economic, and environmental impacts.

Minimum values are either implied by the lowest value in a range, or explicitly stated throughout the chapter by using the word “minimum.” The use of minimum values should not automatically be considered a default for bikeways due to the inherent vulnerability of bicyclists in the event of a crash. In some instances, the use of minimum design values may result in trade-offs with respect to the comfort and safety of bicyclists.

Where the use of a minimum design value may degrade bicyclist safety or comfort, the words “in constrained conditions” are used. In general, the use of constrained values should only be considered: