18.3.1 Design Characteristics of Bicyclists
Regardless of the target design user identified in the bikeway selection process, the adult bicyclist should typically be used to establish geometric design controls because the adult bicyclist is typically the fastest and physically largest user. However, the designer should consider all likely users of a bikeway when establishing design controls. Common exemptions to using the adult bicyclist to establish design controls are:
- Using pedestrian performance criteria at street crossings where pedestrians will be crossing with bicyclists. This is common at shared use path, local street, or bicycle boulevard crossings of arterials, which must be designed to ensure a pedestrian can safely cross the road at a typical walking speed;
- Using the heights and speeds of recumbent bicyclists or child bicyclists for the purposes of establishing sight distances or crossing times at intersections. Both users are shorter in height and slower at starting from a stop compared to adult bicyclists; and
- Using a bicycle with a trailer for the purposes of designing median refuge islands, rail-crossings, or queuing areas because these devices lengthen and widen the operating space required.