18.5.3 Bicycle Ramps to Transition Between Bicycle Facilities
18.5.3 Bicycle Ramps to Transition Between Bicycle Facilities
Bicycle ramps can be used to transition bicyclists between on road bicycle facilities (shared lanes, bicycle lanes, and shoulders) to off road facilities (separated bike lanes, sidewalks, and sidepaths) as discussed in previous guidance. Bike ramps have commonly been used on the approaches to interchange ramps, areas with heavy weaving or merging, intersections with high turning volumes, or the approaches to and departures from roundabouts.
It is preferable to design bike ramp transitions to occur with a gradual taper as depicted in Detail 1 of
following the guidance of
. This is more feasible at locations with a wider buffer with a ramp width of 6-ft to 8-ft recommended.
In constrained conditions, where a buffer is narrower, a more abrupt shift as depicted in Detail 2 of
may be considered or a parallel ramp may be necessary where a buffer is non-existent (Detail 3). These constrained bike ramps can present the following challenges:
- Narrow bike ramp widths less than 8 ft in width with abrupt approach angles can force bicyclist to encroach on adjacent motorist travel lanes, pedestrian zones, or on-coming bicycle traffic on two-way facilities in order to navigate the ramp; and
- If grade breaks at the top and bottom of the bike ramp are not perpendicular to the bicyclist path of travel, bicyclists with more than two wheels (i.e., adult tricycles, bikes with trailers, etc.) can experience instability or overturning and will need to slow significantly to navigate the bicycle ramp.
In constrained buffer situations, a minimum ramp width of 8-ft can help to address these issues. However, consideration should be given to the potential for the ramp to appear like a driveway to motorists. Where driver confusion is likely, it may be necessary to add design elements which clarify that the access is only intended for bicyclists. The provision of bicycle lane symbols, buffers, or green colored pavement may be considered. Where hardened restrictions are necessary, the guidance for restricting motorist access onto shared use paths in
should be followed.
Bike ramps are intended for the exclusive use of bicyclists and therefore need not comply with pedestrian accessibility guidelines but grades similar to pedestrian curb ramps can help to address issues of bicyclist comfort.
Where the bike ramp connects directly to a sidewalk or shared use path, a detectable warning surface, a directional indicator surface, or both may be used at the top of the bike ramp to warn pedestrians and/or guide pedestrians away from the ramp as shown in
.
A directional indicator is a tactile surface comprised of raised bars detectable underfoot and with a white cane that may be deployed parallel to the pedestrian path of travel to help pedestrians follow an accessible pathway or navigate a large open space. They may also be deployed across the pedestrian path of travel to provide guidance to pedestrians with disabilities regarding when to turn (e.g., to locate a mid-block curb ramp, bus island, or transit door).
Figure 18-50: Bicycle Ramps
(Refer to the
and
for additional signing and pavement marking guidance.)