As discussed in , a roadway can and should be located and designed to complement its environment and serve as a catalyst to environmental improvement. Projects which add bicycle facilities should be evaluated for opportunities to achieve these goals.

The large majority of bicycle crashes are due to falls and collisions due to surface defects and crashes with fixed objects located within bike operating spaces. E-Scooter riders have higher rates of injuries compared to bicyclists due to falls associated with pavement defects such as potholes or cracks, or from hitting sign posts on sidewalks or curbs.

Maintenance considerations should factor into the design approach for each bikeway and long-term maintenance programs should seek to proactively mitigate these issues to reduce crashes.

Seal coat projects must be properly swept for cyclists, including on the shoulders. Designers should also consider how paint markings affect cyclist safety over an interim period after a seal coat prior to placement of more permanent thermoplastic and prefabricated markings for cyclists.

Street sweepers and plows should be able to access and clean bikeway to minimize or eliminate the need for hand-sweeping to clear bike lane debris. On separated bike lanes this can be a challenge where the width is narrow. If the bikeway clear space widths are not able to accommodate sweeping and snow removal equipment, the vertical elements should be mountable or designed so that the maintenance equipment can access and clean the bike lane and that the vehicle and vertical elements are not damaged.

Alternatively, investment in smaller equipment may be appropriate, or agreements with other agencies or organizations that have smaller equipment can be discussed. Designers should consider the following factors when planning for bikeway maintenance:

Bikeways along drainageways should be swept promptly following large storm events;
Low points on the bikeway should be kept at a minimum, or adequate drainage should be provided to keep stormwater flow outside the operating space of bicyclists during small storms;
Repair from utility cuts should cover the entire width of the bike lane to prevent uneven riding surfaces;
Vertical objects such as flexible delineator posts should be placed with at least 1-ft offset from adjacent travel lanes to reduce the frequency of replacement. Placement at intersections and driveways should carefully review vehicle turning movements; and
Maintenance and operation crews should plan on replacing signs placed in the buffer zone, refreshing pavement markings, and trimming any adjacent vegetation on a regular basis.