14.2.2.2.1 Step One: Template Selection and Data Collection for Bicycle Accommodations

The BLTS Inventory and Classification template (provided in
Appendix O, Section 3 – BLTS Inventory and Classification
) has four tables based on facility type:
  • One for bicycle accommodations that are adjacent to vehicular traffic (with or without buffers);
  • One for mixed traffic bicycle accommodations;
  • One for bicycle accommodations at intersection approaches; and
  • One for unsignalized intersection crossings or midblock crossings
This fillable template will serve as the basis for analysis and contains information on data needs, reference tables used in the analysis, and fillable boxes to input information.
Once the correct table on the BLTS Inventory and Classification template is selected, collect data for the bicycle facility in question. Use the BLTS Inventory and Classification template discussed previously to list all collected data. Characteristics to inventory depend on the facility type and are shown here:
  • Separated bicycle lanes
    • Separated by proximity (e.g., bicycle lane is completely disconnected from vehicular traffic) or separated by a large vertical barrier (e.g., a large vertical feature between bicycle lane and vehicles)
    • BLTS 1 classification is recommended with no further analysis
  • Bicycle lanes adjacent to vehicular traffic (does not include bicycle lanes separated by a large vertical barrier)
    • Posted speed
    • Through lanes per direction
    • Bicycle lane width
    • On-street parking width (if applicable)
  • Mixed traffic bicycle accommodations (bicycles and vehicular traffic share the road)
    • Posted speed
    • Through lanes per direction
  • Bicycle accommodations at intersection approaches
    • Generally, if more than 80 percent of bicyclists use signalized intersection crosswalks instead of crossing via bicycle lanes or vehicular lanes, a BLTS 1 classification can be given, and no further data collection or analysis is recommended
    • Posted speed
    • Right-turn length (if applicable)
      • A measure of how many vehicles use the right-turn lane (i.e., the longer the right-turn lane, the more people that use it)
      • Right-turn length is a substitute for TMCs at an intersection
      • or for applicability criteria
    • Lanes crossed to reach left-turn lane (if applicable)
  • Unsignalized intersection crossing or midblock crossings
    • Posted speed on adjacent vehicular roadway
    • Number of adjacent roadway lanes
      • For roadways without a median refuge
        • footnote 1 for adjacent roadway lanes definition
      • For roadways with a median refuge