As stated previously, separated bicycle lanes and bicyclists using pedestrian crossings at signalized intersection crosswalks are classified as BLTS 1.

For bicycle accommodations that are not separated, accommodations that are mixed traffic bicycle accommodations, and accommodations at intersection approaches, use the BLTS classification designated in step two. For bicycle accommodations that are unsignalized intersection crossings or midblock crossings, use the overall BLTS classification determined in step two, adjusted for any crosswalk enhancements. The crosswalk enhancement adjustments are shown in

Table 14-31

.

If a bicycle route is comprised of multiple accommodations, the BLTS classification with the highest level of traffic stress governs the entire route (e.g., a route comprised of a BLTS 2 bicycle lane, a BLTS 3 intersection approach, and a BLTS 4 midblock crossing would receive a BLTS 4 classification).

Examples

of a completed inventory and BLTS classification for an on-system bicycle facility are shown in

Table 14-32

and

Table 14-33

.

In the first

example

shown in

Table 14-32

, the bicycle facility was a bicycle lane between intersections. The first step was to determine which inventory and classification template table to use (see

Appendix O, Section 3 – BLTS Inventory and Classification

). The upper table in the BLTS Inventory and Classification Template was used based on the footnote at the bottom of the table that states, “Applicable to bike accommodations that are adjacent to vehicular traffic”. Next, an inventory was conducted for the facility in question, the collected data was based on the

BLTS Inventory and Classification Template

chosen, and for this example included the following data:

The collected data was used to determine the BLTS classification of the facility based on a single reference table. It is important to select the correct table. Although there are two reference tables on the BLTS Inventory and Classification template table, only one is selected, based on if the facility is adjacent to on-street parking. In this

example

, there is no on-street parking, so

Table 14-23

was used to determine the BLTS classification. Based on

Table 14-23

, a bicycle accommodation adjacent to vehicular traffic with a five-foot bicycle lane width, a 35-mph speed limit, and one through lane of vehicular traffic per direction is given a BLTS 3 classification. This type of facility is not eligible for treatment reductions, therefore the final classification of this facility is BLTS 3. In part 2 of this

example

(see

Table 14-33

), the next portion of this bicycle route will be inventoried. Although a BLTS 3 classification was given to this facility, if other portions of the route are classified inferior, they will govern the entire route.

In the second

example

shown in

Table 14-33

, the bicycle facility was a bicycle lane at an intersection approach. The first step was to determine which inventory and classification template table to use (see

Appendix O, Section 3 – BLTS Inventory and Classification

). The third table from the top in the BLTS Inventory and Classification Template was used based on the footnote at the bottom of the table that states, “Applicable to bicycle facilities at intersection approaches.” It was determined that most bicyclists cross the intersection on the bike lane and do not use the pedestrian crosswalk. Next, an inventory was conducted for the facility in question, the collected data was based on the

BLTS Inventory and Classification Template

chosen, and for this example included the following data:

The collected data was used to determine the BLTS classification of the facility based on a single reference table. Although there are three reference tables on the BLTS Inventory and Classification template, only one is selected, based on if the facility is for a through-right movement or left turn and if the facility is mixed with traffic or if there is a bike lane. In this

example

, this is a through-right movement and is in mixed traffic, so

Table 14-26

was used to determine the BLTS classification. Based on

Table 14-26

, a bicycle accommodation that approaches an intersection with a 200-foot right turn lane, crosses four lanes through the intersection, and has a posted speed of 35 mph is given a BLTS 4 classification. This type of facility is not eligible for treatment reductions, therefore the final classification of this facility is BLTS 4. Example 1 (Part 1) resulted in a BLTS 3 classification for the facility and example 1 (part 2) resulted in a BLTS 4 classification for the facility. Since the two facilities are on the same route, the overall route classification is BLTS 4 (i.e., the worse of the classifications).

The Shared-Used Path Level of Service (SUPLOS)

calculator is used for bicycle analysis scenarios as described in

Figure 14-3

.

This tool is mainly used to evaluate bicycle mobility. Though the results of using this calculator will likely improve conditions for all modes on the path, it was designed from the bicyclist’s point of view. It was created with the following usage criteria:

Links to the SUPLOS calculator and user guide are provided in

Appendix O, Section 4 – Shared-Use Path Level of Service Calculator Guidance.