Shared Roadway Implementation Guidance

Abstract

Shared roadways have automobiles and bicycles operating in the same traveled way, which may negatively affect traffic operations; there is limited guidance on appropriate shared roadway implementation. To provide guidance on shared roadway implementation, this paper uses microsimulation models and a sensitivity analysis to evaluate automobile quality of service on shared roadways. After the sensitivity analysis, automobile quality of service is compared to bicycle quality of service on shared roadways. Using the results of the sensitivity analysis and comparison, guidance is provided on the implementation of shared roadways. This study finds that outside lane width and bicycle volume affect automobile quality of service on shared roadways. Additionally, higher values for unsignalized access points per kilometer (per mile), heavy vehicle percent, and signalized intersection crossing distance result in bicycle quality of service being less than automobile quality of service. Using this study’s findings, shared roadway implementation guidance is provided for four-lane divided urban street segments. Future research should develop shared roadway implementation guidance using microsimulation models calibrated to observed data.