Community Research

Primary walkways are those segments that link major generators of pedestrian activity and carry the highest volume of pedestrian traffic (see Figure 1). Primary walkways should:

Secondary walkways are those segments that link secondary generators of pedestrian activity and carry moderate volumes of pedestrian traffic (see Figure 2). The majority of walkways on an installation should fall into this category. Secondary walkways should:

• be at least six feet wide to comfortably accommodate two people walking abreast and allow passing room;
• have hard surface paving to accommodate a moderate level of use of all types;
• be well lighted along those segments that receive nighttime activity; and
• be furnished at a moderate level with amenities.

Tertiary walkways are those segments that provide physical and visual continuity within the pedestrian network but carry a low volume of traffic (see Figure 3). They are also used as recreational paths such as jogging trails or fitness courses. Tertiary walkways should:

• be at least four feet wide to comfortably accommodate one-way traffic;
• have hard or soft surface paving, depending on the volume and type of use;
• have lower-level or no lighting; and
• be furnished at a relatively lower level with amenities.

A Class I Bike Path is intended for the exclusive use of bicycles. While it may parallel a roadway, it is physically separated by distance or a vertical barrier (see Figure 5).

• A Class I Bike Path provides the safest and most efficient means of bicycle travel and is the preferred option for bikeway development.

• Crossings of a Class I Bike Path by pedestrians or automobiles should be minimized.

• If a Class I Bike Path does not closely parallel a roadway, it should be designed to provide appropriate bikeway gradient and curvature.

• Class I Bike Paths require the greatest amount of space and advanced planning to reserve land and assure appropriate routing.

A Class II Bike Lane shares the right-of-way with a roadway or walkway. It is indicated by a bikeway pictograph on the pavement and a continuous stripe on the pavement or separated by a continuous or intermittent curb or other low barrier (see Figure 6).

• Because some separation is provided for bicycle travel, a Class II Bike Lane provides some level of safety for the bicyclist and pedestrian.

• While crossings by pedestrians or automobiles are discouraged, they are not as controllable as they are on a Class I Bike Path because the Class II Bike Lane is adjacent to the walkway or roadway.

• Because Class II Bike Lanes are tied to the adjacent roadway or walkway, route selection is important to maintain appropriate bikeway gradients and curvature.

• Class II Bike Lanes generally require less space than Class I Bike Paths because they follow the alignment of and share the right-of-way with a roadway or walkway.

A Class III Bike Route also shares the right-of-way with a roadway or walkway. It is not indicated by a continuous stripe on the pavement or separated by any type of barrier, but it is identified as a bikeway with signs (see Figure 7).

• Because no separation is provided, there is a higher potential for safety conflicts between automobiles and bicycles and between bicycles and pedestrians.

• Class III Bike Routes provide continuity within the bikeway network and designate preferred shared routes to minimize potential conflicts. To maintain safety for bicyclists and pedestrians, Class III Bike Routes should be developed, if possible, only where automobile and pedestrian traffic is moderate to light.

• Because Class III Bike Routes share the roadway or walkway, route selection is important to maintain appropriate bikeway gradients and curvature.

• Class III Bike Routes require the least space because they share the pavement with a roadway or walkway.

• A minimum of eight feet of pavement should be provided for a two-way Class I Bike Path. This width will also allow access by maintenance vehicles on Class I Bike Paths that are isolated from roadways.

• A minimum of 6'-6" of pavement should be provided for a one-way Class I Bike Path or Class II Bike Lane. This width will allow one-way travel with room for passing.

• Two-way bikeways are not recommended adjacent to roadways because of the complications that would result at intersections. Instead, opposing one-way lanes should be located on opposite sides of the street.

• A minimum of four feet of pavement should be provided for a one-way Class III Bike Route. Since a Class III Bike Route is not separated from the adjacent roadway or walkway, a passing bicycle can use the walkway or roadway pavement. If bicycle, pedestrian, and/or automobile traffic makes passing in this manner difficult or unsafe, a pavement width of 6'-6" should be provided for a one-way Class III Bike Route.