As recently reported on Bloomberg (A Blueprint for Better Bike Lanes by Benjamin Schneider), over the last decade, protected bike lanes have become a standard feature in U.S. cities, and a new guide from the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) is urging urban areas to think even bigger. FABB believes that the updated Urban Bikeway Design Guide provides a detailed roadmap for creating comprehensive, interconnected bike networks that can work in the more urbanized areas of Fairfax County to enhance transit systems, improve street safety, and accommodate emerging trends in micromobility.
The guide provides information on:
- Steps to improve equity in bike planning by helping underserved communities with neighborhood-wide plans that go beyond bike lanes and add features like speed bumps, roundabouts, and street repaving to create calmer, safer streets.
- Options to move beyond isolated bike lanes to create citywide networks, using innovations like contra-flow bike lanes, protected intersections, and bus boarding islands to support safe, seamless cycling for people of all ages and abilities.
- Strategies for building public support and addressing resistance to bike infrastructure by emphasizing that bike projects are safety improvements for all road users and benefit local businesses.
In addition, with the rise of e-bikes, cargo bikes, and e-scooters, the guide addresses the need for wider lanes and policies that balance the needs of faster, battery-powered vehicles with those of traditional cyclists and pedestrians.
Why This Matters
The NACTO guide marks another important evolution in thinking about urban transportation. As bike riders and advocates, we need to stay on top of advancements in the tools and strategies to promote the building of bike networks that are safer, more inclusive, and better integrated with other modes of transit.
By assisting local officials with thoughtful infrastructure planning, FABB works hard to promote cycling as a viable and attractive option, helping to reduce car dependency and address critical challenges like climate change and traffic safety.
We could use your help in the fight for better bicycling. Join FABB today!
