[MissoulaGov] Question for WGM about N. Higgins bike-ways

[Jeremy Keene]

We are recommending an "elevated" bikeway for several reasons. First, we
believe that turning vehicles will be more aware of bikes if they have
to go up onto the bikeway when crossing at alleys and driveways, similar
to a sidewalk. Second, an elevated bikeway will feel less like riding in
the gutter, where you have to contend with water, ice, and road debris,
as well as the possibility of hitting your pedal on the curb.
 
The proposed design will construct a new curb about 8 feet in from the
existing curb. We will do a variable depth mill to lower the crown,
which will allow the bikeway to drain toward the new curb with a 1-2%
cross slope. In order to achieve this, we needed to make the bikeway
flush with the sidewalk.
 
Regarding Jim's question, there are not a lot of examples of protected
bikeways (or cycle tracks) in the US. We looked at a number of different
designs from Europe and Portland, but ultimately, local conditions (such
as the need to clear snow and presence of underground utilities),
combined with limited funding, dictate what we are able to design. Its
not our intent to use street furniture as a barrier, it simply creates a
sidewalk zone that isn't used as much for walking, so provides good
separation from the bikeway. Ultimately, all users (peds, bikes, and
cars) will have to display a measure of respect and common sense for
this project to be successful. 
 
Thanks for your comments,
 
Jeremy Keene, P.E., LEED AP
Principal Engineer
WGM Group, Inc.
http://www.wgmgroup.com <http://www.wgmgroup.com/> 

 

________________________________

From: missoulagov-bounces at cmslists.com
[mailto:missoulagov-bounces at cmslists.com] On Behalf Of JOHN WOLVERTON
Sent: Friday, December 04, 2009 12:41 PM
To: missoulagov
Subject: [MissoulaGov] Question for WGM about N. Higgins bike-ways


Jeremy,
Is the proposed "elevation" of the N. Higgins bikeway related to
drainage and black-ice issues? I.E.: Without additional expensive
drain-sumps, moisture from the motor-vehicle lanes draining sideways
would make its way toward and over an at-grade bikeway.
John Wolverton


________________________________

"The protected bikeway will be constructed with asphalt adjacent to the
existing curb. The curb line, combined with use of different materials
(asphalt bikeway vs. concrete sidewalk) should create a well-defined
edge between the bikeway and the sidewalk. In addition, street trees,
planters, and street furniture will also provide separation between
bikes and the walking zone on the sidewalk.

For anyone who was unable to attend the Public Works Committee meeting,
our slide presentation and project information sheet are available at
www.wgmgroup.com 

Jeremy Keene, P.E., LEED AP
Principal Engineer
WGM Group, Inc."

________________________________

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