Comment:
How to apply LOS Model: The LOS procedure is applicable to a variety of trail planning and Design Problems related to crowding and accommodating diverse user groups. It is especially useful for trail planning and Design Tasks that need to augment qualitative criteria with quantitative measures in order to strengthen the basis for making trial Design Decisions. Includes data requirements, lookup tables, and implications for trail design.

Last Updated (Year): 2006

Year Produced: 2006

Abstract:

Shared-use paths are becoming increasingly busy in many places in the United States. Path designers and operators need guidance on how wide to make new or rebuilt paths, and on whether to separate the different types of users. The current guidance is not very specific;it has not been calibrated to conditions in the United States, and does not accommodate the range of modes found on a typical U.S. path. The purpose of this project was to develop a level of service (LOS) estimation method for shared-use paths that overcomes these limitations. The research included the development of the theory of traffic flow on a path, an extensive effort to collect data on path operations, and a survey through which path users expressed their degree of satisfaction with the paths shown in a series of videos. Based on the theory developed and the data collected, the researchers developed an LOS estimation method for bicyclists that requires minimal input and produces a simple and useful result. Factors involved in the estimation of an LOS for a path include the number of times a typical bicyclist meets or passes another path user, the number of those passings that are delayed, the path width, and whether the path has a centerline. The method considers four other types of path users besides the adult bicyclists for whom the LOS is calculated—pedestrians, joggers, child bicyclists, and skaters. This report documents the research conducted during the project. Other products of the effort include Report No. FHWA-HRT-05-138, Shared-Use Path Level of Service Calculator: A User’s Guide (for the LOS procedure and the spreadsheet calculation tool);and a TechBrief, Publication No. FHWA-HRT-05-139, Evaluation of Safety, Design, and Operation of Shared-Use Paths.

For:Walking, Biking

The E's:Evaluation, Engineering

Ped Bike Activity:

• Planning

Ped Bike Topic:

• Tools
• Planning Processes
• Planning
• Physical Dimensions
• Level of Service
• Design

Facility Type:Shared Path

Resource Type:

• Information

Link to Content Source:

Evaluation of Safety, Design, and Operation of Shared-Use Paths