June 2013
You Asked. We Answered.
At the Inquiry Answer Service, we answer, on average, more than 300 questions
for our subscribers each month. We consult a variety of sources to create a
custom research packet — which may include APA publications, sample ordinances
and plans, articles and literature from partner organizations, and the most
current information available online — for each question.
Each month, we choose one question to feature here, so you can see what your
peers around the country are asking and how we answered. When your organization subscribes to PAS, you and your colleagues will also have access to previous editions.
You Asked.
How do communities evaluate LOS for pedestrians and bicyclists?
Our APFO requirements for roads only consider level-of-service (LOS) for cars. Do you know of any counties or municipalities anywhere that have an APFO test for pedestrian/bicycle infrastructure?
We Answered.
There are several cities and counties that have adopted Adequate Public Facilities Ordinances (APFOs) and other policies that address non-automobile traffic. Furthermore, many other communities have adopted land development regulations that require pedestrian and bicycle facilities in new developments to manage congestion, reduce pollution, increase connectivity, and promote public health, among other sustainability goals. Overall, the trend in local and regional planning is shifting to a more strategically connected and more fuel-efficient and sustainable transportation system, which includes pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.
The key challenge in developing level-of-service (LOS) standards for bicycle and pedestrian facilities is that they will (usually) not be tied simply to measures of congestion or travel speed. This leaves two basic alternatives: (1) develop model inputs that are specific to bike/ped facilities or (2) develop a checklist to simply assess the presence or absence of specific facilities.
Resource List
- Annapolis (Maryland), City of. 2013. Code of Ordinances. Title 22: Adequate Public Facilities. Chapter 22.22: Review Criteria and Certification for non-auto Transportation Facilities.
http://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientId=16754&stateId=20&stateName=Maryland
- Bellingham (Washington), City of. 2012. Municipal Code. Title 13: Streets and Sidewalks. Section 13.70: Multimodal Transportation Concurrency Management.
www.cob.org/web/bmcode.nsf/CityCode!OpenView&Start=1&Count=30&Expand=12.12#12.12
- Charlotte (North Carolina), City of. 2007. Pedestrian and Bicycle Level of Service: Methodology for Crossings at Signalized Intersections. Department of Transportation.
http://dot.cobbcountyga.gov/bikeped/Draft%20Evaluation%20Methodology.pdf
- Dixon, Linda. B. 1996. "Bicycle and Pedestrian Level of Service Performance Measures and Standards for Congestion Management Systems." Transportation Research Record 1538.www.enhancements.org/download/trb/1538-001.PDF
- Florida, State of. 2009. Quality/ Level of Service Handbook. Department of Transportation.
http://webgis.co.okaloosa.fl.us/jlus/docs/fgmp/2009FDOTQLOS_Handbook.pdf
- Fort Collins (Colorado), City of. 2007. City of Fort Collins Transportation Master Plan. Appendix H. Multimodal Transportation Level of Service Manual. Larimer County Urban Area Street Standards.
www.fcgov.com/greenbuilding/codes/
- Lancaster (Pennsylvania), County of. 2012. City Code. Chapter 265: Subdivisions and Land Development. Article VIII: Traffic and Transportation. Section 265-42: Levels of traffic/transportation impact study. Available at http://ecode360.com/LA1674
- Lindquist, Kathy, Minie Yadama, and Michel Wendt. 2011. Bike, Pedestrian, Transit, and Planning Performance Measures: Synthesis. Transportation Synthesis Report. Washington State Department of Transportation.
www.wsdot.wa.gov/NR/rdonlyres/9DA98EFB-AEBD-46C0-8CD0-2CE8F0F3D71D/0/BrianSSynReportBikeTransitPlanningperformancemeasures2011FINAL2.pdf
- Montgomery (Maryland), County of. 2011. Local Area Transportation Review and Policy Area Mobility Review Guidelines: Guidelines of the Montgomery County Planning Board for the Administration of the Adequate Facilities Ordinance. Planning Department. Transportation document.
www.montgomeryplanning.org/transportation/documents/2011_latr_pamr_guidelines.pdf
- Prince George (Maryland), County of. Bill No. CB-2-2012. County Council of Prince George's, Maryland. To be enacted in County Code Section 24-140.01.
http://rethinkcollegepark.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/APFOPED_BIKE-BILL.pdf
- Rockville (Maryland), City of. 2011. City Code. Chapter 25: Zoning Ordinances. Article 20: Adequate Public Facilities.
www.rockvillemd.gov/government/cpds/apfo.htm
- Sustainable Cities Institute. 2012. Bicycle Level of Service Calculator.www.sustainablecitiesinstitute.org/view/page.basic/calculator/feature.calculator/Calculator_Bicycle_Level_of_Service
- Temple Terrance (Florida), City of. 2008. Traffic Circulation and Multimodal Transportation Concurrency Policies and Procedures Manual. Community Development Department.
www.templeterrace.com/commserv/pdfs/TransConcurrencyManual_2009.pdf
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