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Aspects of a Bicycle Friendly Community
The League of American Bicyclists has instituted a Bicycle Friendly Communities Campaign. The following aspects of that program provide a reasonable checklist of activities to be undertaken or encouraged by the Safe Roads Coalition.
Engineering
1. A bicycle accommodation policy for new roads, reconstruction, and resurfacing
2. Training for engineers and planners on how to accommodate cyclists
3. An inventory of bicycle facilities ? shoulders, bike lanes, bike paths, appropriately designed bridges, bike racks or storage units, buses equipped with bike racks
4. An established interval of maintenance for shoulders, bike lanes and off-street facilities
5. Businesses with worksite bicycle accommodation programs (bicycle parking, shower facilities, and/or "guaranteed ride home"
Education
1. Programs to educate motorists to share the road with cyclists
2. Bicycle safety programs for children in schools
3. Availability of bicycle safety materials for the public
4. Inclusion of bicycle safety education in activities such as drivers' licensing
Encouragement
1. A Safe Route to Schools Program
2. Promotion for Bike Month, Bike-to-Work and other such activities
3. Annual bike events
4. Community bike clubs, bicycle advocacy organizations
5. A published, up-to-date bicycle map
Enforcement
1. A liaison between the local police department and the cycling community
2. Special training to police officers regarding traffic law as it applies to bicyclists
3. Targeted enforcement to encourage cyclists and motorists to share the road safely
4. Presence of public safety employees on bikes
5. Mandatory helmet law and the ages to which they apply
6. Mandatory sidepath laws
Evaluation and Planning
1. Information about bike usage ? number of trips, etc.
2. Information about bike accidents and fatalities
3. A system in place that allows bicyclists to submit ideas and concerns to public officials
4. A Comprehensive Bike Plan
5. A list of improvements for next five years
6. Integration of the bicycle network ? connecting trails, bike lanes, and bike routes and seamless integration with transportation options.
7. Evaluation of the transportation network and prioritized bicycle improvements based on hazards and needs. |
