Design guidelines provide a background on multi-modal transportation issues and define current best practices for bicycle and pedestrian facility design. Design guidelines should be consulted when planning new facilities, reconstructing or modifying existing facilities, and updating city and design standards. A good guide provides a toolbox to make streets safer, more livable and economically vibrant.
Resources
There are a number of resources and standards that are exceptionally helpful in providing design guidelines for bicycle and pedestrian facilities:
Urban Street Design Guide, NACTO – outlines both a clear vision for complete streets and a basic road map for how to bring them to fruition
Urban Bikeway Design Guide, NACTO – brings to together many of the best practices developed in cities around the US; though not necessarily obvious, many of the guidelines are in compliance with AASHTO guidelines and MUTCD standards
Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices, FHWA and USDOT – provides standards for signs, signals and pavement markings that is used by state and local agencies to ensure that the traffic control devices conform to the national standard
Build a reference library of recommended guidelines.
Join the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals to access webinars, listservs, professional development seminars, and numerous resources that keep you up-to-date on bicycle and pedestrian best practices.
Identify and revise local standard plans and details to meet current best practices.
