Improving the Traffic Signal Experience for Bicyclists

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Webinar Description:

This webinar is one in a series related to the design and operation of signalized intersections. Traffic signal operations have traditionally been developed to minimize motor vehicle delay at signalized intersections, with lower priority given to the needs of pedestrians and bicyclists. Even with advances in protected bike lane design along street segments, these state-of-the-art facilities are often abandoned at the intersection due to the complexity of the accommodating safe and comfortable bicycle movements. This webinar will discuss examples of how to operate signalized intersections in a way that improves safety and service for bicyclists.

This webinar will expose participants to the latest best practices for traffic signal timing and operational treatments that can improve bicyclist safety and mobility. Participants will learn about a decision-making framework for accommodating bicycles at signalized intersections, specifically tailored for maintaining a consistent level of comfort along protected bikeways. This framework includes signal phasing applications that consider right and left turn conflicts during the peak hour, the number of vehicle lanes, and alignment of the bicycle crossing. Participants will also be exposed to guidance from NCHRP Report 969, which includes bicycle-specific signal progression and clearance values, bicycle minimum greens, and other signal timing treatments. Other recent innovations for bicycle signal operations that will be covered include European-style countdown timers and advanced logic in the traffic signal controller. The overall goal of the webinar is to inform participants of treatments and techniques that can be used to improve bicyclist safety and mobility at traffic signals through better planning, design, and operation of these assets. Ultimately, this webinar aims to encourage a shift towards a more multimodal perspective on traffic signal operations and management.

Learning Objectives:
Attendees of this webinar will be able to:

• Understand the treatments provided in NCHRP Report 969: Traffic Signal Control Strategies for Pedestrians and Bicyclists and the use cases for these timing and operational treatments.
• Recall a framework for protected vs. permitted signal phasing based on vehicle conflict thresholds and road characteristics.
• Recognize new concepts in multimodal traffic signal operations, including innovations from Europe such as bicycle-countdown signals.

Moderator:
Joshua Wolfgram, PE, PTOE, RSP1, Transportation Engineer | Mead & Hunt

Presenters:

• Kendra Rowley, P.E., Associate | Fehr & Peers | San Diego, CA, United States
• Burak Cesme, Associate Engineer | Kittelson and Associates, Inc. | Washington, DC, United States
• Peter Furth, Professor | Northeastern University | Boston, MA, United States
• Peter Koonce, P.E., Principal Engineer | Portland Bureau of Transportation | Portland, OR, United States