Challenge

Prior to the formation of the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), transportation planning and design guidance for urban environments was limited, particularly for walking and bicycling. In recognition that cities needed to do more to improve safety and comfort for people on bikes, one of NACTO’s first initiatives was Cities for Cycling, which sought to bring together the experience of the best bicycling cities in the world in a comprehensive guide.

Solution

Kittelson was part of the team that developed the Urban Bikeway Design Guide. Our contributions included researching bike facilities and intersection treatments, offering engineering insight into the appropriateness and applicability of each of treatment, and aligning the recommendations with other engineering guidance. For each treatment, the Guide breaks down which elements are required, which are recommended, and which are optional (may add value depending on the situation) for implementing the treatment.

The Outcome

The Inaugural Guide on Safer Cycling in US Cities

The Guide was published in 2011 and since that time, has been an established and impactful resource that prioritizes the safety and experience of bicycling in the design of city streets. A second edition was published in 2014 and NACTO plans to release a third edition in 2023.

Office

Baltimore

Client

National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO)

Location

National Research

Team

Services