This document presents a methodology for assessing levels of traffic stress for cyclists, categorizing road segments into four classifications based on perceived safety and connectivity for different rider groups. It aims to facilitate quick evaluations of bicycling conditions and connectivity without extensive data collection, utilizing visual tools for effective communication. Additionally, the methodology includes adaptations for local applications and outlines key data requirements for accurate assessments.

1. Bicycle Level of Traffic Stress A system connectivity methodology
Jessica Horning
Peter Schuytema, P.E.
Pro Walk / Pro Bike / Pro Place
September 9, 2014

2. Multimodal Analysis in APM

3. Level of Traffic Stress
“Low Stress Bicycling and Network Connectivity”, Mineta Transportation Institute, Report 11-19, May 2012.
•Classifies road segments based on perceived safety issues with close proximity to traffic.
•Allows for quick assessment of system connectivity without burden of more intensive (MMLOS) methods.
•Most data should be part of TSP inventories or easily obtainable.
•Visual-based results for easy communication between staff, stakeholders, and the public.

4. Rider Groupings
•Strong And Fearless (LTS 4)
•Enthused and Confident (LTS 3)
•Interested but Concerned (LTS 1 &2)

5. Level of Traffic Stress Classifications
•LTS 1 –
–Low speeds
–No more than one lane per direction
–Intersections easy to cross by all
–Suitable for all cyclists, including 5th grade children and supervising riding parents
–Residential local streets and separated paths

6. Level of Traffic Stress Classifications
•LTS 2 –
–Slightly higher speeds
–Up to three lanes wide in total
–Intersections not difficult to cross
–Little stress but requires more attention, so suitable for teen and adult cyclists
–Collector-level streets with bike lanes and central business districts
–Maximizes bicycle mode share

7. Level of Traffic Stress Classifications
•LTS 3 –
–Moderate speeds
–Up to five lanes of total width
–Intersection crossings still perceived safe
–Moderate stress – tolerable for many cyclists
–Low speed arterials with bike lanes or moderate speed two/three-lane roadways

8. Level of Traffic Stress Classifications
•LTS 4 –
–Moderate to high speeds
–From two to greater than five lanes
–Intersections may be judged unsafe or difficult to cross
–High-speed/multilane roadways with narrow or no bike lanes
–High stress –suitable for experienced or skilled cyclists

9. The LTS Methodology Covers:
•Segments
•Intersection approaches and crossings
•Measurement of “true” connectivity (beyond just filling facility gaps)
•Ability to prioritize improvements

10. ODOT Method Modifications
“Low Stress Bicycling and Network Connectivity”, Mineta Transportation Institute, Report 11-19, May 2012.
•Reformatted tables to remove inconsistencies
• Impact of left turn lanes on bicycle routing
•Added considerations for buffered bike lanes and shared-lane markings
•More flexibility on outside rider factors – hills, pavement condition, driveway density, etc.
•Rural application using volumes and shoulder width

11. General Data Needs
•Posted speed or prevailing speed
•Number of lanes per direction
•Bike lane/parking widths
•Bike lane blockage frequency
•Turn lane configurations
•Daily volumes (rural only)
•Shoulder width (rural only)

12. Stress Mapping
•GIS or travel demand model-based
•Color-coding by stress level quickly shows “connectivity islands” caused by barriers.
–Arterials, railroads, waterways, street grid breaks
•Allows for analysis of bicycle mode share splits.
•Potential connectivity performance measures
–Percent Trips (or Points) Connected at any given LTS

13. Application to Salem:
Overall Stress Levels – Salem, OR

14. Salem Application: LOS 1 & 2 Islands With Downtown Highlighted

15. Oregon Household Activity Survey (OHAS): Household Bicycle Trip Counts Over Salem’s Low-Stress Network
Legend:

16. Irrigon Bicycle, Pedestrian and Transit TSP Update

17. Questions?
For more information on the original methodology, go to:
http://transweb.sjsu.edu/project/1005.html
Soon to be published in ODOT’s Analysis Procedure Manual V2:
http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/TD/TP/Pages/APM.aspx