View Related Treatments -------------------------- Bike-Activated Signal Detection Pavement Marking Improvements School Zone Improvements Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons Optimizing Signal Timing for Bicycles Bicycle Signal Heads Sign Improvements for Bicyclists Rectangular Rapid-Flashing Beacons (RRFB)

 

Sign explaining the green wave on Valencia Street in San Francisco. Photo by Bryan Goebel

 

 

 

Optimizing Signal Timing for Bicycles

Traffic signals are installed at intersections to improve operations and efficiency and should be designed to accommodate all users. An engineering study should be conducted to determine if a signal is the most appropriate traffic control device, in accordance with Part 4 of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). The overall goals of signal timings are to provide safe crossings and reduce delay for all users. Two primary means to accomplish this are by: 1) adjusting timings at individual intersections, and 2) adjusting coordination settings at a series of intersections.

Signal timing is a key strategy to reduce delay and to encourage compliance at signalized intersections. Traditionally, signal timing has focused on the efficient movement of motor vehiclesmaximizing motor vehicle throughput and minimizing motor vehicle delay. Signal timing should be analyzed and optimized to accommodate all modes of transportation including bicyclists, pedestrians, motor vehicles, and transit vehicles. Bicycles have different operating characteristics (i.e., speed, acceleration, and deceleration) than motor vehicles. Adjustments to minimum green intervals, red clearance time, and extension time should be considered to ensure that bicyclists can safely cross intersections. Particular consideration should be given to signal timing at locations with high vehicular speeds and long crossing distances. At these locations, bicyclists are more likely to have different signal timing needs than motorists. Additionally, cycle length should be minimized to reduce delay and increase compliance for all users.

Another strategy in signal timing is coordinating signals to provide a "green wave." In a green wave, signals along a corridor are timed such that vehicles will receive a green indication and not be required to stop if vehicles progress at a certain speed. Signal progression speeds should include considerations for bicyclists' operational characteristics. Several cities including Portland, Oregon, and San Francisco, California, have implemented green waves for bicycle speeds. An additional advantage of coordinating signals using a bicyclist's speed is that motorists' speeds are also reduced, creating a more comfortable environment for all users.

Purpose

Traffic signal timing should be optimized to account for bicycle operating characteristics that include providing minimum green intervals, red clearance time, and extension time to ensure that bicyclists can safely cross intersections.

Considerations

• Bicycle signal heads may be an appropriate countermeasure to further separate conflicts and improve clarity for all users at signalized intersections.
• Consider leading bicycle intervals (similar to leading pedestrian intervals) or separating bicyclists from motorists using phasing to maximize visibility and reduce conflicts between modes.
• Signalized intersections should be designed to detect bicyclists. See the bicycle detection countermeasure for additional details.

Estimated Cost

See countermeasure costs for bike-activated signals.

Safety Effects

References

Case Studies