View Related Treatments -------------------------- Wayfinding Transit Access Law Enforcement Aesthetics/Landscaping Bicyclist/Motorist Education

 

Wayfinding signs help bicyclists navigate or discover new routes to common destinations.
Photo by Sarah Heaton Kennedy

 

 

 

Wayfinding

A comprehensive wayfinding system for bicyclists will include signs and pavement markings that are placed at decision points along preferred bicycle routes. For example, when a sign is placed where a bike path intersects a roadwaythe sign both informs the bicyclist and alerts passing motorists and pedestrians of the existence of the bike path. When a jurisdiction installs signs and markings for its bicycle network, it can enhance other encouragement efforts to promote bicycling in the community.

There are three main types of signs:

• Confirmation signs inform bicyclists and motorists that they are on a bicycle route.
• Turn signs/markings indicate where a bikeway turns from one street to another.
• Decision signs mark the junction of two or more bikeways.
Information may include destinations, arrows, distances, or travel times.

A system of signed routes should balance the need for good bicycling conditions with the need for direct access to destinations. Wayfinding that includes posted maps and information kiosks helps all road users find their way in the city, including motorists and pedestrians.

Purpose

Signage and markings can help new and experienced bicyclists find bicycle facilities and understand the distances to key destinations around the city. A wayfinding system also publicizes the existence of the bicycle network for all roadway users.

Considerations

• Wayfinding projects can be carried out at many levels; however, it is important that a system-wide approach be taken so that different signs, maps, information kiosks, etc. do not appear in different parts of a city, thereby confusing rather than enlightening users.
• A variety of stakeholders may need to be involved in the process to identify and rank a list of destinations for inclusion on signs throughout the city.
• Websites containing wayfinding information are becoming more important.

Estimated Cost

Estimated costs will vary depending on the nature and scope of the system being developed. A bicycle route sign costs about $160, while more detailed wayfinding signs could cost over $500.

References

Case Studies