_Agenda_Packet_092826 - Laserfiche WebLink

8 • Ideally, provide a relatively level shoulder area of 3 to 5 feet on at least one side of path where feasible. The shoulder area should be maintained and useable as a rest area in all weather conditions. • Provide protective railings/fences at 42 inches high if the trail and graded shoulder are directly adjacent to a steep slope and drop, as defined in Chapter 5 of the AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities. • All shared-use paths must conform to the current editions of both the AASHTO and ADA guidelines. • Shared-use paths are pedestrian facilities and are required to be fully accessible. They must conform to Public Rights-of-way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) if in a public right-of-way or Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) on Accessibility Guideline for Shared-Use Paths if in a private right-of-way. Considerations • Consider providing lighting at path/roadway intersections at a minimum and at other locations where personal security may be an issue. • Shared-use paths are appropriate when an on-street route may be perceived as unsafe due to the speed of the road or high volume of vehicles, most users are recreational or leisure users, or to provide a direct route between points of interest. • Shared-use paths typically have a lower design speed for bicyclists than on-street facilities and may not provide appropriate accommodation for more confident bicyclists who desire to travel at greater speeds. In some situations, it may be appropriate to provide an on-street bikeway in addition to a shared-use path along the same roadway. • Path width should be informed by the number and type of users, and the differences in their speeds. For example, a path used by higher-speed bicyclists and children walking to school may experience conflicts due to the difference in user speeds. Additional user types like roller bladers, skateboarders, and dog walkers can introduce similar conflicts. By widening the path to provide space to accommodate passing, conflicts can be reduced. • A path may benefit from the separation of users by speed (e.g., e-bikes versus bikes), type (e.g., rolling versus walking), or direction. When separating users, consider the path width and paving material preferred by each user. Typically paths that separate users are 15 feet or wider. • Shared-use paths may present increased conflicts between path users and motor vehicles at intersections and driveway crossings. Conflicts can be reduced by