Low Stress Bicycle Networks Wilmington – New Castle Greenway (DELDOT) Riding a bicycle should not require bravery. Yet, all too often, that is the perception among cyclists and non-cyclists alike. No person should have to be “brave” to ride a bicycle; unfortunately, this is a sentiment commonly expressed to those who regularly ride bicycles by those who do not. There are many cities in modern, industrialized nations around the world with a high bicycle mode split. They have achieved these high levels of bicycle use through adherence to various cycling-promoting policies and practices. But, one thing they share in common is they have substantially removed the element of fear associated with bicycling in an urban environment. They have created transportation systems in which bicycling is often the most logical, enjoyable and attainable choice for trips of a certain length for a wide swath—if not the majority—of their populace. Low traffic stress network planning - what is it? The bicycle plans where that has been the intellectual foundation, Toole Design and Alta Planning - suggested Oregon Bicycle Plan - existing bicycle plans that use the idea/concept of low-traffic stress bicycle networks as the organizing principle for the plans

Everyone has a particular tolerance for “traffic stress” – the physical and mental stress induced by cycling with automotive traffic, with the largest percentage of the population having the least tolerance. For decades, we have assumed that people that want to go somewhere on their bike will do so on the same streets as cars because they have all the same rights as car drivers however most people are not comfortable doing that - most people don’t tolerate traffic stress, and analysis Photo: Caltrans DIB89-01 - Redondo Beach, CA

one study, but a number of studies make the same conclusion - that the ratio holds true - AASHTO’s terminology

Level of Traffic Stress example of LTS 1-4 - (explain Level of Traffic Stress analysis as a tool for prioritizing bicycle network improvements that increase mobility for everyone) Graphic: Alta Planning + Design

San Jose, California - Level of Stress 1-4 Peter Furth - Connectivity of Low Stress Bicycle Networks

San Jose, California - Level of Stress 3 Peter Furth - Connectivity of Low Stress Bicycle Networks

San Jose, California - Level of Stress 2 Peter Furth - Connectivity of Low Stress Bicycle Networks

San Jose, California - Level of Stress 1 Peter Furth - Connectivity of Low Stress Bicycle Networks

BICYCLE NETWORKS State active transportation organizations can be a key intermediary with the public, elected officials and communities in support of major DOT active transportation “low stress” network projects Project positive relationship between Washington Bikes and WashDOT moved the public relations part of it - underlying theme here is look how when you engage constructively with the non-profit world, your job gets much easier. DOTs are often targets of suspicion from the public - we can help with that SR 520 Floating Bridge megaproject (WSDOT)