1. What's in the 2009 MUTCD For Bicyclists?
Richard C. Moeur, PE
Chair, NCUTCD Bicycle Technical Committee

2. NCUTCD
National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices advises FHWA on MUTCD
NCUTCD has been developing new & revised content for the new MUTCD over past 8+ years

3. NCUTCD MUTCD changes initiated by NCUTCD recommendations based on
Requests by public agencies
Items identified by FHWA
Issues identified by BTC
NCUTCD recommendations based on
Research & experimentation
Expert review & analysis

4. New 2009 MUTCD Final Rule issued December 16, 2009
In effect at Federal level January 15, 2010
States have 2 years to adopt (by January 2012)

5. Parts of MUTCD Introduction Part 1 - General Part 2 - Signs
Part 3 - Markings
Part 4 - Signals
Part 5 - Low Volume Roads
Part 6 - Temporary Traffic Control
Part 7 - Schools
Part 8 - Railroad & Light Rail (Part 10 moved into Part 8)
Part 9 - Bicycles

6. Significant Changes - MUTCD
Old MUTCD: All devices must be compliant
Agencies were required to update devices, both new and existing
New MUTCD: Only new devices must be compliant
Agencies are required to update devices as they wear out
Older devices can remain for "remaining service life" unless there's a defined compliance date

7. Significant Changes - MUTCD
Railroad & Light Rail parts combined
Fluorescent Yellow-Green:
School Signs - Required
Bicycle & Pedestrian Signs - Optional

8. Significant Changes - MUTCD
New Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon
(AKA "HAWK")
Can be used at path-roadway crossings

9. Significant Changes - Part 9
Revised sign height & offset standards
Signing no longer mandatory along bike lanes
New "Bikes May Use Full Lane" regulatory sign
New signs for path users (skaters, equestrians)
New combo Bicycle/Pedestrian warning sign
New bicycle-focused guide signs, route markers, and mileposts
New shared lane marking

10. Sign Height/Offset For Paths
Deleted maximum mounting height & maximum offset
Increases flexibility for practitioners without compromising safety
Conforms with sign mounting on other facility types

11. Sign Height/Offset For Paths

12. Bike Lanes - Signing
BIKE LANE signs are recommended, but no longer mandatory
Signs are still the same

13. Bikes May Use Full Lane Sign
Optional for use in "narrow" lanes
Can be used independently, or with SLM
Supported by UVC and many states' laws

14. New Signs for Path Users

15. New Combo Bike/Ped Sign
Optional for use at path crossings
Shows 2 types of primary path users
Cannot "fix" problems at sidepath intersections

16. New Bicycle-Focused Guide Signs
Provide detailed routing / destination / distance information
Greatly improved over old "BIKE ROUTE" signs

17. Shared Lane Marking
Intended to show correct cyclist location where bike lanes shouldn’t or can’t be installed
Can be used in locations with and without on-street parking

18. Future Items
Several new devices & treatments under experimentation & review
Treatments may consist of several new devices, or existing devices used in new ways
Cities & states are stepping up & implementing good experiments
Federal research funding in next bill...?

19. Projects Underway Standardized signs for bikes on freeways
(Approved by NCUTCD)
Revised US Bicycle Route sign
"Except Bikes" plaque for regulatory signs
New figures for bikes in work zones
Bicycle traffic signals
Studies recently completed
Draft MUTCD content under development

20. Pending Stuff Colored Bike Lanes Bike Boxes
Earlier studies showed inconclusive results
Awaiting data from Portland, Austin, elsewhere
Large San Francisco study getting underway
Bike Boxes
Offset stop lines already allowed (w/o color fill)
Awaiting data from Portland & Austin
Austin: Staged implementation (box/color/signs/PR)

21. Pending Stuff Other Items: Improving existing MUTCD figures & text
Improved signs / guidance / markings for bike lane - shared lane transitions

22. When's The Next MUTCD?
FHWA would like a 5-year cycle for new MUTCD editions
Proposed content would need to be ready & submitted to FHWA in 2-3 years
Rulemaking cycle: Typically 2 years from NPA to Final Rule ?
Items can be added earlier via Interim Approval

23. Questions? Richard C. Moeur, PE (602) 712-6661 or (602) 909-8451