book 12 bicycle signals imsa ontario expo october 1, 2014 markham, on

Book 12Bicycle Signals

IMSA Ontario Expo

October 1, 2014

Markham, ON

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Background

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Growth of Cycling

• Increasing cycling as mode of transport and recreation

• Cycling master plans

• Personal & environmental benefits

• However, we’re not Europe….yet

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Publications

OTM Book 18

TAC Bicycle Traffic Control

Guidelines

OTM Book 12

TAC Bicycle Signals

OTM Book 15

Book 12 Bicycle Signals

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Current Guidance Situation

• OTC identified gap in available guidance

• TAC was working on it, just published updated version based on 2004 project

• OTM Supplement is specific to legislation/conditions in Ontario

• Limited bicycle signal dedicated guidance currently available in N.A.

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Product• Provide guidance to practitioners on managing

bicycle flow through signalized intersections

• Standalone supplement to current Book 12; will likely be integrated in future update

• Based on best practice – not research assignment

• Based on existing legislation

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Principles of Content• Bicycle + Traffic signal specific

• Book 18 structured to refer signal related elements to Book 12 supplement; Book 18 contains pavement marking and signs needed

• Attempt to maintain consistency with TAC

• Conform to HTA

• BBicycle traffic signal (TAC standard) is in an Appendix only

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Process

• Project Working Committee + CIMA

• PWC provided input, not just review

• MTO on committee as advisor and to help assure consistency

• Book created “from scratch”

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Content

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Content

• General

• Legislative

• Signal Timing

• Bicycle-Specific Displays

• Bicycle-Specific Phasing

• Decision Criteria

• Detection

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Legislative Framework• Ontario HTA

• Bicycle is vehicle• No riding on sidewalks or in crosswalks• Bicycle signal display currently not allowed• Two signal heads required for separate phase

or movement

• Near-side heads allowed only as auxiliary

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Signal Timing• Factors and Constants

• Signal timing is a compromise which has to accommodate all users

• Start-up Lost Time (actuated signal min green)• Affected by cross traffic (visibility, speed, etc.)• Grade• More research still needed

• Clearances• Perception/reaction similar to motorists• Stop more quickly (amber)• Travel slower (all-red)

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Displays• Display options limited at present to standard

heads (with signs for separate phases)

• Displays for same phasing as parallel street Could add a tertiary head here, perhaps low mounted

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Displays• Separate phase

• Bicycle signal head should stress uniqueness in size, colour, placement

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Phasing• Parallel to pedestrian movements (crossride)

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Phasing• Separate or partially separate phasing

• Leading phase example

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Phasing• IPS

• Contra-flow

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Justification for Use• Use minimum required – separate phasing

should be uncommon

• Typical uses for separate phasing:

• Non-compliance with existing control (safety)

• Contra-flow situations• Unique path through intersection• Improve LOS for bicycles (large volumes

of bicycles)

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Justification for UseExample of unique path through intersection Ottawa)

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Detection

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Detection• Allows for bicycle specific timings

• Improved service

• Quadrupole loops

• TAC has pavement markings• Mississauga uses “long distance” detection in bike

lane

• Optical detection

• Pushbuttons discouraged

Thank you !

Questions ?