Book 12Bicycle Signals

IMSA Ontario Expo

October 1, 2014

Markham, ON

2

Background

3

Growth of Cycling

• Increasing cycling as mode of transport and recreation

• Cycling master plans

• Personal & environmental benefits

• However, we’re not Europe….yet

4

Publications

OTM Book 18

TAC Bicycle Traffic Control

Guidelines

OTM Book 12

TAC Bicycle Signals

OTM Book 15

Book 12 Bicycle Signals

5

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.

6

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

7

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

8

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”

9

Content

10

Content

• General

• Legislative

• Signal Timing

• Bicycle-Specific Displays

• Bicycle-Specific Phasing

• Decision Criteria

• Detection

11

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

12

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)

13

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

14

Displays• Separate phase

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

15

Phasing• Parallel to pedestrian movements (crossride)

16

Phasing• Separate or partially separate phasing

• Leading phase example

17

Phasing• IPS

• Contra-flow

18

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)

19

Justification for UseExample of unique path through intersection Ottawa)

20

Detection

21

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 ?