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Bicycle Detection: A review of available technologies and practical experience to aid in the creation of smarter intersections that work for all users

Across the United States, approximately two-thirds of reported bicycle crashes happen at intersections. Detecting the presence of people bicycling at or approaching signalized intersections and roadway crossings can offer traffic engineers additional tools and flexibility to improve the comfort and safety for this vulnerable user group. This white paper provides a deeper discussion on the various technologies that are available and provides insight on their strengths, weaknesses and practical applications.

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Next-Generation Trails: New Mobility Trends in Shared-Use Trail Design and Management

Historically, shared-use paths were exclusive spaces for human-powered activity, but new technologies are transforming them into places that may include power-driven personal and shared mobility vehicles. These changes are creating new challenges for trail managers and require an understanding of design, operation, and management of new mobility modes. This white paper provides a framework for the […]

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Corner Design for All Users

Historically, intersections have been designed to facilitate easy turning by infrequent design vehicles. This approach has resulted in countless intersections that are much larger than they need to be; intersections where pedestrians and bicyclists confront long crossings that leave them exposed to turning vehicle traffic moving quickly along large corner radii. Balancing access for more infrequent larger vehicles with […]

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Advisory Bike Lanes in North America

White Paper: Advisory Bike Lanes in North America Despite being used successfully for decades in Europe, Advisory Bike Lanes (also known as advisory shoulders), are an emerging facility type in North America and can be an effective tool for communities to provide bicycle lanes on streets that are otherwise too narrow to accommodate them. Alta’s […]

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Lessons Learned: Evolution of the Protected Intersection

The evolution of North American bikeway design has progressed to protected intersections. During our work on the development of the NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide, Alta staff saw merit in the Dutch junction style design and have spent subsequent effort studying it and attempting to create a framework for adapting it to the North American roadway […]

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