2022-03-02 PC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Findings and Notable Results Most state or county highways are classified as extreme stress due to multiple lanes of fast moving traffic, with minimal separation from bicycle users. Arterial streets with high levels of traffic and no bicycle facilities are also classified as extreme stress, such as portions of Snelling Avenue and Larpeneur Ave. Arterials streets with a separated shared use path running along them achieve a stress rating appropriate for users of all ages and abilities. Highway 96 is an example of an otherwise stressful street that achieves a low -stress rating due to the adjacent path. Most streets in downtown Saint Paul are classified as high stress along with arterial streets such as portions of Como Avenue and University Ave W. These streets have too many lanes or traffic traveling too quickly to permit comfortable travel by bicycle, even if a bicycle lane is provided. While local streets are often considered low stress, this analysis classifies most local segments in Ramsey County as moderate stress. Because the default speed limit is 30 mph, travel speeds are assumed to be too high for users of all ages and abilities to ride in mixed traffic. Residential street segments are occasionally classified as low stress when speed limits are below 30 mph. Collector streets such as Fairview Ave S through St. Catherine University are classified as low stress when a wide bicycle lane is present, traffic speeds are low and the roadway configuration includes only one lane in each direction. Implications to the Future Vision The results of the bicycle network deficiency analysis help identify gaps in the Connected Ramsey Communities network. If a county -wide network corridor is classified as extreme or high stress, it indicates a segment in need of improvement. These network deficiency gaps may be present even if a street currently has a bicycle facility provided. Communities may need to upgrade existing facilities to something more comfortable if accessibility for users of all ages and abilities is desired. In particular, county -wide network connections along local roadways may be considered candidates for speed management treatments and speed limit reductions. Achieving an average operating speed below 20 mph would reduce the difference in speed between bicyclists and motor vehicles and reduce exposure to passing cars. This modification would change the classification to low stress, which is considered suitable for bicyclists of all ages and abilities. 2B-13 I SYSTEM ANALYSIS