The B-Active Level of Comfort Analysis
Bicyclists have varying levels of tolerance for traffic and the stress created by volume, speed, and proximity of adjacent traffic. Their tolerance may vary by time of day or trip purpose, and it may change over time. To quantify a cyclist’s comfort, the project team conducted a Level of Comfort (LOC) analysis for the B-ACTIVE Plan. The resulting LOC score is a qualitative indicator of the stress felt by a bicyclist using a facility based on a given road’s characteristics. Factors that affect LOC include speed, number of adjacent travel lanes, daily traffic conditions, and the level of separation for a bicycle facility from traffic. Five classifications were used to describe the Greater Birmingham area’s existing conditions, with LOC 1 indicating the most comfortable riding environments, and LOC 5 indicating riding environments not suitable for bicycle traffic.
LOC is determined based on datasets provided by the Birmingham MPO. These data sets included speed limits, functional classification, existing bicycle facilities, annual average daily traffic (AADT) volumes, and median and shoulder types. These datasets characterize each road in the Greater Birmingham region in terms of cyclists’ safety and comfort.
A score of LOC 1 is assigned to roads that are appropriate for most children; the level of attention required from cyclists is minimal, making it safe for all levels of cyclists. These roads are characterized by lower traffic speeds (30 miles per hour or less) and one lane of travel in each direction. Multiuse paths, trails, and greenways are also assigned LOC 1.
The next level, LOC 2, is given to local roads that still have slower traffic speeds (35 miles per hour or less). Based on average annual daily traffic (AADT) counts, local roads can be assigned LOC 2 with either one or two travel lanes in each direction. Major collector roads can also be LOC 2 if they have bicycle lanes and either: one lane of travel per direction and moderate AADT volumes; or more than one travel lane in each direction and very low AADT volumes. These conditions are suitable for the mainstream adult population; these roads require more attention from the riders than LOC 1, but they are still appropriate for most rider skill levels.
A score of LOC 1 is assigned to roads that are appropriate for most children; the level of attention required from cyclists is minimal, making it safe for all levels of cyclists. These roads are characterized by lower traffic speeds (30 miles per hour or less) and one lane of travel in each direction. Multiuse paths, trails, and greenways are also assigned LOC 1.
The next level, LOC 2, is given to local roads that still have slower traffic speeds (35 miles per hour or less). Based on average annual daily traffic (AADT) counts, local roads can be assigned LOC 2 with either one or two travel lanes in each direction. Major collector roads can also be LOC 2 if they have bicycle lanes and either: one lane of travel per direction and moderate AADT volumes; or more than one travel lane in each direction and very low AADT volumes. These conditions are suitable for the mainstream adult population; these roads require more attention from the riders than LOC 1, but they are still appropriate for most rider skill levels.
The experience of riding on a roadway with a Level of Comfort over 4.
Corridors that are well suited for the enthusiastic rider that is confident in his/her abilities are classified as LOC 3. These roads are characterized by traffic speeds of 45 miles per hour or less. Local roads with more than one travel lane in each direction and lower traffic volumes, or those with only one travel lane per direction and moderate traffic volumes can be classified as LOC 3. Minor collector roads with moderate traffic volumes are also classified as LOC 3. Two scenarios on major collectors with bicycle lanes allowed LOC 3 classification: (1) those with only one travel lane in each direction and moderate traffic volumes, or (2) more than one travel lane in each direction and low traffic volumes. Arterial roads can also be classified as LOC 3 with low traffic volumes and lower speeds.
The LOC 4 category roads are those that are only fitting for the most advanced levels of cyclists—those who can be classified as “strong and fearless” riders. Speeds on these roads range from 40 to 55 miles per hour, with several different allowable scenarios. First, local roads with more than one travel lane in each direction AADT volumes greater than 4,000; or only one travel lane in each direction and AADT volumes greater than 8,000, were assigned LOC 4. Minor arterial roads with moderate and high AADT volumes were also given a score of 4.
The LOC 4 category roads are those that are only fitting for the most advanced levels of cyclists—those who can be classified as “strong and fearless” riders. Speeds on these roads range from 40 to 55 miles per hour, with several different allowable scenarios. First, local roads with more than one travel lane in each direction AADT volumes greater than 4,000; or only one travel lane in each direction and AADT volumes greater than 8,000, were assigned LOC 4. Minor arterial roads with moderate and high AADT volumes were also given a score of 4.