Pedestrian and Bicycle Accomodations for Superstreets

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Pedestrian and Bicycle Accomodations for Superstreets

J. E. Hummer / A. M. Holzem / N. M. Rouphail

Superstreets, also known as J-turns or restricted crossing U-turns, have grown in popularity throughout North Carolina and other states in both rural and urban locations, primarily due to the benefits the intersection brings to motor vehicles, which include decreased delay and a reduction in collisions. However, the intersection poses unique challenges to pedestrians and bicyclists that need to be addressed so that all roadway users may benefit from this experience. The objective of this research was to consider these unique challenges for pedestrians and bicyclists at signalized superstreet intersections and recommend crossing alternatives for both users. For pedestrians the options included the diagonal cross, median cross, two-stage Barnes Dance cross and midblock cross. For bicyclists the options included the bicycle Uturn as well as bicycles using the vehicle U-turn, the bicycle direct cross and the midblock cross. These options were analyzed through microsimulation based on average stopped delay per route, average number of stops per route, and average travel time per route. Furthermore, various parameters were analyzed per each of the crossing geometries including two signal cycle lengths, two signal splits, two signal offset designs, and two midblock distances.