Safety Audit Guidelines for Bikeway Systems

As an important component of active and sustainable transportation, cycling is recognised as a legitimate transportation mode. However, to be useful, bikeways need to provide cyclists using them with a high level of safety. Unexpected changes in the horizontal and vertical geometry or cross-section of a bikeway are hazards to cyclists that can be minimised through safety audits. A safety audit of the existing bikeways in Calgary, Alberta was undertaken as a case study to determine the relative safety of different bicycle facilities. Lateral and vertical clearance, sight distance, grades, street furniture, signage, bikeway width and quality were all reviewed as part of this audit. These design elements formed the basis of the safety audit as each has the potential to increase or decrease the safety to a cyclist depending on the situation. The principles and guidelines of what constitutes a comprehensive safety audit for bikeway systems are outlined along with many examples of good bikeways and unsafe situations. These guidelines should help anyone planning bikeways, reviewing bikeway safety, or undertaking the safety audit, or review, of any existing or planned bikeways.