HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-01-09; Traffic Safety Commission; ; Support Carlsbad's current approach to striping bicycle facilitiesCITY OF CARLSBAD
TRAFFIC SAFETY COORDINATING COMMITTEE
COMMITTEE MEETING OF:
STAFF REPORT
January 9, 2017 ITEM NO. 6C.1
LOCATION: Citywide.
INITIATED BY:. Staff
REQUESTED ACTION: Support Carlsbad's current approach to striping bicycle facilities
BACKGROUND:
DATA:
The City of Carlsbad currently uses thermoplastic paint for some treatments of bicycle and pedestrian facilities, such as crosswalks, shared lane markings, bike lane markings and cross-hatches on bicycle lane buffers. Ms. Judy Frankel provided comment at the October 2016 TSC meeting and requested that the city discontinue the use of thermoplastic paint in the buffer area between bike lanes and vehicular lanes. Ms. Frankel stated that the buffer area is sometimes used for intermittent bicycle travel and that the thickness of the thermoplastic causes an uncomfortable ride with certain highpressure bicycle tires. Ms. Frankel suggested that epoxy paint had been recommended to her as an alternate to thermoplastic.
Staff has reviewed current practice for marking the above facilities and offers these reasons for the thermoplastic use: •Thermoplastic paint is typically limited to longitudinal crosshatch striping that isnot intended for travel either by motorists or cyclists, except for specialcircumstances when the bike lane is blocked.•Thermoplastic paint has a thickness ranging from 35mils to 125mils (1/32"-1/8")•The application of cross-hatching is a time-consuming effort typically performedby a contractor as part of a larger restriping effort, such as part of pavementresurfacing.•Thermoplastic is used primarily for its longevity. In many locations around thecity, thermoplastic is known to have a lifespan of 10 years or more.•Following initial it;1stallation by a contractor, City crews assume the responsibilityfor performing striping refreshes -in many locations, painted lines are refreshedon an annual basis. Thus, thermoplastic offer's a distinct advantage over paint.•Thermoplastic maintains its visibility for a much longer time over paintedsymbols and lines, thus providing a safer roadway for all users.•Other cyclists have reported that they appreciated the buffer and the raisedmarking since it warns a motorist that they veering from the lane, and thewarning that it provides to cyclists that a vehicle has veered away from theirlane.•Glass beads are added to thermoplastic for traction in wet conditions. Staff willexamine options to provide an edge hatch in buffer areas if this option isconsistent with FHWA and/or CA MUTCD
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