HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-11-07; Traffic Safety Commission; ; Support Carlsbad's current approach to striping bicycle facilitiesCITY OF CARLSBAD
TRAFFIC SAFETY COORDINATING COMMITTEE
STAFF REPORT
COMMITTEE MEETING OF: November 7, 2016 ITEM NO. 6E
LOCATION: Citywide
Staff INITIATED BY:
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 high-
pressure 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 is
not intended for travel either by motorists or cyclists, except for special
circumstances 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 performed
by a contractor as part of a larger restriping effort, such as part of pavement
resurfacing.
• Thermoplastic is used primarily for its longevity. In many locations around the
city, thermoplastic is known to have a lifespan of 10 years or more.
• Following initial installation by a contractor, City crews assume the responsibility
for performing striping refreshes -in many locations, painted lines are refreshed
on an annual basis. Thus, thermoplastic offers a distinct advantage over paint.
• Thermoplastic maintains its visibility for a much longer time over painted
symbols and lines, thus providing a safer roadway for all users.
• Other cyclists have reported that they appreciated the buffer and the raised
marking since it warns a motorist that they veering from the lane, and the
warning that it provides to cyclists that a vehicle has veered away from their
lane.
• Glass beads are added to thermoplastic for traction in wet conditions.
• Staff will examine options to provide an edge hatch in buffer areas if this option
is consistent with FHWA and/or CA MUTCD.
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RECOMMENDATION:
Staff is recommending continuation of the current approach to using thermoplastic
paint for bicycle facilities, but will examine opportunities to modify buffer hatching if
allowed by FHWA and/or CA MUTCD.
NECESSARY CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
None. This item is informational only.
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