This paper was presented at the session titled `Risk management in the roads sector - safety management'. It is noted at the outset that the bicycle is now recognised as a legitimate transportation mode, especially in the context of sustainable transportation systems. However, bicycle facilities need to provide the cyclists using them with a high level of safety. Unexpected, abrupt changes in horizontal and vertical geometry and cross-section pose a hazard to cyclists. Such hazards can be minimised through a safety audit or at the initial design phase by following good design practice. A safety audit of the existing bicycle facilities in Calgary, Alberta was undertaken as a case study to determine the relative safety of different bicycle facilities. Due to the many kilometres of bicycle facilities within the City of Calgary there are many examples of safe and unsafe situations, and locations where mitigation measures have improved safety. Lateral clearance, vertical clearance, sight distance, grades, pathway/street furniture, lighting, directional signage, pathway/roadway width, and ride quality were all reviewed as part of the audit. These design elements formed the basis of the field investigation that was undertaken as part of the safety audit. Each of these design elements has the potential to either 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. Criteria for the development of checklists for the safety audit process are provided along with a discussion of the importance of an ongoing monitoring process for bikeway systems within the framework of a risk management strategy. (A)
Abstract