Publication Details

Informational report on accessibility at innovative new and quick-build pedestrian and bicycle designs v1.2: Literature review and gap analysis [IN PRESS]

Type: Paper

Author(s): Mello, M.; Kent, M.; West, Alyson; O'Brien, Sarah W.; Bentzen, B.; Schroeder, B.

Publisher: Federal Highway Administratoin

Publication Date: Nov-2022

Address: Washington, DC

Abstract: This literature review focuses on research, guidance, and practice related to the accessibility of six innovative and new quick-build pedestrian and bicycle facilities (referred to in this report by the abbreviated name in italics): 1. Protected intersections (quick or permanent) (Protected intersections)  2. Street spaces reclaimed for pedestrian use with quick-build materials, such as intersection bulb-outs, median islands, plazas, and outdoor dining spaces (quick or permanent) (Reclaimed street spaces)  3. At-grade, side-by-side pedestrian and bicycle facilities (permanent) (Parallel and flush walking and biking facilities) 4. Separated bike lanes built with quick-build materials, assumed to be at street-level due to drainage considerations that generally preclude quick-build sidewalk- or intermediate-level bike lanes (Quick-build separated bicycle lanes)  5. Bicycle-only ramps, such as at roundabouts (quick or permanent) (Bicycle ramps)  6. Floating bus islands (quick or permanent) (Floating bus islands)  Examples of these intersection treatments, including photos, are provided in Section 5 for reference. This literature review focuses on accessibility for pedestrians with visual impairments, while noting implications for pedestrians with other disabilities including mobility, hearing, and cognitive disabilities, that will be addressed in the final guidance. Research sources were identified by scanning for research studies, white papers, guides, or other sources based on keyword searches relevant to the design and construction of innovative and quick-build pedestrian and bicycle facilities that are accessible. Section 2 provides specifics within each subsection for the keywords used to build the search relevant to the design type discussed within that subsection. The literature scan focused on US or Canadian sources published primarily between 2010 and 2022, while including known key sources of seminal work prior to 2010 that were particularly relevant. Searches were conducted across the Transportation Research International Documentation (TRID) database, ITE website, Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP) community forum, and Google to find potential sources which were then further scanned for relevance. Existing national, state, regional, and local design guidance from the United States and the United Kingdom informed Section 3, which summarizes key features, challenges, and accessibility guidance for each treatment of interest. Section 4 includes a summary of ongoing research, materials development, and experimentation related to accessibility at these treatments, while Section 5 highlights case studies of applications representing current best practices. Lastly, Section 6 summarizes the current gaps in human factors research, design guidance, and application in practice for each treatment of interest and the main accessibility features.