Multi-Modal Level of Service Toolkit
HCM 2010 – Bicycle LOS
Overview The 2010 Highway Capacity Manual (HCM 2010) provides detailed instructions on calculating LOS for bicycles on urban streets (at the link, segment and facility levels) and at signalized and 2-way stop intersections. (It also offers instructions on calculating LOS on two-lane highways and off-street facilities, which are not discussed here.) Bicycle LOS is integrated into HCM 2010’s multi-modal LOS, allowing the comparison of trade-offs between modes.
How to measure The performance evaluation of urban street facilities for bicyclists includes two measures:
1. Bicycle LOS score is based on cyclists’ perception of their travel experience. It includes the following: Volume and speed of auto traffic in the outside lane (shared with or closest to bicyclists) Volume of heavy vehicle traffic Number and width of all lanes in the direction of travel Bicycle speed, including delay at intersections Presence of bike lanes Other space and buffering available to bicyclists outside auto lanes, including paved shoulders On-street parking and occupancy Pavement condition (subjectively rated from 0-5 according to HCM 2010 Exhibit 17.7. Cities or other jurisdictions frequently calculate LOS at the link level (on a single block). In order to calculate the Bicycle LOS score for a segment that contains several links, the equation adds: Bicycle LOS score for intersections, incorporating signal timing and bicycle flow rates Type of intersection (signalized or two-way stop) Midblock conflicts, including frequently-used driveways and other unsignalized intersections 2. Bicycle Travel Speed is a length-weighted aggregate of average bicycle speeds along segments within the facility, taking into account intersection delay.
Calculating LOS
1. Bicycle running speed
4. Bicycle LOS for Intersection
7. Bicycle LOS Score for Segment
2. Delay at Intersection
5. Bicycle LOS Score for Link
10. Segment LOS
3. Bicycle Travel Speed
6. Link LOS
Levels
of Analysis Link (single block within a street facility) Urban Street Segment Urban Street Facility Signalized Intersection Two-way stop intersection
Potential Applications Development review
Transportation Master Plans
Advantages
How to Calculate LOS To calculate LOS from A-F for bicycles for a segment or facility, refer to Exhibit 16-6 in HCM 2010. The higher the Bicycle LOS score, the lower the resulting letter grade. LOS must be calculated separately for each direction of travel.
Easy to compare with motor vehicle, pedestrian and transit LOS for the same segment/facility. Quantifies the benefits and drawbacks of roadway design alternatives for a single segment. Derived from extensive research into road user perception of conditions. Focused on factors within the public right-ofway, which can be addressed through planning and engineering.
Bicycle Master Plans
Disadvantages
Requires significant data inputs, many of which must be measured in the field. May not be feasible as a stand-alone measure (reliant on HCM 2010 auto LOS measures). Heavily biased towards off-street facilities; difficult to get an “A” score for on-street lanes.
Sample Applications HCM 2010 Pedestrian LOS evaluation methods have been incorporated into transportation modeling software, including Complete Streets LOS (CSLOS) and Synchro Studio 8.
Fehr and Peers applied the NCHRP 370 methodology, which HCM 2010 is based on, for various projects in San Diego that included a corridor study, community plan update, and infill development. Fehr & Peers has recently applied the HCM 2010 methodology using CSLOS software as part of the West Los Angeles Mobility Plan. Data Requirements Bicycle LOS requires data inputs that are also used in HCM 2010’s auto LOS calculation. For bicycle LOS calculations and the segment and facility levels: Length of segment being analyzed Auto traffic speed and volumes Width and number of through lanes Width of bicycle lane and/or paved shoulder Presence and type of median Presence of curbs Existence and percent occupancy of on-street parking Pavement condition (subjectively rated from 0-5 according to HCM 2010 Exhibit 17.7) Number of driveways and side streets on a segment Bicycle delay at intersection Bicycle LOS score for intersection
To calculate bicycle LOS at an intersection, you will also need: Length of signal phases for through traffic and cross-traffic (green, yellow, red) Green time through traffic Bicycle flow rates (observed at intersections with aggressive right-turning autos, otherwise assume 2000 bikes/hr)