The next big thing in bicycle transportation and planning

The Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission looked at cycling networks from the point of view of the user. And when the commission did that, it came up with the next big thing in bicycle transportation and planning. It’s called the Level of Traffic Stress Analysis. The Level of Traffic Stress Analysis takes into consideration the types of users – like the Strong and Fearless (those confident cyclists who ride with traffic and during evening hours) who experience a higher Level 3 or 4 stress. And the Interested but Concerned riders (cyclists who want to ride, but feel more confident in separated bike lanes, away from vehicles) who experience a lower Level 1 or 2 stress. Eighty-five percent of residents fall within the Interested but Concerned. The analysis stresses connecting lower Level stress areas with regional bikeways and key destinations in communities, like schools, community centers and commercial districts. This encourages the 85 percent population to bike.