Lesson 16 - FHWA University Course on Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation (FHWA-HRT-05-085)

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Bicycle Facility Maintenance
Lesson 16

This photograph shows a woman with a push broom who is cleaning a wide shared use path. Her bicycle is also parked on the path and include a trailer that contains maintenance equipment.

Lesson Outline

Maintenance objectives.
Typical process.
Common problems.
User feedback.

Maintenance Objectives

Strive to keep facilities hazard-free.
Encourage reporting of hazards.
Design and build facilities with maintenance in mind.
Program for maintenance.

The photograph shows a new paved street with a newly striped bike lane. Debris (appears to be grass clippings and small brush) has accumulated in the right half of the bike lane.

Implementation Planning

Identify implementers.
Review policies and practices.
Review results.
Recommend changes.
Create spot improvement program.
Evaluate the process.

Typical Maintenance Problems

Surface problems:

– Debris, pavement quality, snow removal.
Vegetation:

– Encroaching vegetation (trees and grass).
Signing and marking:

– Uniform and usable condition.

Feedback from Users

This photograph shows a postcard that is used to identify and report road maintenance issues. The card identifies the type of problem, the location, a description for why it is a problem, and an area to describe what the reporter thinks should be done about the problem.

Source: Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition, http://www.vtbikeped.org

Lesson Summary

Maintenance is an important function.
Formulate program objectives.
Develop implementation plan.

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