Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
Adjustments were considered necessary as the Suitability <br /> Rating Index methodology as described in the Regional <br /> Bicycle Plan is urban in nature and difficult to use in <br /> rural areas. Leon and Broward Counties in Florida have <br /> also modified the methodology for local conditions. <br /> The second presentation described the results of using the <br /> Modified Suitability Rating Index methodology. And also <br /> indicated that the NCDOT' s Office of Bicycle & Pedestrian <br /> Transportation had reviewed the preliminary draft of the <br /> study and requested that Orange County use a different <br /> methodology. The methodology recommended by NCDOT was <br /> developed by Dr. Alex Sorton and determines road <br /> compatibility for bicyclists on the basis of stress level. <br /> NCDOT also requested that an assessment of scenic <br /> qualities be included in the analysis of the bike routes. <br /> The third presentation reported the results of the Draft <br /> Bicycle Suitability Study using the Sorton methodology and <br /> includes a scenic qualities assessment. The analysis also <br /> included the planned bicycle routes for the Town of <br /> Hillsborough. This is the analysis that is presented <br /> tonight to the Board. <br /> The results of the analysis indicate that during the <br /> highest hour of vehicular traffic, most of bicycle routes <br /> in Orange County have a high interaction between <br /> bicyclists and vehicles causing high to very high levels <br /> of stress for the bicyclists. What this means is that <br /> during peak commuting times, only experienced bicyclists <br /> (not casual or youth bicyclists) should consider using the <br /> existing bicycle routes in Orange County. <br /> The Regional Bicycle Plan stresses bicycle education and <br /> awareness. This is intended to prevent injuries to <br /> bicyclists by educating bicyclists and motorists. The <br /> Basics of Bicycling Program is intended for elementary <br /> school children to begin an individual' s bicycle <br /> awareness. The Department of Planning is working with the <br /> Orange County Board of Education and NCDOT to get this <br /> program initiated.. The Chapel Hill-Carrboro Elementary <br /> Schools already have this program in place. <br /> RECOMMNDATION: The Administration recommends that the Board: <br /> a) adopt the attached resolution, <br /> b) receive as information the results of the Draft Orange <br /> County Bicycle Suitability Study, and <br /> c) receive as information the Basics of Bicycling Project <br /> Mini-Contract Applicant Information form and response <br /> from NCDOT Office of Bicycle & Pedestrian <br /> Transportation. <br />