Abstract

Using GIS to Create Bicycle Friendly Communities
Track: Transportation
Authors: Jennifer Lishman, Carl Henderson

To support Maryland State Highway Administration's (SHA) goal to increase the mileage of bicycle facilities by 2% annually, JMT Technology Group developed an ArcGIS desktop and web-based solution that assists SHA to plan for new bicycle facilities. Leveraging ArcGIS desktop and linear referencing tools, a variety of roadway characteristics were assessed and segments identified as suitable for bicycle facilities. In addition, an ArcGIS desktop editing toolbar was developed and implemented to generate proposed bicycle facilities including bike lanes, bike-related signs, and pavement markings. JMT also added functionality to SHA's existing enterprise GIS (eGIS) web application to share existing and proposed bicycle facility locations with stakeholders. Organizations striving for more bicycle friendly communities will benefit from SHA's methodology, tools, and lessons learned in their own bicycle planning efforts.