Bicycle System
Please review the content below, including the identified gaps and deficiencies of the existing system. The information below will provide context to support the exhibits to the right. Each exhibit includes a comment box for you to include your feedback. In addition, you may also provide comments via the bicycle system interactive map.
Bicycle System Interactive Map - Click Here!
Guiding Questions
- Did we miss anything with the inventory or does anything need further clarification?
- Do the text, tables, and maps clearly present the information?
- Do you have any questions, comments, or concerns about the content?
Bicycle Facilities
Bicycle facilities in Independence consist of on-street bike lanes, shoulder bikeways, and unmarked shared roadways, as well as bicycle parking. These facilities provide residents with the ability to travel between residential areas, schools, parks, retail/commercial centers, and other activity centers within Independence and neighboring cities by bike. The bicycle facilities exhibit to the right illustrates the location and type of bicycle facilities in Independence.
Existing Gaps and Deficiencies
Streets with no bicycle facilities or intermittent bicycle facilities force cyclists to share the travel lane with motor vehicles or use the shoulder if available. In many cases, this is not a desirable option for cyclists due to narrow lane widths or uneven pavement conditions. Adequate bicycle facilities should be provided to allow for safe travel between neighborhoods and essential destinations. The following provides a summary of the existing gaps and deficiencies in the bicycle system:
- There are no designated and marked shared roadways on streets where the speed and traffic conditions would support mixed traffic.
- There are gaps in the bicycle facilities provided along several arterials and collector streets throughout Independence.
- There are no bicycle facilities provided along several arterial and collector streets throughout Independence.
- Several of the gaps and deficiencies limit connectivity between residential areas and bicycle destinations throughout the city, including schools, parks, and transit stops.
Bicycle Level of Traffic Stress
Bicycle level of traffic stress (BLTS) is an analysis methodology used to evaluate the adequacy of streets to accommodate bicycle travel. A street that is rated BLTS 1 generally has low traffic volumes and travel speeds and is suitable for all cyclists, including children. A street that is rated BLTS 4 generally has high traffic volumes and travel speeds and is perceived as unsafe by most adults. BLTS 2 is generally considered to be acceptable by most cyclists except near schools where BLTS 1 is preferred. The BLTS exhibit to the right illustrates the PLTS analysis results for arterial and collector streets in Independence. As shown, several arterial and collector streets have segments that are rated BLTS 3 and BLTS 4.