Introduction
An edge lane road, or ELR, is a shared street treatment that provides for two-way motor vehicle and vulnerable road user (VRU) traffic using a center lane and edge lanes on either side. The center lane is primarily for motorists traveling in both directions but VRUs can use it also. VRUs such as cyclists or pedestrians have right-of-way in the edge lanes but motorists can use the edge lanes, after yielding to the VRUs there, to pass approaching vehicles. This can sound ludicrous to those not familiar with the concept but it works well in numerous countries, including the US and Canada. This roadway configuration originated in the Netherlands where they have over 50 years and many hundreds of road-kilometers of experience with this facility.
The video below was produced by the City of Ottawa and is a good explanation of how this shared street treatment operates.
An edge lane road, or ELR, is a shared street treatment that provides for two-way motor vehicle and vulnerable road user (VRU) traffic using a center lane and edge lanes on either side. The center lane is primarily for motorists traveling in both directions but VRUs can use it also. VRUs such as cyclists or pedestrians have right-of-way in the edge lanes but motorists can use the edge lanes, after yielding to the VRUs there, to pass approaching vehicles. This can sound ludicrous to those not familiar with the concept but it works well in numerous countries, including the US and Canada. This roadway configuration originated in the Netherlands where they have over 50 years and many hundreds of road-kilometers of experience with this facility.
The video below was produced by the City of Ottawa and is a good explanation of how this shared street treatment operates.
Terminology
This treatment is known by different names. Examples include: 2-minus-1 roads (New Zealand, Denmark), Edge Lane Road (Denmark, US), Schutzstreifen (Germany), Suggestiestrook (Netherlands), and Advisory Bike Lanes (US).
I recommend the use of "Edge Lane Road" or ELR since it avoids the numerous problems associated with the Advisory Bike Lanes and Advisory Shoulders names. Those problems are described here.
This treatment is known by different names. Examples include: 2-minus-1 roads (New Zealand, Denmark), Edge Lane Road (Denmark, US), Schutzstreifen (Germany), Suggestiestrook (Netherlands), and Advisory Bike Lanes (US).
I recommend the use of "Edge Lane Road" or ELR since it avoids the numerous problems associated with the Advisory Bike Lanes and Advisory Shoulders names. Those problems are described here.
Purpose
This website has two goals around ELRs: 1) ensure accurate information is available to everybody and 2) put a stake in the ground on design issues with an intent to foster dialogue. This site targets traffic engineers, vulnerable road user advocates and those that are knowledgeable about road design.
This website has two goals around ELRs: 1) ensure accurate information is available to everybody and 2) put a stake in the ground on design issues with an intent to foster dialogue. This site targets traffic engineers, vulnerable road user advocates and those that are knowledgeable about road design.
Edge Lane Roads given a 3-star Crash Modification Factor of .56
The FHWA's CMF Clearinghouse now includes CMF #10976. This CMF is rated 3 stars and calls out a 44% reduction in crashes for ELRs, as compared to a standard two-lane road. Click here to view the CMF.
The FHWA's CMF Clearinghouse now includes CMF #10976. This CMF is rated 3 stars and calls out a 44% reduction in crashes for ELRs, as compared to a standard two-lane road. Click here to view the CMF.
AASHTO and NACTO guidance on ELRs issued
AASHTO recently released an update of their Bicycle Guide. It includes sections on advisory bike lanes and advisory shoulders. Their guidance ignores data and experience from U.S. installations. Click here to see a critique of that guidance.
NACTO has also released similar guidance - an examination of that will be posted soon.
AASHTO recently released an update of their Bicycle Guide. It includes sections on advisory bike lanes and advisory shoulders. Their guidance ignores data and experience from U.S. installations. Click here to see a critique of that guidance.
NACTO has also released similar guidance - an examination of that will be posted soon.
New Videos documenting experiences with ELRs from Vail, CO and Yarmouth, ME!
Two new videos were released in April, 2024. They document the story of ELRs in two communities - Vail, CO and Yarmouth, ME. They feature town leaders, law enforcement, advocates, and citizens that simply like to walk. Click here to access the videos.
Two new videos were released in April, 2024. They document the story of ELRs in two communities - Vail, CO and Yarmouth, ME. They feature town leaders, law enforcement, advocates, and citizens that simply like to walk. Click here to access the videos.
ELRs are Shared Roadways
ELRs are a shared street paradigm rather than a new type of bike lane. The concept of a shared roadway exists in the MUTCD. A process for implementing an ELR in compliance with the 2009 MUTCD is described here.
ELRs are a shared street paradigm rather than a new type of bike lane. The concept of a shared roadway exists in the MUTCD. A process for implementing an ELR in compliance with the 2009 MUTCD is described here.
Short Course on ELR Planning and Design
Because ELRs are new to the US and best practices are not well disseminated, many facilities exhibit missed opportunities to increase safety or comfort. If you don't have time to read the design guide, the following two documents will help you avoid the most common missteps.
Seven ELR Planning Sins
Seven ELR Design Sins
Because ELRs are new to the US and best practices are not well disseminated, many facilities exhibit missed opportunities to increase safety or comfort. If you don't have time to read the design guide, the following two documents will help you avoid the most common missteps.
Seven ELR Planning Sins
Seven ELR Design Sins
Low Vision Pedestrians
Accessible Design for the Blind (ADB), best known as the entity led by tireless advocate for the low vision population, Janet Barlow, released a letter in September 2022 stating their preference for ELRs over standard 2 lane roads without sidewalks for the low vision population. A copy of the letter is available here.
Accessible Design for the Blind (ADB), best known as the entity led by tireless advocate for the low vision population, Janet Barlow, released a letter in September 2022 stating their preference for ELRs over standard 2 lane roads without sidewalks for the low vision population. A copy of the letter is available here.
Keep up-to-date on ELR news
An email listserv has been created as a google group to support discussion of ELRs. Just search for the "edgelaneroads" google group and subscribe!
An email listserv has been created as a google group to support discussion of ELRs. Just search for the "edgelaneroads" google group and subscribe!
Database of ELRs in North America
I maintain a database of ELRs in the US and Canada (there are more than 85 as of July 2024!). The database includes geometric, technical, and legal information on each facility secured through an interview with an agency representative. I hope to make this data publicly available in the future. If you are aware of a new ELR, please let me know by emailing me at [email protected].
I maintain a database of ELRs in the US and Canada (there are more than 85 as of July 2024!). The database includes geometric, technical, and legal information on each facility secured through an interview with an agency representative. I hope to make this data publicly available in the future. If you are aware of a new ELR, please let me know by emailing me at [email protected].
Advisory Bike Lanes |
Top Photo Courtesy of Richard Sparks
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