New Hampshire Statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan [1995]

NHTSA · 1995 · ROSA P / New Hampshire. Dept. of Transportation

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Summary

This document presents the New Hampshire Statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, developed by the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration. The plan was created to comply with the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) of 1991, which mandated states to integrate bicycle and pedestrian facilities into their transportation systems. It updates the 1977 "Shared Roadway Bike Lane Study" and expands its scope to include pedestrian travel, aiming to recognize bicycling and walking as legitimate, efficient alternatives to motorized transportation. The planning process involved collaboration with regional planning commissions, metropolitan planning organizations, and a Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Advisory Board. Regional plans were consolidated to form a statewide bike route system totaling approximately 2,200 miles. The design criteria prioritize shared roadway bike lanes, requiring a minimum 4-foot paved shoulder, and separate bike paths, requiring a minimum 8-foot width. The plan emphasizes connecting population centers, reducing single-occupant vehicle trips, and conserving energy. Funding for these projects is drawn from various ISTEA categories, including the National Highway System, Surface Transportation Program, and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program. Key findings regarding the current infrastructure indicate that of the statewide system utilizing roadway shoulders, approximately 40 percent already possesses paved shoulders of 4 feet or wider, making them suitable for bicycle travel. About 10 percent has paved shoulders narrower than 4 feet, while the remaining 50 percent lacks paved shoulders entirely. The plan outlines specific objectives to address these gaps, including the adoption of AASHTO design standards, the implementation of safety education programs emphasizing helmet use, and the maintenance of hazard-free roadways by removing debris and repairing potholes. The significance of this plan lies in its establishment of a formal framework for integrating non-motorized transport into New Hampshire’s intermodal system. It assigns a dedicated Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Coordinator to manage the program and establishes a two-year project selection cycle involving public input and multiple state and federal agencies. By prioritizing safety, connectivity, and environmental benefits, the plan seeks to reduce air pollution and traffic congestion while promoting health and economic development through improved mobility for all users.

Key finding

The plan establishes a statewide bicycle route system of approximately 2,200 miles with design standards requiring a minimum four-foot paved shoulder for shared roadways and an eight-foot width for separate bike paths.

Methodology

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Provenance

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• cyclist safety