The Deal With The Shoulder On Akron-Peninsula Road

Thanks to Kevlarbikes' comment on yesterday's post, my dilemma of what to write about today was solved.  I originally thought I'd just write a reply, but then realized that someone else would like to know too.  Here's his comment:

"Great post, and great overview of the concept of how to ride on the roads. One point I question: 

"A good example of this type of road is Akron-Peninsula in The Valley. There is a specially constructed shoulder for cyclists which allows them to safely ride on the right for most of time."

While I agree in principle that if there is a usable shoulder, I ride there as a courtesy to motorists, even though I'm not required to. What I've often wondered is if the shoulder in this area meets the official requirements (minimum width, etc.) to be called a "bike lane." It's not marked as a bike lane, and I suspect the reason why is that it does not meet the requirements.

As I've read in your previous posts, you have some local insider knowledge of this area of Cuyahoga Falls, so if you can enlighten us more as to the history of the shoulder of this section of road, and the philosophy behind the design and marking of the shoulder, I would be glad to hear about it."

Since I wasn't paying attention during the time the shoulder was created (I just remember when it appeared), I had to make a call and do a little research to get the scoop on it.  I also have someone looking into it for me so I may get more information in the future.  Ok, here's my best attempt at "enlightening" you about Akron-Peninsula (A-P) road.

We moved to The Valley in 1995 and at the time, most of A-P and Riverview (which runs parallel to A-P on the other side of the Cuyahoga River) had standard widths.  The white line on the right of the road was maybe a foot or two left of the edge.  The cyclists I saw tended to travel on the right, but there was not room for them to ride right of the line.  The Valley was quickly becoming the cycling hot spot that it is today thanks to the creation of the National Recreation Area, increased use and popularity of the O & E Towpath Trail, and good 'ole Lance Armstrong.   It seem that almost overnight there were tons of bikes.  Drivers and cyclist had no idea how to handle each other and it was a source of contention.  So, sometime around 1996-97 the roads were widened and the shoulder that is there today was created.  From that point on, most cyclist were able to travel comfortably and safely right of the white line.  Since there are hardly any intersections on A-P from Bath Rd. to Peninsula and traffic is calm most cyclists are comfortable staying right the entire time.

So the question is, why did they widen the shoulder and not create a bike lane?  I do not have a specific answer for that.  But, after making my call and doing some digging I have a couple of theories.

First of all, the whole point of lanes and shoulders is to have a space for bicycles to ride without slowing traffic.  Many rural roads like A-P have high speed limits (in this case 45mph) and therefore the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) wants a space for bicycles and other vehicles (like buggies) that cannot travel consistently at high speeds.   The most preferred choice, actually, is a paved shoulder.  AASHTO asks that these shoulders be at least 4 ft wide like a lane, "However, where 4ft widths cannot be achieved, any additional shoulder width is better than none at all."  A shoulder that is less than 4ft wide cannot be officially designated a bike lane.  Several sections of the A-P shoulder are less that 4ft wide, thus it cannot be made an official lane.  Also, official lanes must be regularly maintained, repaired and kept clear of debris and branches.  There is no such requirement for shoulders.  All they require is that the shoulder be paved.  AASHTO recommends that communities create paved and widened shoulders in rural areas where funding is limited and the required bike lane maintenance isn't practical.

Here's a little back story on Cuyahoga Falls' policy.  Although it isn't an official mandate, the County of Summit strongly suggests that all county communities put a priority on the creation of pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, with an emphasis on separate bike/hike pathways.  Cuyahoga Falls has been creating such pathways where possible.  One was just installed on Wyoga Lake Rd.  They are planning on putting another on State Rd. extending from Graham to Steels Corners during construction tentatively scheduled for 2012.  When such pathways aren't possible, their next choice is establishing lanes or widening the shoulders.  According to my source, cost is the biggest factor in determining if they will create an official lane or just widen the shoulder.  They also look at the pre-existing bicycle traffic.  For example, roads near schools will more often have a lane.  A new lane was just installed on Chart Rd. which runs from State Rd. to Northampton Rd. where Woodridge Primary Elementary is located.  

So, if Cuyahoga Falls was going to start construction on A-P they would first look at creating a separate hike/bike path.  But, the road is in the National Park, so that option wouldn't be on the table anyway.  Next they would look at lane vs. shoulder.

A-P road passes through Akron, Cuyahoga Falls, and Boston Twp. and the borders are extremely jumbled.  For instance, where we lived it was so disjointed that our mailing address was Akron but our property was in Cuyahoga Falls.  More than likely this jurisdiction confusion is a major cause for the shoulder being installed instead of a lane.   Imagine if Cuyahoga Falls decided to install a lane on its sections of A-P and Akron didn't.  Now you see it, now you don't.  Plus, because of AASHTO's requirements for shoulders no one has to worry about the it until the road is in need of serious repair. 

In short, the shoulder is specifically constructed to provide space for cyclists and it is the easiest and cheapest option for A-P road's conditions.

I hope all that helped answer the question.  

Personally, I think that with all the bicycle traffic an official lane would be much better on A-P and Riverview if it is possible.   It would ensure regular repairs and cleaning.  Much of that shoulder is a mess.  And, for some reason lanes are better at communicating to motorists that bikes belong on the road too.

Now I have a question.  Sometime around 2007, Cuyahoga Falls put up a blue sign (I believe there were others elsewhere) near the intersection of Bath and A-P that cited Section 45.  Unfortunately, I don't remember what specific part of the revised code it referred.  Do you?  My theory is that it cited § 4511.55.B about riding two abreast, but, it was taken down, so unless I find out the story from someone at Cuyahoga Falls it will remain a mystery.

Thanks for the awesome question, Kevlarbikes!  After all that research, I now have a much better understanding of lane planning!