Mekuria, Furth, and Nixon (2012) developed a network measure based on the concept of minimizing bicyclist stress during a bike trip. In this methodology, every road segment is classified on a four-point scale called Level of Traffic Stress (LTS). LTS incorporates factors such as separation from motor vehicle traffic, number of lanes, width of the bike lane (with parking if applicable), speed limit, and bike lane blockage. LTS also incorporates intersection approaches (e.g. pocket bike lanes and right turn lane characteristics) and the size and speed of signalized and unsignalized intersections. The method assumes that the stress of any route is determined by the worst, or most stressful, link of the entire route, and that some riders will not ride on links with higher levels of stress. This, therefore, limits the portion of a network available to a cyclist. In 2016, along with many other states, the Oregon Department of Transportation adopted the Level of Traffic Stress (LTS) approach to bike facility design. The City of Bend, as part of its transportation system plan update, has incorporated the LTS concept in an effort to define a complete low stress network for bicycle transportation within the city. This presentation will describe how Bend's Growth Management Department used GIS to calculate LTS and guide the design of a future low stress bike network.
