6. Shared Rural Minor Collector/Bike Route SETTING: Where paved road provides continuity with other bike routes, where traffic volumes are less than 1000 average daily trips and motor vehicle speeds are low, and where it is not feasible to create a marked bike lane. Could be constructed in rural countryside, main subdivision roads. EXAMPLE: Cochran Road in Richmond. OBJECTIVE: Safe paved route for ature and experienced bicyclists to share the road and travel in the same directions as motorized traffic with wide enough firm shoulders for pedestrians to travel in the opposite directions of motor vehicle and bicycle traffic. DESIGN: Existing 11'wide paved lanes to be shared by motor vehicles and bicyles (which will reuire deferential driving when it is apparent that 2 cars are about to pas each other and a bicylce or pedestrian at the same place). Shoulders 3' wide, compacted with 3% cross-slopes, will be needed to: 1) enable bicyclists to ride closer to the edge of the pavement, 2) provide space for bicyclists to stop off the traveled roadway, and 3) provide a walking/running surface for pedestrians.

IMPROVEMENTS: Widen and compact shoulder of Cochran Road from loose 1' width to a firm 3' widht. Place "Bike Route" signs at frequent enough entervals to guide bicylists and inform motorists that bicycles are on roadway. Reduce speed limit from 45 M.P.H. to the same speed limit as River Road, which is Bolton's section of the Cross-Vermont Trail-espcially if motor traffic volume increases to over 1000 average daily trips as projected. Sweep as necessary to eliminate broken glass and gravel for the entire widht of bike lane. COST: Depends on the amount and cost of material needed to widen should to 3 feet and the number of "Bicycle Route" signs that are needed.

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Nat Goodhue
GOODHUE LAND DESIGN
P.O. Box 235
Stowe, VT 05672
ngoodhue@stowevt.net