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City of Oxnard - Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Appendices

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<strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Oxnard</strong> | <strong>Bicycle</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Pedestrian</strong> <strong>Master</strong> <strong>Plan</strong><br />

A.2 Design <strong>of</strong> Multi-Use Paths (Class I)<br />

A multi-use path (Caltrans designation Class I) allows for two-way, <strong>of</strong>f-street bicycle use. Unless a parallel<br />

pedestrian path is provided, other non-motorized users such as pedestrians or rollerbladers are legally allowed<br />

to use the multi-use path. These facilities are frequently found in parks, along rivers <strong>and</strong> beaches, <strong>and</strong> in<br />

greenbelts or utility corridors where right-<strong>of</strong>-way exists <strong>and</strong> there are few conflicts with motorized vehicles.<br />

Class I facilities can also include amenities such as lighting, signage, <strong>and</strong> fencing.<br />

A.2.1. General Design Practices<br />

Multi-use paths provide a desirable facility, particularly for novice riders, children, recreational trips, <strong>and</strong> long<br />

distance commuter bicyclists <strong>of</strong> all skill levels preferring separation from traffic. Multi-use paths should<br />

generally provide directional travel opportunities not provided by existing roadways. Some <strong>of</strong> the elements<br />

that enhance <strong>of</strong>f-street path design include:<br />

• Frequent access points from the local road network. If access points are spaced too far apart, users<br />

will have to travel out <strong>of</strong> direction to enter or exit the path, which can discourage use.<br />

• Grade-separated crossings with streets or driveways.<br />

• Placing wayfinding signs to direct users to <strong>and</strong> from the path <strong>and</strong> major roadway crossings.<br />

• Construction at a st<strong>and</strong>ard that allows heavy maintenance equipment to use the path without<br />

causing it to deteriorate.<br />

• Proper design <strong>of</strong> intersections where the multi-use path intersects with roadways to alert motorists<br />

to the presence <strong>of</strong> bicyclists <strong>and</strong> to alert bicyclists to the presence <strong>of</strong> motor vehicles.<br />

• Identifying <strong>and</strong> addressing potential security problems.<br />

• Provision <strong>of</strong> separate pedestrian ways to reduce conflicts.<br />

• L<strong>and</strong>scape designs to accommodate bicycles <strong>and</strong> discourage loitering.<br />

The <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Oxnard</strong> generally recommends against the development <strong>of</strong> multi-use paths directly adjacent to<br />

roadways. Known as “sidepaths”, these facilities create a situation where a portion <strong>of</strong> the bicycle traffic rides<br />

against the normal flow <strong>of</strong> motor vehicle traffic <strong>and</strong> can result in wrong-way riding when either entering or<br />

exiting the path. This can also result in an unsafe scenario where motorists entering or crossing the roadway<br />

at intersections <strong>and</strong> driveways do not notice bicyclists coming from their right, as drivers are not expecting<br />

traffic coming from that direction. In addition, stopped cross-street motor vehicle traffic or vehicles exiting<br />

side streets or driveways may frequently block paths or pull out unexpectedly. Bicyclists traveling from an<br />

unexpected direction also go unnoticed, especially when sight distances are poor.<br />

Multi-use paths may be considered along roadways under the following conditions:<br />

• The path will generally be separated from all motor vehicle traffic with few intersections with motor<br />

vehicles.<br />

• <strong>Bicycle</strong> use is anticipated to be high or a need for facilities for novice-bicyclists is demonstrated.<br />

• The path will provide continuity with an existing path through a roadway corridor.<br />

Alta <strong>Plan</strong>ning + Design | A-5

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