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As previously noted, the BCI model is a tool that may be used in a variety of applications, including the evaluation of current operating conditions, proposed roadway designs, and long-range transportation plans. All applications involve either an evaluation of existing geometric and operational conditions or an evaluation of proposed or projected conditions. Evaluating existing conditions allows the practitioner to: 1) produce bicycle compatibility maps (see figure 9), which help bicyclists make informed decisions regarding route selection; 2) identify the most appropriate routes within corridors to designate as part of the community bicycle network; and 3) identify the "weak links" on the network and prioritize roadway improvement projects and subsequent funding to correct these deficiencies. Evaluating proposed or projected conditions allows one to: 1) assess the bicycle LOS and compatibility level of all roadway design projects (new or retrofit); 2) assess the impact of proposed developments or changes in land use that may change traffic volumes and/or patterns; and 3) provide input to long-range transportation plans regarding the need for roadway improvements to maintain or enhance bicycle compatibility levels.
Provided below are several examples illustrating how the model may be applied to real-world scenarios. The first set of examples looks at three existing roadway segments with very different geometric configurations. The second set examines three proposed roadway designs, and the final set illustrates how the model can be applied to a transportation planning problem. All of the worksheet entries and computations for the examples are shown in figures 11, 12, and 13.
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