Understanding Non-Motorized Transportation Systems and Planning

This free online course introduces you to the process of measuring the levels of service for pedestrians and cyclists. It starts by explaining the various quantitative and qualitative pedestrian levels of services (PLOS) and how they are similar to that of vehicles. The estimation of the PLOS based on the measure of the effectiveness of the flow rate, as well as the users’ response, is also discussed. You then study the methodology of the ‘Highway Capacity Manual’ for determining the PLOS for intersections and linked intersections along urban streets. The association of the crossing difficulty with the delay in crossing the road, as well as the midblock and the association of the facility PLOS with the length of the weighted PLOS segment score, and the average space per pedestrian, is also explained.

The course goes on to examine the various bicycle facilities available and the process of measuring their level of service, including for exclusive, on-street, off-street and shared facilities used by cyclists and pedestrians. You will discover the hindrances faced by cyclists and be taught how the bicycle compatibility index (BCI) reflects the comfort level of riders based on the geometric, land use and operational characteristics of a roadway. Furthermore, you will discover how the BCI is a compatible tool for bicycles and automobiles, and how the presence of a dedicated cyclist lowers the score. The process of designing different NMT facilities and the various guiding and supporting principles involved are discussed. The design guidelines for pedestrian facilities as per the Indian Roads Congress (IRC), and the process of determining the width and capacity of sidewalks, are also explained.

Finally, you will be taught the process of designing different types of pedestrian crossings and how the signals and refuge island are dependent on various parameters. You will also look at the factors to be considered while designing the crossings for specially-abled persons. In addition, the principles of designing crosswalks, mid-blocks and kerb-ramps in urban areas are described. Then, you turn to the physics involved in the turn radius of a bicycle and the need for maintaining minimum cycling speeds. The process of designing different cycling infrastructure for the different hierarchy of routes in urban areas is also covered. Lastly, the significance of intersection sight distance in ascertaining the safety of cyclists is analyzed. Understanding Non-Motorized Transportation Systems and Planning is an informative course that will interest students studying civil engineering, transportation engineering and urban planning. Sign up for this course and start learning today!