The following is MassHighway policy for installing Bicycle Route signing, pavement markings and other appurtenances related to designating portions of state highway as bicycle routes.

MassHighway will only consider signing a state highway as a bicycle route if strict adherence to bicycle related measures have been provided on the facility. This will generally consist of conformance with the following:

• Guidance for bicycle routes in accordance with AASHTO and MUTCD (from Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities, AASHTO, August 1991 or later, and Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, FHWA, latest version)

• Roadway design in accordance with FHWA desirable standards (from Selecting Roadway Design Treatments to Accommodate Bicycles, FHWA-RD-92-073, Tables 4, 5, 6, latest revision). When truck, bus, and RV volumes exceed 5%, use the appropriate table values.

• Smooth, paved surfaces for the bicycle path of travel (with "bicycle safe" cascade drainage grates)

• Desirable sight distances (measured from expected bicvcle path of travel)

• Consistent treatment (path of travel, signing, safety measures, etc.) throughout the signed corridor

• Connection to a contiguous bikeway system at each end of the signed state highway route

• Designed roadway crossings (crosswalks, signs, signals, etc.), where in accordance with MUTCD

• Potential conflicts with motor vehicles must be minimized

State roadways under consideration for bicycle signing will be reviewed by the State Traffic Engineer in consultation with the MassHighway Bicycle Coordinator for conformance with this policy. Absolute conformance is required; no waiver or exception process is available.

Bicyclists may still use roadways not in conformance with this policy (except where legally prohibited), however, bicycle route signing will not be installed.