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296.3. Guidelines for Innovative Treatments The following set of guidelines present treatments that go beyond the Caltrans and CAMUTCD standards. These primarily consist of facilities that help bicyclists negotiate particularly challenging roadways and improve the convenience of bicycle travel. Almost every city in Orange County features locations where these innovative treatments can make conditions easier, more convenient, and safer for bicycle commuters. These treatments may be key in determining a Level of Service (LOS) standard for the region's bikeways. If developed, this LOS can give bicyclists an at -a- glance idea of the level of convenience that will be provided when choosing a route. Freeway Ramps Freeway on- and off -ramp crossings present a potential conflict zone for bicyclists and motorists, as bicycle lanes are typically dropped and bicyclists must merge across travel lanes where vehicles are accelerating or decelerating from freeway speeds. The appropriate bicyclist behavior is to merge left away so as to be positioned in the through lane well before the mouth of the on -ramp, and to remain out away from the curb until past the off -ramp. Implementation of interchange improvements requires coordination with Caltrans District 12 regarding placement of signage and striping because these areas are in Caltrans' right -of -way. Two guidelines for these improvements are: The bicycle merge should begin 250 feet in advance of the freeway on -ramp. Appropriate signage and striping should be used to warn bicyclists and motorists of the merge. Bicycle improvements to freeway ramps are shown in . -a*- 100 to 200 ft Caltrans Minimum 5' Bike Lane. Preferred width 6' to S'. 41 1 ^8I �r I Bike Larie BEGIN 0 F� Ll RIGHT TURD LAME YIELD To YIELD TO BIKES BIDES R4- Figure 2.3: Bike Crossing of Freeway Ramps The City of Portland has addressed this issue with striping or physical elements that encourage bicyclists to cross ramps at or close to a right angle. The treatment shortens the vehicle /bicycle conflict zone while also improving sight distance for bicyclists. Some bicyclists may choose to ignore this treatment however, as this creates a less - direct route through the interchange area and forces them to relinquish right -of -way to exiting motorists. OCTA Commuter Bikeways Strategic Plan 23