Bicycling on interstate freeways and expressways: What does the data say? | SJSU

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Currently, 948 of the total 4,224 miles of freeway in California are open to bicycles. Often, bicyclists need access to freeways to reach their destinations. Current California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) policy states, "When a suitable alternate route does not exist, a freeway shoulder may be considered for bicycle travel." Bridges and tunnels, as well as many rural freeway sections, often do not have suitable alternative routes.

The lack of an alternative route should not be the only variable considered when determining whether a freeway is fit for bicycle travel. Unfortunately, no common methods or criteria currently are being employed to measure how well a given section of freeway is suited for bicycles. Caltrans policy leaves the final determination with the local district, offering several roadway factors to consider.

Initially, many people think the idea of allowing bicycles on freeways is ludicrous, and the majority of motorists are completely unaware that bicycles ever are allowed on freeways. Further analysis of the subject, however, reveals that not only do bicycles have access to some freeways, but they are actually encouraged to ride in some areas, such as the Pacific Coast Bike Route. Despite the history of bicycles on freeways, it is difficult to assess the success of allowing bicycle access.

The purpose of this study is to attempt to clarify some of the issues pertaining to bicycles on freeways. Specifically, the goal of this project is to "develop recommendations, guidelines, and policies for bicycle and pedestrian use of freeways, expressways, tunnels, and toll bridges in California." Although pedestrians and bicycles are hardly similar, the nature of the study allowed pedestrians to be analyzed without excessive extra effort.

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Bicycling on interstate freeways and expressways: What does the data say? | SJSU

MoBikeFed comment: In many cases, interstate freeway shoulders are the best or the only available bicycle route through an area. Many states allow bicycles on some or all interstate freeway shoulders; other states forbid bicycle use.

Missouri specifically allows bicycle use of shoulders. Missouri has no specific prohibition of non-motorized traffic on its interstate freeways. The interstate freeways in Missouri have a minimum speed limit of 40 MPH. However, the minimum speed limit does not apply to travel the shoulders, which is specifically allowed for bicyclists under state law.

Bicyclists should carefully examine any specific route they would like to use. In Missouri, even shoulders of interstate freeways are not always continuous or well maintained.

But it is good to know that if bicycle travel on an interstate freeway in Missouri is the best or the only option, it is both allowed and reasonable safe.