Message from the NYBC – New York Bicycling Coalition
CURRENT NYSDOT POLICY: Do not install rumble strips on secondary roads except in rare instances.
PROPOSED NYSDOT POLICY: Installation of rumble strips will be the preferred practice in the design of all secondary roads with a few exceptions.
RUMBLE STRIPS are a well-documented hazard to bicyclists. Accepted practice nationwide dictates rumble strips be used only sparingly on roads permitting cycling.
NYSDOT is proposing an Engineering Instruction (EI), titled “Secondary Highway Audible Roadway Delineators – Guidance and Policy,” which is at variance with the practices recommended by the Federal Highway Administration, The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, and other standards setting agencies. Such national agencies generally recommend rumble strips are to be used on two-lane roads if there is a documented run-off-the road accident problem — and then used only as a last resort due to the hazards they create for other roadway users, including bicyclists.
NYBC asks us to contact NYSDOT and your legislators to urge NYSDOT to not issue the proposed policy. Ask them to work with groups, such as the New York Bicycling Coalition, organizers of bicycling tours and events, and local cycling clubs to construct a less hostile policy that better balances the needs of motorist and bicyclist safety.
NYBC Contact: Jennifer Clunie, Executive Director
(518) 436-0889 or jennifer@nybc.net