IMPORTANT - BICYCLIST VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR SEPT 17 TEST RIDE OF NEW IDOT RUMBLE STRIP DESIGNS
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Hi John,
IMPORTANT - BICYCLIST VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR SEPT 17 TEST RIDE OF NEW IDOT RUMBLE STRIP DESIGNS
Ride Illinois has a great opportunity to provide early feedback and recommendations as IDOT studies new, less-harmful-to-bikes “sinusoidal” rumble strip designs. Rumble strips reduce run-off-the-road car crashes on rural and other high-speed roads, by audibly alerting drivers when they start to drift onto the road’s shoulder. However, the current, cylindrical design is very jarring and dangerous for bicyclists to cross. Well-designed sinusoidals can greatly reduce the crossing danger to cyclists, while still warning drifting motorists.
We need at least 10 experienced bicyclists to help, for 60-90 minutes or so.
Our test will take place at 9:30am Sunday (less traffic) Sept. 17, at IDOT’s US45-52 test location in rural, southern Will County west of Peotone. Volunteers will bike on a dozen or so test segments, riding across sinusoidal rumbles varying in wavelength, depth, and tapering. How volunteers rate the comfort of the different segments will inform Ride Illinois’ recommendations on these design parameters.
The results may have a major effect on bicycling in Illinois! Rumble strips are and will be used on many roads with paved shoulders, so we need to advocate for the least harmful design as possible.
If interested in participating, or if you have questions, email Ed Barsotti at ed@rideillinois.org. Ed will provide instructions and coordinate our volunteers, even if you can’t make it Sept. 17 but want to test ride on your own. Thanks!!
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