Advancing a Bike Level of Traffic Stress Methodology Through Expert Consensus

Level of Traffic Stress (LTS) methodologies are vital for bike planning and design in the U.S., providing a framework to evaluate cyclist comfort and safety under various roadway conditions. The LTS framework has gained importance as communities work to promote cycling as a sustainable, equitable mode of transportation. This aligns with broader goals to reduce single-occupancy vehicle reliance and meet climate targets by creating networks that serve a wide range of users.

However, LTS methodologies across the U.S. vary significantly, leading to inconsistent assessment outcomes (Harvey, Fang, and Rodriguez, 2019). Without consensus on a valid and effective LTS analysis, bike network mapping risks being unreliable. Additionally, current LTS methodologies often rely on simplified categorization of facility types and variables, largely for ease of use and data gathering limitations.  This simplification risks failing to account for the nuanced experiences of users with the lowest stress tolerances (Sanders, 2015)(McNeil, Monsere and Dill, 2015)(Garrard, Rose and Lo, 2008). Advancements in software tools and data collection now make it possible to implement a more comprehensive methodology without sacrificing usability.

This project aims to develop an updated, comprehensive Bike Level of Traffic Stress methodology using the Delphi survey technique.  Our five-step process begins with an assessment of U.S. LTS alignment with Canadian and Dutch standards. Since initial LTS methodologies were broadly based on the premise that they align with Dutch standards—widely believed to support high cycling rates (Mekuria, Furth, and Nixon, 2012)—this alignment is significant for validating the methodology’s foundational assumptions. The subsequent four steps will employ the Delphi method to refine rubrics, facility variables, and rankings through four iterative rounds. This consensus-building online survey technique gathers expert input and facilitates refinement of responses based on insights shared by other participants.

The international panel of 25–30 experts will include specialists in engineering, urban planning, and psychology, with expertise in age, gender, and ability to reflect the diverse needs of the broader population.  While U.S. bike planning has advanced through integration of urban planning and engineering, it lags other countries in leveraging psychological insights. Yet, mode choice and stress tolerance are inherently behavioral and psychological issues, making this interdisciplinary approach essential for developing a robust, inclusive LTS methodology.

USDOT Priorities:

A refined, comprehensive Bike LTS methodology will support age, ability and gender equity of bike facilities.  When the proposed LTS methodology building block is incorporated into geographic network planning including disadvantaged groups, optimal equity and inclusivity across broad population groups will be achieved. Equity of these user groups are widely understood to be necessary requirements - although perhaps not sufficient - for high bike mode-shift from single occupancy vehicles.  High shifts toward sustainable transportation modes, including the complementary impact on public transportation use, achieves climate and sustainability goals.