This text change proposes to:

• Amend the layout for the "avenue" street types. This allows the City to move bicycle lanes out of the roadbed and behind the curb; and,
• Revise corresponding sections in the Raleigh Street Design Manual

Read the full ordinance online.

Background information:

The Comprehensive Plan contains two maps and supporting text that apply to provision of new street: T-1, Street Plan and T-3, Planned Bicycle Facilities. The UDO specifically codifies map T-1 in the street type cross sections in Sections 8.4.5 and 8.4.6. These street standards are applied administratively during subdivision and site plan review. City staff has recognized that the current street sections are not always aligned with the recommendations in map T-3, which is not codified in the UDO. This change will address the implementation of the Plan’s bike recommendations in map T-3 and recognize updated guidance on "all ages and abilities"  bicycle facilities citywide.

Current Rules: 

Under the current regulations, development on most major arterial streets were subject to street type standards for avenues. The current cross sections call for conventional, paint-only, in-road bike lanes regardless of adjacent motor vehicle speeds or volumes.

Proposed Text Change: 

The proposed text change will convert the existing in-road, conventional bike lanes to a facility that is behind the curb for avenue designations in the mixed use streets and major streets categories in the New Streets section of the UDO.

Public Meeting Schedule: 

This text change is scheduled for the Planning Commission meeting in June 2021. The Commission may act on that date or refer to their Text Change Committee for further discussion. Comments were collected May 28 through June 11. Comments after this date should be submitted directly to Keegan McDonald via email.