The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) is up for review and comments are being accepted through May 14, 2021. As stated in the Federal Register, the MUTCD is “recognized as the national standard for traffic control devices used on all public roads.” The standards in this manual include traffic controls, signs, and roadway markings. The MUTCD has historically focused on moving motor vehicle traffic quickly, with little regard for the safety of non-motorized road users.
This is an opportunity for you to recommend changes to the MUTCD that are more inclusive for people that ride bicycles on our roadways. We created a template that you can use as a guide in providing your own comment to the Federal Highway Administration (FWHA). Please copy this letter, make any changes you feel are appropriate, and post to the Federal Register Comment Site listed below.
To: Stephanie Pollack
Acting Administrator
Federal Highway Administration
As a member/supporter of the Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists, I request that the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) be revised to better support non-motorized road users. Changes should be made to lower speeds, improve bicycle facilities, and treat all road users equally. These changes can create a shift that will reduce traffic deaths and injuries, and make it easier for people that are not in cars to move around their communities.
The MUCTD currently prioritizes the fast movement of motorized traffic without regard to the safety of other road users. This should change. Specific changes that should be made include:
-
-
- Stop using the 85th percentile when setting speed limits. There are more current methodologies that better account for the needs of non-motorized road users.
- Review bicycle related signage and road marking. Consider making optional signs and road marking required, and allow bicycle rider specific signs.
- Stop using the number of people killed or injured as the measurement that ‘warrants’ changes to make a roadway or intersection safer.
- Incorporate the criteria from the FHWA’s Bikeway Section Guide into the MUTCD so that selection of the appropriate bicycle facility for a roadway is based on traffic speed and volume.
-
Bicycle ridership has been on the increase in the United States, so please consider people on bicycles and other non-motorized road users in the review and changes to the Manual Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
Sincerely, [your name here]
Please note that all comments become public information. So be aware of what you write, and decide for yourself what personally identifying information you include.
Federal Register Comment Site: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/02/02/2021-01440/national-standards-for-traffic-control-devices-the-manual-on-uniform-traffic-control-devices-for#open-comment
Further Resources:
MUTCD Official Site https://mutcd.info/
MUTCD Bicycle Page: https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/2009/part9.pdf
Toole Design posted a table that contains specific wording changes and location of those changes in the revised MUTCD. This document can be searched for specific bicycle references. https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FHWA-2020-0001-0853
Learn more about the MUTCD at this recorded webinar: The ’Notorious’ MUTCD – Why Fixing a Federal Manual is Critical to Safety, Equity and Climate https://americawalks.org/the-notorious-mutcd-webinar-recording/