Demonstration Path

A demonstration path is a designated pathway installed on a temporary basis within the roadway for people walking, biking, or rolling. A demonstration path can be installed for a special event, to temporarily fill gaps in the bicycle network, or as a proof-of-concept, and it may be one-way, two-way, or contraflow.

Orlando, FL	Massachusetts (MassDOT)

Program Goals This Project Type Meets

• Increase safety (pedestrian and bike)
• Improve travel options

Typical Applications

• 1-4 lane residential or urban center roadway
• Within an existing on-street parking lane
• Within a travel lane on a roadway with at least two travel lanes in each direction

Material Options

• Striping and Surface Treatments
  • Demonstration
    • Sidewalk chalk
    • Cornstarch paint
    • Traffic tape
    • Tempera paint
    • Spray chalk
    • Spray paint
  • Pilot or RAPID Project
    • Acrylic traffic paint
    • DLPM
    • Epoxy Gravel
    • Thermoplastic
• Vertical Barriers
  • Demonstration
    • Traffic cones
    • Traffic barrels
    • Freestanding delineators
    • Flex post
    • K71 flex posts
    • Wave delineators
    • Low-profile traffic separators
    • Planters
    • Plastic jersey barriers
    • Ceramic markers
    • Parking stops
  • Pilot or RAPID Project
    • Flex post
    • K71 flex posts
    • Wave delineators
    • Low-profile traffic separators
    • Planters
    • Plastic jersey barriers
    • Concrete jersey barriers
    • Ceramic markers
    • Parking stops

Design Considerations

• One-way paths must be a minimum of 4’, while two-way require at least 10’
• Where possible, provide a minimum 2’ buffer between the path and vehicle travel lanes. If a buffer cannot be accommodated, include vertical barriers in the design.
• Where paths must traverse driveways or navigate intersections, provide accommodations such as bike cross markings, green conflict striping, bike boxes, or curb extensions
• Maintain truck, bus, and fire truck turning ability
• Temporary stencil markings and laminated or aluminum signs can be used to relay the path’s proper use and directionality to users
• Where bike lanes already exist, demonstration projects may include the addition of a horizontal or vertical buffer
• Provide accessible ramps to and from the sidewalk and detectable warning surfaces at entry and exist points
• Consider path termini and safe transitions between varying cross sections

Other Considerations

• Opportunity to include artistic elements and/or coordinate with a larger intersection mural project
• ADA accessibility, particularly for pedestrians with visual impairments