• Present your brainstorming ideas for the project and the techniques you are using to choose one idea over another.

Our project is to research the ways in which rumble strips affect cyclists. We have a clear layout of what aspects of this issue that we need to discuss. We need to first research the pros and cons that rumble strips have on both motorists and cyclists in various situations (eg: A steep mountainous road with turns and a barrier on the edge of a cliff).

Once this research has been done, we will choose the best solutions to the problem (usually either keeping rumble strips or changing them in some way) in the following way: by weighing the importance of each pro and con and summing, we can determine the total effectiveness of the current design as well as each possible solution (generally either get rid of, or change the rumble strips in some way) and from this data, choose the best solution.

• Present the overview time-line and milestones leading to project completion.

Feb 15-20th

Research importance of rumble strips of various designs to motorists

Research impact of rumble strips or various designs on cyclists

Research the designs used in Europe where cycling is much more popular and their cycling transportation system is much more advanced to help provide possible solutions

By the end of spring break (Feb 24^th)

Compile all research into a pros/cons list of each possible solution in various situations.

Feb 25^th – 28^th

Do the site investigation, test out the effects of rumple stripes on bikers. Ask people pass by the street, collect information.

Feb 28^th – March 15th

Analysis information, compose the actual report.

March 15^th – March 20^th

Final editing, make the final copy of the report

March 20^th – March 25^th

Do the poster for the CBEL project

The photo taken when we meeting our client, Mr.Peter Stary

BLOG #2

British Columbia Cycling Coalition (BCCC)

The organization that our group will be working with is the British Columbia Cycling Coalition (BCCC). BCCC is a non-profit organization thats founded in 1998, its main office is located at Vancouver, British Columbia. The society has a clear division of labour which consists of at least 5 directors and the president of the BCCC is elected by the general members. As long as you are a cycling advocate, you can be a member of the society.

The purposes of BCCC mainly include representing the interests of cyclists in BC, ensuring their interests were recognized, and serves to support cyclists and relate organizations in BC and across Canada.

The vision and goals for BCCC are, to promote principle that the bicycle is a legitimate vehicle and is an integral part of the transportation system and encourage more cycling so that people can realize the “virtue of cycling”. Ultimately, a happy, healthy, and sustained community can be established.

Project Scope
The project is aimed at researching and analyzing the effects of traffic devices, specifically shoulder rumble strips (SRS) on cyclists. We hope to provide a detailed report that would address the issues voiced by the BC Cycling Coalition and improve provincial cycling conditions.

Our research will focus on a number of areas including:

• circumstances that SRS would be effective and/or ineffective traffic safety devices
• SRS safety and/or hazard effects on cyclists
• solutions (alternate devices) to mitigate the negative effects on cyclists while preserving the same safety measures by SRS
• possible effects of “centerline” rumble strips on bicycle/motor vehicle interactions
• examples of how past jurisdictions have handled this issue and how it can apply to BC roads
• how solutions can be integrated into our transportation planning process.

We will also investigate if the installation of rumble strips would generate a degradation of pavement quality, especially on shoulders.

Negotiable and non-negotiable constraints will be developed later on, in consultation with the client.

Strategies
For this project, we have thought about several strategies to aid us in completing this project most efficiently. Our strategy is to first look at the “big picture” of this project, including its scope and constraints to get an idea for how each part of this project fits together. Next, we will divide sections (that are possible to divide) and split up our work in an equal manner, and using each member’s strengths most effectively. By working in this fashion, we ensure that our skills are being used to their full potential and that the work is orchestrated in an organized manner. Furthermore, we have created a group on Facebook to easily communicate with one another and a Google Docs page to collaborate information without the need for appointing meetings. By using these strategies, we will make the most effective use of our time during this CBEL project.

Authors: Shibo Li, Tony Zhang, Jason Chen, Luke Minosky, Sunny Hon, Qianyuan Li
Blog entry created: Feb. 1