UPRM Bicycle Master Plan

University of Puerto Rico
University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez Campus Bicycle Master Plan 2014
Mayagüez Campus
Bicycle Master Plan
by David R. Soto Padín, Emanuelle D. Rodríguez Muñiz
December 2014
A project of
D. Soto and E. Rodríguez Institute of Transportation Engineers 1

University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez Campus Bicycle Master Plan 2014 Healthy Planet, Healthy Life, Ride a Bike
University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez
Campus Bicycle Master Plan
Prepared for: Lucas N. Avilés, Dean of Administration

Darío Torres, Associate Dean of Administration
Prepared by: David R. Soto Padín, Emanuelle D. Rodríguez Muñiz
18 February 2015 
D. Soto and E. Rodríguez Institute of Transportation Engineers i

This page intentionally left blank. 
D. Soto and E. Rodríguez Institute of Transportation Engineers ii

Acknowledgments
This report was prepared to propose a bicycle master plan for the University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez Campus. The
authors of this document, David R. Soto Padín and Emanuelle D. Rodríguez, would like to thank Chancellor John
Fernández Van Cleve, Dean of Administration Lucas Avilés and Darío Torres, Assistant Dean of Administration, for all
their support and for making this project a priority for the university. This project was led with the help of our project
advisor Professor Enrique González. We recognize the support of our ITE Student Chapter advisor Didier Valdés and
our Student Chapter President Wilfredo Cordero Cruz.
This project would not have been possible without the support of our working group, whom assisted in leading the
Roadway Safety Audits and the crews for painting sharrows including the following:
Sionel Arocho Meaux, Project Coordinator
Ricardo García Rosario
Miguel Caro
Ricardo García Holguín
José González
Emmanuel Marín
The recommendations in this document were made through partnerships with the following campus dependencies:
Carlos Marrero, Departamento de Tránsito Y Vigilancia
Rosie Torres, Departamento de Servicios Médicos
Gustavo Cortina, Departamento de Calidad de Vida
Francisco Maldonado, Decano de Estudiantes
During the project, we also had tremendous support from Ride a Bike, the campus bicycle association, for leading
public outreach on Administrative Recommendations for the Bicycle Master Plan. These include:
Jorge Bencosme, Advisor of Ride a Bike
Miguel A. González Montijo
Christian Adrover
Luis Miguel Rivera Malavé
In addition, we are extremely grateful to students who volunteered their time to paint sharrows on campus with us, and
their instructors Carlos Calero and Josie Bianchi for promoting this activity to their students.  
MORE THAN 100 STUDENTS VOLUNTEERED IN

ROAD SAFETY AUDITS, SHARROW PAINTING
D. Soto and E. Rodríguez AND BICYCLE COUNTS FOR THE iii
Institute of Transportation Engineers PROJECT.
Acronyms
BFU — Bicycle Friendly University
CST — Comisión para la Seguridad en el Tránsito
DOT — Department of Transportation
DTOP — Departamento de Transportación Y Obras Públicas
FHWA — Federal Highway Administration
FTA — Federal Transit Administration
FIESTA — Facilitadores Instructores En Seguridad, Tránsito y Alcohol
ITE — Institute of Transportation Engineers
ITE-UPRM — Institute of Transportation Engineers University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez

Campus Student Chapter
MUTCD — Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
NACTO — National Association of City Transportation Officials
NBPDP — National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project
NHTSA — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
PRSHSP — Puerto Rico Strategic Highway Safety Plan
ROW — Right-of-way
RSA — Road Safety Audit
SLM — Shared Lane Marking
TCRP — Transit Cooperative Research Program
TRB — Transportation Research Board
TWLTL — Two-way left-turn lane
UPRM — University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez Campus 
D. Soto and E. Rodríguez Institute of Transportation Engineers iv

TableTABLE OF CONTENTS
of Contents
I. Executive summary 1
1.1 Why did we select this project? 2
1.2 Future Research Needs 2
II. Introduction 4
2.1 What is a Bicycle Master Plan? 4
2.2 Objectives 6
III. Roadway Safety Audits 15
3.1 Methodology 15
3.2 Crash History 15
3.3 Principal Route RSA 18
3.4. Palmeras Route RSA 21
3.5. Las Marías Route RSA 24
3.6. Los Pinos Route RSA 27
3.7. Terrace Route RSA 30
3.8. Caobos Route RSA 33
3.9. Civil & Chemical Engineering Crossing RSA 36
IV. Infrastructure 40
4.1. Background 40
4.2. Pilot Phase — Sharrows Completed, December 2014 41
4.3. | 1st Phase — Bike Lanes May 2015 43
4.4 | 2nd Phase: Bike Share & Bike Center December 2015 44
4.5. | 3rd Phase — Cycle Ways May 2016 45
4.6. Signage 49
4.7 Pavement Markings 50
4.8 Avenida Principal Alternatives Analysis 51
V. Administrative recommendations 55
5.1. Enforcement 56
5.2. Emergency 57
5.3. Education 58
5.4. Encouragement 60
5.5. Budget 63
Appendix A: Educational Materials on Use of Sharrows on Campus 64
D. Soto and E. Rodríguez Institute of Transportation Engineers v

UPRM Campus Bicycle Master Plan 2014-2015 Healthy Planet,
STUDENTS, Healthy Life,
FACULTY AND Ride a Bike
EMPLOYEES
LEARN HANDS-ON HOW TO IMPLEMENT
COMPLETE STREETS INNOVATIONS.

UPRM Campus Bicycle Master Plan 2014-2015 Healthy Planet, Healthy Life, Ride a Bike
I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1.1 Why did we select this project?
The Institute of Transportation Engineers University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez Student Chapter
(ITE-UPRM) selects projects once a year on which it can participate as a stakeholder and offer
its student members professional opportunities to develop leadership and presentation skills,
gain experience in a transportation-related project and learn about innovative transportation
concepts. As members of the student body, we are very proud that our university leads the way
in bicycle facility implementation in recognition of Law 212 of 2010, also known as the Complete
Streets Law of Puerto Rico. As concerned citizens, we are uneasy about the recent rise in
bicycle fatalities on the roads of this Island. This project is important because it:
✓ Capacitates our graduate and undergraduate highway engineering students on the concepts
related to bicycle facilities on complete streets
✓ Provides a research environment for faculty and students interested in investigating the
benefits and impacts of the implementation of various types of bicycle facilities
✓ Uses an established framework to recommend safety improvements for our campus
✓ Details the actions necessary to become the first Bicycle-Friendly University in Puerto Rico
1.2 Future Research Needs

This Bicycle Master Plan intends to address the needs of a growing population of students,
faculty and employees cycling to campus. The objective of the actions laid out in this plan is for
the University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez Campus to become a Bicycle-Friendly University.
Progress has been made on these goals including the installation of “Share the Road” signs and
sharrow markings. Future activities should include a dedicated research program:
✓ Monitoring levels of cycling activity on campus
✓ Innovative cycling facility design and operations
✓ Human perceptions of cycling facilities
These projects should address the goals established in the plan such as the Avenida Principal
Cycle Track, improvement of crossings on Road PR-108 and construction of cycleways on
campus should serve as opportunities for faculty and students to contribute to the forging of our
100+ year-old university as a pioneer in developing complete streets in Puerto Rico.  

CAMPUS STREETS SERVE MANY ROAD

USERS INCLUDING PEOPLE WALKING AND
BIKING AS WELL AS CARS AND TRUCKS

II. INTRODUCTION
II. INTRODUCTION
2.1 What is a Bicycle Master Plan?
A bicycle master plan documents and outlines the community’s vision for enhancing the
mobility options for cyclists and pedestrians alike. The document clarifies that steps taken
to improve this mode of travel through the development of complete streets will satisfy
goals to improve all modes of transportation including walking, bicycling, public
transportation and private motorized transportation. Contained in this proposal are specific
projects that must be undertaken, policies that should be implemented and metrics that
should be tracked at an institutional level to quantify the benefits associated with this
project.
Who are the Stakeholders in the Bicycle Master Plan?

The Bicycle Master Plan must be implemented by the “5 E’s” of the university community
in order to be successful: Education, Emergency, Enforcement, Engineering and
Everyone.
Component Stakeholder
Engineering Decanato de Administración
Education Oficina de Calidad de Vida
Emergency Servicios Médicos
Enforcement Tránsito y Vigilancia
Everyone Ride a Bike / Campus Verde
Throughout the preparation of this report, the authors have welcomed feedback from the
stakeholders and have discussed recommendations in preparation for a transition to
implementation of services. The Recommendations are organized in this order to provide a
logical sequence to the report.

Bicycle Master Plan Flowchart
Transportation
Bicycle Program Manager Committee
Dean of Dean of
Students Administration Chancellor
Director Director of Director of Director Office of

Student
of Calidad Edificios y Servicios of Tránsito Y Institutional
Groups Press
de Vida Terrenos Médicos Vigilancia Planning
The Bicycle Master Plan implementation must be led by a Bicycle Program Manager. A
bicycle program manager is in charge of ensuring that targets in this pedestrian and
bicycle initiative are met, including, but not limited to:
๏ Execution educational campaigns in collaboration with Calidad de Vida, Servicios
Médicos, Tránsito y Vigilancia and student groups such as Ride a Bike, Green Campus,
FIESTA Colegial, ITE-UPRM, General Student Council, etc.
๏ Program infrastructure projects between the Dean of Administration and Edificios y
Terrenos including adequate bicycle parking, route networks, bike share development
๏ Coordination of road safety campaigns with Servicios Médicos, Tránsito Y Vigilancia,
Student Groups and Press
๏ Coordination of bicycle count initiatives and surveys in collaboration with the Office of
Institutional Research and Planning (OIIP) and volunteer groups from Student Groups.
Bicycle counts should follow National Bicycle Pedestrian Documentation Project
Guidelines. They should be published once a year.

2.2 Objectives
The objective of this bicycle master plan is to lay the

groundwork for efforts to make the University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez Campus the first
Bicycle-Friendly University (BFU℠) in Puerto Rico. BFU℠ is a program of the League
of American Bicyclists that “recognizes institutions of higher education for promoting
and providing a more bike-able campus for students, staff and visitors.” The university,
through the Dean of Administration, has established as an objective to apply and comply
with the requirements for said certification during the next round of applications. The
following prompts are used as guidelines to obtain BFU℠ status:
✓ Does your campus have a well-connected bicycling network?
✓ Is bike parking available throughout the campus? Is your college or university easily
accessible by bike?
✓ Does your school have a current comprehensive bicycle plan?
✓ Does your college have a bicycle program manager?
✓ Do campus safety/law enforcement officers receive training on the rights and
responsibilities of all road users? Is there a program on campus to prevent bike theft?
✓ Does the school offer bicycle education classes for students and staff?
✓ Is there an active bicycle advocacy group at the university?
✓ Is there an on-campus center for rentals and repairs?
Economy Health Environment

๏Reduced health, ๏Reduced risk of heart ๏Reduced noise, air and
transportation costs disease water pollution
๏Significantly lower ๏Makes daily exercise ๏ Improved air quality on
implementation costs accessible campus
๏Savings in parking ๏Enables social inclusion ๏Significant savings in
provision costs GHG emissions

Why Bicycling?
In essence, promoting bicycling as a mode of transportation benefits the university’s
community greatly while improving the resiliency of campus programs that are dependent
on conditions on the road. Using bicycles as a daily means of travel benefits students,
employees and professors alike through the following:
More Cyclists Safety in Numbers Safer Cycling
Improving the amount of cyclists on the road whilst improving the safety of cyclists are
mutually inclusive goals. Increasing the number of people commuting by bicycle has a
positive effect on safety through the “safety in numbers” principle. As safer travel
conditions for cyclists are provided, the more cyclists will commute to the university by
bicycle as perceived safety risks are eliminated.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Initiatives in Puerto Rico

In Puerto Rico, many initiatives are presently promoting improved bicycle infrastructure and
services from non-governmental organizations to government agencies including:
A. Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Initiative of the United States
Department of Transportation
Due to the alarming rise in pedestrian and bicycle fatalities
across the Nation, USDOT has called on its agencies,
including Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Federal
Transit Administration (FTA) and National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA), to integrate efforts to expand
bicycle route network reach and improve connectivity of these
to increase the use and safety of travel by bicycle. In order to
successfully complete these objectives, FHWA will be
promoting infrastructure innovations in bicycle facility design,

protected bike lanes and road diets through guidebooks. FTA will be promoting best
practices in integration of transit with bicycles. Finally, in order to assist in the success of
this initiative, our ITE Student Chapter implemented Road Safety Audits (RSAs) using
FHWA’s Bicycle Road Safety Audit Guidelines and Prompts List.
B. Puerto Rico Strategic Highway Safety Plan (PRSHSP) 2014-2018 of the Puerto Rico
Highway & Transportation Authority
Vulnerable users (cyclists and pedestrians) is the second largest contributing cause
identified within the PRSHSP at more than 30%. For such reason, it is considered a
strategic emphasis area and thus reduction of fatalities in this contributing cause is an
objective of the report.
YEAR OVER YEAR COMPARISON OF HIGHWAY FATALITIES IN PUERTO RICO AS OF 17 DECEMBER 2014
Category 2013 2014 % Change
Pedestrian 77 87 13.0%
Driver 133 92 -30.8%
Passenger 61 40 -34.4%
Motorocycles 40 45 12.5%
Cyclists 11 11 0.0%
Horse 1 0 -100.0%
Other 3 0 -100.0%
Total 326 275 -15.6%
As of 17 December 2014, there has been an observed decline in overall fatalities by 51.
However, cyclist and pedestrian incidents observed either stayed the same or increased in
number of fatalities. The data from the above table obtained from the Traffic Safety
Commission’s website, while limited to a previous year comparison, reflects no reduction in
this emphasis area. Although no traffic fatalities occurred on campus, it is important to
consider the injuries that occur on campus as indicators of potential safety concerns and
spot locations for safety improvements. As part of the PRSHSP’s recommendations in this
emphasis area, the Government of Puerto Rico has mostly focused on developing an

educational campaign for advising pedestrians and cyclists on their responsibilities to

ensure safe travel.
C. Ponte en mis Pedales of the MAPFRE Foundation
MAPFRE Foundation has also led an awareness
campaign on the “Share the Road” laws of Puerto
Rico (Law 132 of 3 June 2004). The ads feature the
message “put yourself in my pedals” to illustrate the
importance of equity by displaying the same person
in different perspectives on the road, as a driver and
as a cyclist.
2009 Personal Mode Share Results

Previous Studies on Walking (n = 974)
Bicycle
Cycling Infrastructure in Car
Motorcycle
UPR Mayagüez 1%
A. Study on Personal Modes of Travel in
33%
the University by Ride a Bike (2009)
The survey was conducted via email to a
random sample of students in the 61%
university. Although more students had 5%
been selected for the random sample, a

sample size of 974 students responded to
the question. The question only accepted
unique answers from unique users with valid upr.edu email addresses and the poll was
open from March 2008 to November 2009. For the year 2009, this survey indicates an on-
campus bicycle mode share of 5% and an on foot mode share of 33%. During the same
study, the bicycle and pedestrian mode share of university-related trips for the following
areas was:

Mode Terrace Bosque Street Miradero Pueblo (except

Bosque Street)
Bicycle 10.00% 3.00% 1.00% 10.00%
Pedestrian 10.00% 71.00% 1.00% 45.00%
B. Estacionamiento e Infraestructura Ciclista del R.U.M. by Ride a Bike (2012)

This report summarizes the state of bicycle infrastructure in the university and presents:
➡ An inventory of bike parking facilities
➡ Proposes a fixed location for bike parking to correct inconsistent locations
➡ Proposes innovative bicycle parking facilities and improved designs
➡ Identifies safety concerns such
2013 Mode Share of Transportation (n = 897)
as potholes and inadequate
drainage gates
➡ Proposes adequate route and
safety signage for the university
31%
C. Sistema de Carriles para Bicicletas
dentro del R.U.M. (2013)
This project report applies construction
51%
engineering concepts to a bicycle route 1%
facility development project. It discusses
17%
work breakdown structures, project
scheduling, cost estimates, construction
duration, cost-benefit analysis and risk
Car Bicycle Trolley Walking

management associated with this project. The most important statistics are the observed
changes in bicycle and car mode share. Bicycle mode share increased from 5% to 17% in
2013 and private automobile use saw a 10% reduction as compared to Ride a Bike’s
survey in 2009. It also included a survey on bicycle use and perceptions in the university
Question to students: Would you use bicycle facilities if built?

70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Yes No Maybe
campus in which 65% of respondents indicated they would make use of bike lanes if they
were built. It also included a survey on bicycle use and perceptions in the university
campus. In other related statistics, almost half (46%) of respondents indicated they owned
a bicycle. 

“The evidence demonstrates that

investments in bicycle infrastructure
make good economic sense” — Flusche, Darren.
League of American Cyclists and Alliance for Biking & Walking
A motorist is less likely to collide

with a person walking and
bicycling if more people walk or
bicycle. — Jacobsen, P.L. Injury Prevention

  ROAD SAFETY AUDITORS ENGAGE WITH

CYCLISTS ON PERCEIVED ISSUES WITH THE
EXISTING DESIGN OF AVENIDA PRINCIPAL.

PR-108
PR-65
PR-2 PR-2R
PR-2R
U.P.R. Mayagüez Campus
MAP OF UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO MAYAGÜEZ CAMPUS ROUTES

Symbol Route Name Type Length (km)
Las Marías Road

A 1.15
Los Pinos Road

B 0.22
Principal Road
C 0.20
Palmeras Road
D 0.60
Laureles Road
E 0.75
Caobos Road
F 0.90
Terrace Path
G 0.25
Civil Engineering Intersection

H Crossing
0.10
Biology Department Intersection

I Crossing
0.15
Other routes where Path / Terminal Road

J cycling is observed
Multiple

III. ROADWAY SAFETY

III. SAFETY AUDITS
AUDITS
3.1 Methodology
As part of the Roadway Safety Audits (RSAs), the accident history from the Departamento
de Servicios Médicos was evaluated. RSAs were conducted on each of the 8 routes:
Principal, Las Marías, Caobos, Terrace, Palmeras, Laureles, Biology Crossing, Yagrumos
Crossing. RSAs consisted of revising crash history, visiting the sites, documenting existing
conditions and safety concerns and observing existing travel patterns.
3.2 Crash History
Data was available for 2013 & 2014 until the month of November. Accidents involving
vulnerable users (pedestrians and cyclists) reported to Servicios Médicos were 15 in total
and those involving cyclists were 12.
Percent of Accidents by Route

34%
26%
17%
9%
0%
Principal Caobos Terrace Other
Percent of Accidents by Contributing Cause

34%
26%
17%
9%
0%
Steep hill Inadequate Facility Involving cars Unknown

Gender
LOCATION OF BRIEF DESCRIPTION Contributing
YEAR INCIDENT OF ACCIDENT Cause(s)
[only for bicycles]
F M
2013 X In front of Banco Popular Slipped and fell off bike Inadequate Facility
X Coliseo Mangual Parking Slipped off bike because Unknown
asphalt was wet
X Mayagüez Terrace Impacted fence to avoid Inadequate Facility
hitting car while cycling
X Downhill Mechanical Fell when backpack got Steep Hill, Human
Engineering tangled with bicycle Error
x Near Coliseo Mangual Fell off bike Unknown
X In front of Chemistry Bldg Fell off bike Inadequate Facility
X Behind Dean of Students Impacted by vehicle while
Bldg skateboarding
X General Parking Facility (Área Impacted by vehicle while
Blanca) walking
2014 X Main Entrance Impacted by vehicle while Exposure to car traffic

cycling
x In front of Student Center Fell off bike after slipping Inadequate Facility
on mud
X In front of Coliseo Mangual Impacted by vehicle while Exposure to car traffic

cycling
X In front of Main Entrance Fell off bike Unknown
X Next to Coliseo Mangual Impacted by vehicle while
walking
X Near Main Entrance Fell off bicycle Unknown
X At foot of “Calvario” hill Impacted a tree while cycling Steep Hill
Map of Accidents Reported and Safety Concerns
The majority of accidents occurred in Principal, Caobos and Terrace routes. On the other
hand when reviewing the contributing causes, it is difficult to identify some causes based
on the information available. Based on this information, RSAs will be presented for
Principal, Palmeras, Caobos, Terrace, Las Marías, Pinos, Biología Crossing and Yagrumo.

The following map visualizes the locations of accidents reported along with safety
concerns identified in RSAs. Safety concerns included spot features such as drainage
dangerous to cyclists, inadequate width of facilities, potholes, steep hills, unregulated
crossings and any other surface treatments which excessively expose cyclists to harm.
The RSAs are presented by routes in the following pages.
UPRM CAMPUS MAP WITH SAFETY CONCERNS, BICYCLE COLLISIONS AND FACILITIES
Safety Concern
Reported Bicycle Accident
Proposed Bike Path
Existing Walking Path
Parking or Terminal Road
Routes used by cyclists
Green Area
Building

RECENTLY INSTALLED SHARE THE ROAD

SIGNAGE WARNS DRIVERS OF THE
PRESENCE OF CYCLISTS ON CAMPUS.

3.3 Principal Route RSA Good Attention Hazard
Auditor Name Date of Audit Name of Study Segment

21 / Oct / 2014
David Soto
10:30am-11:30am
Avenida Principal
Prompt Status Comments

1.1 Needs
Cyclists operate within traveled way as a shared use lane. Car
Presence of travel within the university is tame relative to urban roads off-
Improvement campus due to presence of traffic calming features.
Bicycle Facility
2.1
Conform to Bikeway No
Design Guides?
2.4 Would correct inconsistent travel path, erratic turn

Improves with Yes movements and illegal sidewalk use of cyclists by
dedicated bike lane? promoting dedicated ROW allocation
2.5 Lack of dedicated facility affects cyclists when queues

Is cycling/walking Safety Concern
form at the exit of the university.
width comfortable?
2.6 Uphill trips would benefit the most from dedicated cycling
Does gradient Yes
facility.
(slope) affect riding?
4 Needs
Riding surface Improvement
condition
4.2
Is there debris along Safe
riding surface?
4.3
Does vegetation No
affect riding surface?
4.4 Brick segments have lost surface consistency causing a

Are there potholes Yes
bumpy, uncomfortable ride for cyclists and drivers.
or surface defects?
4.5
Does drainage affect Yes Personhole in centerline.
riding surface?

Good Attention Hazard

21 / Oct / 2014
David Soto
10:30am-11:30am
Avenida Principal

4.7 Ponding of water is observed on the South side of the
Is ponding of water No
Jersey barrier.
observed?
5 Needs
Obstructions along Street lighting blocks sidewalk access.
Improvement
the roadway
5.1
Does signage No
invade riding space?
8 Needs The south side of the parking access is missing lighting

Lighting Improvement and may potentially be a perceived safety detractor.
9 Needs
Visibility Improvement
Reduced visibility in the exit bound direction because

9.1 Needs
cars from queue spill-back from Avenida Laureles block
Sight Distance Improvement
one of the inbound lanes of Avenida Principal.
9.2
Vegetation obstruct No
visibility?
10.1 Needs Crosswalk markings have faded at channelized right-turn

Signage & Marking Improvement lane. Lane markings have faded beyond visibility.
Readability?

AVENIDA PALMERAS IS A LOW-VOLUME

STREET IN THE HEART OF CAMPUS THAT
FOSTERS.

3.4. Palmeras Route RSA Good Attention Hazard
30 / Oct / 2014
Ricardo Jose García

Holguín
10:30am - Avenida Palmeras
11:30am
1.1
Presence of
No Cyclists operate within traveled way as a shared lane
Bicycle Facility
2.1
Conform to Bikeway No Segments of the road don’t have enough space to
Design Guides? accommodate bike lanes
2.5
Is cycling/walking No In certain segments width is inadequate
width comfortable?
2.6
Does gradient Yes Downhill slope increases speed but not a safety concern
(slope) affect riding?
4
Needs
Riding surface Road needs improvements, many have longitudinal joints
improvement
condition
4.2
Is there debris along No Road is cleaned constantly
riding surface?
4.3
Does vegetation Only a few palm leaves that might obstruct road
No
affect riding
surface?
4.4
Some surface defects but most have been fixed
incorrectly
or surface defects?
4.5
Does drainage affect No It does not affect
riding surface?

30 / Oct / 2014
Ricardo Jose García

Holguín
10:30am - Avenida Palmeras
11:30am
4.7
Is ponding of water No Occasionally on days with heavy rain in few areas
observed?
5
Traffic restriction gates in front of Physics Building and
Obstructions along Yes
Library
the roadway
5.1
Does signage invade No Few signs and no bicycle signs visible
riding space?
8
Yes Needs a lot of improvements
Lighting
9
Good
Visibility
9.1
Yes Good sight distance for the most part of the road
Sight Distance
9.2
Vegetation obstruct No No vegetation affects visibility
visibility?
10.1
Signage & Marking N/A No clear marking on the road, need maintenance
Readability?
10.2
Present “stop sign” location inadequate. Low obedience
Signage Location No
rates at the stop sign.
Adequate?

CYCLISTS ON LAS MARÍAS USE THE

SIDEWALK OFTEN TO AVOID CONFLICTS
SUCH AS UNSAFE DRAINAGE GATES.

3.5. Las Marías Route RSA Good Attention Hazard
6 / Nov / 2014
Miguel Caro 10:40am – Avenida Las Marías

11:50am

1.1 Needs
Cyclists operate within traveled way as a shared use lane.
Presence of
Car travel within the university is tame relative to urban
Improvement
Bicycle Facility roads outside due to presence of traffic calming features.
2.1
Design Guides?
2.4 Would correct inconsistent travel path, erratic turn

Improves with Yes movements and illegal sidewalk use of cyclists by
dedicated bike lane? promoting dedicated ROW allocation.
2.5 Needs Lack of sidewalks near Ramírez de Arellano building.
Is cycling/walking Improvement Lack of dedicated facility affects cyclists.

width comfortable?
2.6 Grades from Mangual, ADEM, Alzamora, Tennis Courts.
Does gradient Yes Uphill trips would benefit the most from dedicated cycling
(slope) affect riding? facility.
4 Needs
Riding surface Improvement
condition
4.2
Is there debris along No
riding surface?
4.3 Sidewalks edges with grass, palm branches, leaves, mud

Does vegetation No (Hotel Colegial).
affect riding Traveled way clean.

surface?
4.4 Cracks, fissures in traveled way. Manholes in centerline,

poor conditions.
or surface defects?

6 / Nov / 2014
Miguel Caro 10:40am – Avenida Las Marías

11:50am

4.5
Does drainage affect Safety Concern Grates perpendicular to travel.
riding surface?
4.7 Ponding of water is observed adjacent to curb near the

Is ponding of water Yes
bridge, and near “hotel colegial”. [1], [2], [3], [4]
observed?
5 Needs Street lighting and trees blocks what is supposed to be

Obstructions along Improvement sidewalk area. [1], [2], [3], [4], [5]
the roadway
5.1
Does signage invade No
riding space?
9 Needs
Visibility Improvement
9.1 N/A
Sight Distance
9.2 Needs
Trees in curve may reduce sight distance available if
Vegetation obstruct vehicle travel in high speed. Tree in intersection with
Improvement
visibility? Pinos Street reduce visibility. [1], [2], [3]
10.1 Needs
Crosswalk markings have faded at Las Marías-Pinos
Signage & Marking intersection. Lack of crosswalk markings in other
Improvement
Readability? pedestrian crossings. [1], [2], [3], [4], [5]
10.2 Needs “Transit with parking permit only” sign misplaced. Sign
Signage Location Improvement should be located at Mangual parking entrance. [1]
Adequate?


3.6. Los Pinos Route RSA Good Attention Hazard
4 / Nov / 2014
Jose R. González
10:30am-11:30am
Paseo Pinos
1.1 At the entrance of the Agrícolas there are two bicycle

Presence of
Yes parking racks and there is one sign indicating to share the
Bicycle Facility road with cyclists.
2.1
Assuming this is a shared Roadway then no
Design Guides?
2.4
Improves with No Not enough space for a bike lane
dedicated bike lane?
2.5
Is cycling/walking Yes Both walking and cycling is comfortable
width comfortable?
2.6
Grading are normal crown for run-off at street level and is
Does gradient No
plane for walking and cycling
4
Riding surface Safety Concern Riding conditions are inadequate
condition
4.2
At puddles storing debris after rainy days and debris
Is there debris along Yes
caused by rough patching and pot holes
riding surface?
4.3
Does vegetation Vegetation affects pedestrians and near cycling area to
Yes
affect riding the side of the road
surface?
4.4
At intersection and entrance from PR 108 to the campus,
presents unacceptable surface
or surface defects?

4 / Nov / 2014
Jose R. González
10:30am-11:30am
Paseo Pinos
4.5
Drainage near the exit to PR-108 is in an falling in
Does drainage affect Yes
disrepair
riding surface?
4.7
At resurfaced areas with rough patching and at the run off
gradient/ potholes near PR-108
observed?
5.1 All signage are located at the grass median between

Does signage invade No roadway and sidewalk
riding space?
Very poor due to only two street lights/ poles at one side
8
Safety Concern with a span of more than 25ft. Lack of lightning along
Lighting
most of the segment
9
Good
Visibility Wide spaces and no obstructions
9.1 Space available to have complete sight of driving

Yes
Sight Distance behavior
9.2
Many slim palms trees along Paseo Pinos but enough
spanning for increase visibility
visibility?
10.1
Good conditions but there are old parking signage that is
Signage & Marking No
worn out
Readability?
10.2 Spaces between sign are adequate and the amount of

Signage Location Yes signs are not over bearing the segment
Adequate?

THE TERRACE ROUTE IS ONE OF MANY

ROUTES THAT WOULD BENEFIT FROM
DEDICATED CYCLING FACILITIES.

3.7. Terrace Route RSA Good Attention Hazard
31 / Oct / 2014
Emanuel Marín
10:30am-11:30am Path to Terrace Community

1.1
Presence of No
Bicycle Facility
2.1 Doesn’t Comply with bidirectional bike path

Design Guides?
dimensions recommended by NACTO (8 feet)
2.4 It would reduce conflicts between cyclists and

Improves with Yes
pedestrians. More comfortable for the cyclists.
2.5 Not enough space for both cyclists and

Is cycling/walking No
width comfortable?
pedestrians.
2.6
Does gradient No Relatively plain surface.
(slope) affect riding?
4
Riding surface Good Good conditions.
condition
4.2
Is there debris along No Some tree branches.
riding surface?
4.3
Does vegetation No
affect riding surface?
4.4
Are there potholes No
or surface defects?
4.5
Does drainage affect No
riding surface?

31 / Oct / 2014
Emanuel Marín
10:30am-11:30am Path to Terrace Community

4.7
Is ponding of water No Clear zone shows signs of ponding.
observed?
5
Obstructions along No
the roadway
5.1
Does signage No No Signs.
invade riding space?
6 N/A
Clear Zone
8 Yes Good illumination.

Lighting
 
9 Yes
Visibility
Good visibility
9.1 Yes
Sight Distance
9.2
Vegetation obstructs No
visibility?
10.1
Signage & Marking No No signs/markings.
Readability?
10.2
Signage Location No No signs.
Adequate?

SOME CYCLISTS CHOOSE TO SECURE THEIR

BIKES AT THE BASE OF THIS HILL WHILE
OTHERS RIDE UP THE HILLY TERRAIN.

3.8. Caobos Route RSA Good Attention Hazard
Sionel Arocho 6 / Nov / 2014 Avenida Caobos
1.1
Bike racks in poor state. Bike rack at bus stop is being
Presence of
No
used as bench.
Bicycle Facility
2.1
Design Guides?
2.4
Dedicated bike lane would improve uphill conditions for
Improves with Yes
cyclists
2.5
Along Barcelona uphill section, elevated sidewalk
Is cycling/walking Yes
provides comfortable walking width
width comfortable?
2.6
Does gradient Yes Many cyclists leave their bicycles and continue on foot
4
Riding surface Other Riding conditions are inadequate
condition
4.2
Is there debris along Yes Many leaves on surface
riding surface?
4.3
Does vegetation No
affect riding
surface?
4.4 Along uphill segment - cracks, undulating pavement and

Are there potholes Yes potholes
or surface defects? Many cracks along segment
4.5
Drainage may be over-designed. Some inlet grills are
Does drainage affect Yes
completely plugged and serve no real purpose.
riding surface?

Sionel Arocho 6 / Nov / 2014 Avenida Caobos
4.7
Is ponding of water Yes Ponding is observed along Barcelona entrance
observed?
5
Obstructions along No
the roadway
5.1
Along uphill segment “Reductor” signpost is installed in
the gutter
riding space?
8
Yes
Lighting
9
Safety Concern Needs improvement. Parked cars obstruct view.
Visibility
9.1 Needs
Fences and elevated walkway obstruct sight distance
Sight Distance Improvement
9.2
visibility?
10.1
Needs
Signage & Marking Road markings inconsistent and missing
Improvement
Readability?
10.2
Signage Location Yes
Adequate?

THE CIVIL ENGINEERING CROSSING IS

LACKING BASIC FACILITIES SUCH AS
SIDEWALKS AND CROSSINGS.

3.9. Civil & Chemical Engineering Crossing RSA

Emanuelle D. 3 / Nov / 2014 Civil and Chemical Engineering

Rodriguez 4pm-5pm Crossing
1.1
Presence of
No
Bicycle Facility
2.1
Local streets from campus are shared lanes; still no
sharrow presented.
Design Guides?
2.4
Improves with No No sufficient width for the bike lane.
2.5
Is cycling/walking Yes There is enough space for cyclist to transit the road.
width comfortable?
2.6
Does gradient Yes Observations on the road shows discomfort for cyclist
4
Needs
Riding surface Surface conditions are unsafe for cyclist
improvement
condition
4.2
Is there debris along Yes Most debris are present on both sides of the road.
riding surface?
4.3
Does vegetation Yes Tree leaves and other organic material present.
affect riding
surface?
4.4
Are there potholes Yes Near Yagrumo’s entrance.
or surface defects?
4.5
Needs
Does drainage affect Personhole needs improvement.
improvement
riding surface?


Emanuelle D. 3 / Nov / 2014 Civil and Chemical Engineering

Rodriguez 4pm-5pm Crossing
4.7
At the curb to the entrance to Engineering Complex

observed?
5
Obstructions along Yes Trees affect riders and cars on both ways.
the roadway
5.1
riding space?
8 Needs There’s no lighting in the entrance, but there is on the

Lighting improvement road.
Parked cars affect visibility in
9 Needs the corner of the intersection with “Calle de Servicio”

Visibility improvement
9.1 Needs
Sight Distance improvement
9.2
Vegetation obstructs No
visibility?
10.1
One way sign not established correctly on the entrance to
Signage & Marking Other
faculty parking.
Readability?
10.2 Missing stop sign and guidance sign for the entrance
Signage Location No to “Paseo Yagrumo”. Existing Stop Signs lack proper

Adequate? visibility, blocked by tree branches.

THE CIVIL ENGINEERING CROSSING IS

LACKING BASIC FACILITIES SUCH AS
SIDEWALKS AND CROSSINGS.

Universidad de Puerto Rico Recinto
UPRM Campus Bicycle Master Plan 2014-2015 Universitario de Mayagüez (R.U.M.)
Healthy Planet, Healthy Life, Ride a Bike
Residential
Commercial
Special Use
Educational
Balboa
Main Roads
Terrace París
Walk/Bike Route
R.U.M. Car Access
R.U.M. Ped/Bike Access
Agrait
Salud
Martínez
Trastalleres Pueblo
El Seco
COMMON ROUTES OF TRIPS GENERATED BY ACTIVITIES RELATED TO THE UPRM CAMPUS
IV.INFRASTRUCTURE
IV. INFRASTRUCTURE
4.1. Background
The region where the University of Puerto Mayagüez Campus (R.U.M.) is located includes
at least 9 residential areas of the municipality of Mayagüez including: Agrait, Balboa, El
Seco, Martínez, Paris, Pueblo, Salud and Terrace. Recalling the study Ride a Bike
conducted in 2009, Terrace (10%), Pueblo (10%) and Agrait (La Riviera, 11%) displayed
the highest use of bicycles to reach the University. Respondents of the 2013 study also
provided insight into the distribution of students among residential sectors neighboring the
university with 29% indicating they were from Pueblo (including Paris, Balboa and Calle
Bosque), 20% from Terrace and 32% from areas not immediately adjacent to the
university. Based on this information, it may be favorable to prioritize improvement
strategies in these areas adjacent to the university where cycling is prevalent despite the
lack of cycling facilities. The convenience of walking and biking from these neighborhoods
to the university is an added consideration to improve the cycling experience since the
objective of this master plan is to increase levels of cycling to the university.

Benefit: Safer lane use by cyclists, Encourages drivers to “share the road”
Implementation cost: Low
4.2. Pilot Phase — Sharrows Completed, December 2014
The pilot phase consisted of implementing approximately

100 sharrows on all on-campus roads. Sharrows, short for
shared lane markings, are traffic control markings used to
highlight the presence of cyclists on complete streets and
guide them through shared facilities in a safe manner. The
sharrow symbols were painted using Traffic Paint for this
temporary phase and shall be repainted using thermoplastic
lines during programmatic maintenance in 2015. The pilot
phase was successfully completed during the Fall 2014
semester with the aid of professors and students who
volunteered to help paint the sharrows.
Avenida Principal: Correcting Erratic Cyclist Movements

INTERSECTION OF PRINCIPAL AND LAURELES ROUTE CONDITIONS AT 10:30AM
Cyclists lacking a dedicated space along the main road through the university must
maneuver in between queues of traffic. Often times, cars queueing to exit the university
invade the opposing lanes, creating a more dangerous environment for cyclists.

Avenida Laureles, Las Marías, Caobos: Managing Parallel Parking Conflicts

LAURELES ROUTE CROSS-SECTION WITH SHARROW MARKINGS
Sharrow markings also encourage adequate separation between cyclists and parallel
parked cars on the street. These conflicts are observed on Avenida Caobos along the
perimeter of campus grounds, on Avenida Las Marías at the location of the Hotel Colegial
and on Avenida Laureles near Servicios Médicos and Edificio Chardón.
Avenida Palmeras, Paseo Pinos, Yagrumos: Highlighting the presence of cyclists
The main objective of sharrows is that they assist cars and transit conductors to recognize
and respect the presence of cyclists on the street. With the goal of improving the safety of
cyclists and reducing the number of accidents involving motorists, sharrows were
implemented on Avenida Palmeras, Paseo Pinos as well as all other campus roads.
With this important step forward, the Mayagüez Campus of the University of Puerto Rico is
now in compliance with government public policy (Complete Streets Law, Law 201 of
2012) to incorporate complete streets.

Benefit: Safer travel lane location for cyclist, Reduces uphill conflicts for drivers
Implementation cost: Low
4.3. | 1st Phase — Bike Lanes May 2015
Avenida Caobos, Las Marías: Improving perception for cyclists traveling uphill
CROSS-SECTION OF LAS MARÍAS AND CAOBOS HILL SEGMENTS WITH UPHILL BIKE LANES
The first phase consists of bike lanes along Caobos and Las Marías at locations of steep
hills. The purpose of implementing bike lanes is to provide a dedicated space on the road
for cyclists in uphill directions who will be subjected to slower speeds due to the greater
effort required for travel. This is also expected to reduce driver confusion and improve
cyclist placement on the roadway. The improved quality of service may also increment the
number of cyclists traveling uphill. The bike lane consists of an allocation of 4 feet of
traveled way in the uphill direction for exclusive use by bicycles. Separation between car
and bike traffic should be provided by an 6 to 8-inch wide longitudinal white line.

Benefit: Encourages casual cyclists and transit users to travel on campus by bike
Implementation cost: High
4.4 | 2nd Phase: Bike Share & Bike Center December 2015
The second phase of infrastructure recommendations focuses on providing effective

campus bicycle services. It is recommended to implement by August 2015 a bike center
as well as a bike share system to improve existing campus transportation services. The
concept of the bike center is described in greater detail in the section on Administrative
Recommendations.
Bike Share System for Mayagüez

MAP OF POTENTIAL BIKE SHARE STATIONS IN UPRM AND SURROUNDING AREAS
Phase 1 Bike Share
Phase 2 Bike Share
Other Possible Stations
Possible bike share station locations (41) were identified based on:
๏ Presence of a high-activity commercial establishment
๏ Presence of public transportation services or parking garage
๏ Major origin, destination or points of interest

In partnership with MetroBikes, 9 stations were selected for phase 1 and phase 2
implementations of the bike share system:
Phase 1 Phase 2
Pórtico Degetau Ensanche Agrait
Avenida Palmeras Town Center
Entrada de Terrace Bosque
Administración de Empresas Palacio de Recreación Y Deportes
Supermercado Mr. Special Balboa
Phase 1 is limited to stations within the boundaries of the University of Puerto Rico
Mayagüez Campus meanwhile Phase 2 expands the service to the immediate
neighborhoods where students reside.
4.5. | 3rd Phase — Cycle Ways May 2016
The third phase contemplates the construction of bicycle facilities with full separation from
car traffic. The bike paths will provide important connections in the cycle network where
facilities are either inadequate or nonexistent.
Terrace: Connecting Student Housing Subdivision to the University

A 10-foot wide bike path is proposed from the Terrace Entrance of the University to Main
Avenue. The path would eliminate overcrowding on the existing Terrace path where
pedestrians and cyclists have to compete for space. By providing
an exclusive facility, the university community is
expected to benefit from safer facilities that appeal
to a broader range of cyclists.
Terrace Route

Benefit: Safer facilities for cyclists encourage a broader range of types of cyclists
Las Marías: Providing Better Quality Facilities to Eliminate Drainage Conflicts

DRAINAGE GATE CONFLICTS IN LAS MARÍAS ROUTE
Avenida Las Marías has several of the “contributing causes” described in the crash history
review including potholes, steep incline and drainage gates that pose a danger to cyclists.
Combine these during rainy conditions and the presence of heavy vehicles and riding can
become very uncomfortable. A bike path would dissuade these concerns by providing a
protected and exclusive traveled way separate from higher-speed car traffic. The proposed
0.32-kilometer path would extend from Coliseo Mangual where it connects with the
Terrace Bike Path to the Natatorium & Tennis Courts Complex where it connects with the
Natatorium Sports Center and to Business Administration Building through a terminal road.
DRAINAGE GATE CONFLICTS IN LAS MARÍAS ROUTE
Las Marías
Route

Principal, Pinos: Using Cycle Ways to Reduce Conflicts at Intersection Queues

RIDING OBSERVED ON BOTH SIDEWALKS OF PINOS ROUTE
Sidewalk-riding is prevalent on this segment due to the narrow width of travel lanes
combined with the presence of significant queues at either end of Paseo Pinos. Providing
a bike path parallel to this segment would reduce this practice on campus.
Paseo Yagrumo, Biology Access: Using Cycle Ways to Ensure Safer Crossings
Proposed Existing Crossing

Crossing
Existing Crossing
Proposed Crossing
Bike paths should also improve intersection crossings of bicycle facilities. In the current
environment, the traveled way is shared by motorists and cyclists as well as pedestrians
(due to lack of connected pedestrian facilities). In addition, crossings occur at
unconventional intersections where cyclists find themselves in greater exposure to car
traffic. Bike paths at intersections should follow the objective of reducing the amount of
time it takes to cross an intersection.  

lis
UPRM Campuss Bicycle Master Plan 2014-2015 Ce
Healthy Planet, Healthy Life, Ride a Bike
au rele
Ave. L
zón
Mon
s
a bo
orí Ca
o
Pso. Fla
e c t e.
R Av
ato
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Mu n
SA ca
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Campus Street (Shared Way)

Terminal Road
Casa del Rector Pedestrian Paths
Cycle Way (Proposed)
CONCEPTUAL ALIGNMENT OF CYCLE WAY IN CHANCELLOR'S GARDENS
Jardines del Rector: Improving campus accessibility

The presence of bicycles on the sidewalks of Jardines del Rector (Chancellor’s Gardens
in English) has been a source of conflict recently due to bicycles parked in the elevator
for wheelchair users. An 8 foot-wide cycle way connecting Rectoría's parking facilities
on Avenida Caobos with Paseo Flamboyán at the Chancellor’s Residence. This cycle
way facilitates trips from Barcelona Gate to campus amenities on Avenida Caobos
including Medical Services, Student Center, Piñero Building, Chardón Building and
Stéfani Building. Most importantly, the cycle way will provide the adequate width and
facility for cyclists in this area.
Benefit: Eliminate sidewalk riding near Rectoría grounds and encourage cycling.
TYPICAL CROSS-SECTION OF CYCLE WAY FOR RECTORÍA GARDENS 

4.6. Signage
There are different types of signage that should be used during the implementation of
the aforementioned bicycle facilities including regulatory, warning and guidance signs.
They should be placed at locations that meet MUTCD criteria for each one.
Regulatory
VELOCIDAD
MÁXIMA
20
The above signs include bike lane signage (start and end) and speed limit signs.
Warning
Above are are the Bicycle Warning, Bicycle Steep Downhill Warning and Bicycle Right
Turn Warning signs, respectively. These signs indicate warnings to conditions of the
road including, in order from left to right:
• Presence of cyclists on the road
• Steep downhill incline
• Sharp right-turn (recommended at Calvario hill)
Guidance
Guidance signage should aid users on the road to suggest the most
appropriate route to travel across campus and lead cyclists toward the
corresponding bicycle parking facilities.  

EXAMPLES OF PAVEMENT MARKING DESIGNS USING NACTO BIKEWAY GUIDE
4.7 Pavement Markings

Pavement markings are essential to safe operations of road infrastructure. Pavement markings help
guide cyclists through the appropriate route safely. Drivers also benefit since the cycle lanes signal the
presence of cyclists which improves the safety of all users. The following are the various pavement
markings employed in this proposal. All pavement markings proposed are based on the NACTO
Urban Bikeway Design Guide.
Sharrows
The sharrow marking consists of a cyclist logo accompanied with chevron arrows in the direction of
travel. They should be used along any campus street that does not have a designated bicycle facility.
Bicycle Lanes
Bicycle lane markings should be applied at the upstream and downstream end of bike lanes or paths.
Engineering judgement should be used to add this marking periodically along the route.
Bicycle Lane Crossings

Bike lanes that enter intersections with cars should use dotted lines and chevron arrows to establish a
crossing. The marking will be used when driveways intersect with the cycle route.
Intersection Markings
Some intersections may require the use of special markings at intersections, such as bike boxes. In
this project, a bike box is recommended at the intersection of Principal and PR-2 and at the Civil &
Chemical Engineering crossing on PR-108.
Cycle Tracks
Bike lane coloring is not yet included in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, yet it is a
common practice within US cities, including New York City and Washington, DC. These cities use the
color green. The proposed bike lane should only be colored within 60 feet of intersections to ensure
safety for the cyclist and a reasonable maintenance. Crossings at minor access points should not be
colored, while crossings of major roads should have some form of color treatment. 

No Bike Facilities Existing
4.8 Avenida Principal Alternatives Analysis

 
Sharrows No Build
Bike Lane Alternative #1

Cycle Track Alternative #2
Detail of Avenida Principal Alternative #3 (Subject to operational analysis)
View A View B
View C
Before and After View A 
Before
Median
Cycle Track
After

Before and After View B
After
Before
Before and After View C 
Before
After


V. ADMINISTRATIVE
RECOMMENDATIONS

• Enforcement
✓ Bicycle Register
✓ “Bait Bikes”
✓ Positive Reinforcement
• Emergency
✓ Accidents and Incidents
✓ Preventive Medicine
• Education
✓ Bicycle Seminars
✓ “Escuelita”
✓ Online Web Page
• Encouragement
✓ Transportation Week
✓ Cycing Sport Events
✓ Ride a Bike Center

5.1. Enforcement
The Department of Tránsito y Vigilancia
(Transit and Security) is an important factor in
our university when maintaining the security of
the campus community. They protect and
ensure the safety of every student, professor,
and faculty; as well as for each driver and
cyclist within the campus. This department polices campus grounds, levying fines for
traffic violations, and a registry of every motor vehicle. A bicycle registry is of great
importance, as it serves as a record of the cycling population, provides a measure of
how it changes throughout the years and adds an added level of security by providing a
mechanism to track bicycle ownership. Tracking the amount of trips on bicycles may
permit better allocation of resources. That being said, during the last three years the
university has observed an increase in cycling, which has created conflicting views on
the appropriate use of campus streets. Bike riding has become a relevant transportation
option for students; however, like cars they must comply with the traffic laws. Three (3)
programs that should be implemented to provide security on campus:
✓ Bicycle Registry
✓ Bait Bikes
✓ Positive Reinforcement
A Bicycle Registry should be implemented. This database
should provide unique, identifying about the ownership of
bicycles. This addresses the problems associated with bike
thefts by linking student identities to bicycles. If a bike has gone missing the student has
a designated place to claim and/or repot his or her lost or stolen bike. This provides a
helpful resource for the adaptation for a better reworking strategy within the university
police. Implementing the bike registry will promote the usage of bicycling within the
campus as well, students will have the certainty that their bikes are secure, as many do
for their cars. The bike identification will consist of a small metallic tag located under the

frame. The tag will contain the bike serial number and
a bar code same as the student ID. Using the metallic
tag will provide resistance against weather conditions,
dry and wet.
In addition, a new system known as “bait bike”
could serve as a great method to catch bike thieves. It
consists of an expensive bike unsecured and
unattended on a bike rack. When this bike gets stolen
it is reported by a tracking system to the authorities
and then it can be tracked down to find the thief. The
Department of Tránsito y Vigilancia supports these projects and has expressed their
enthusiasm in supporting these bicycle initiatives.
Positive reinforcement should be used to encourage helmet use and compliance
with campus traffic regulations. An example is a cyclist receiving a discount in the book
store for using a helmet or receiving a free desert in the cafeteria for yielding to cyclists.
This method of positive reinforcement should be practiced by enforcement personnel at
least once a month to persuade safe traffic conditions on campus streets for all users.
5.2. Emergency
Bicycle collisions on campus have become a
serious concern recently, due to the rising presence of
these on campus. During the 2013-2014 period around
seven bicycle collisions, including two (2) requiring
medical services outside those provided by the
university. It is important to require safer street designs
as well as solutions that may prevent unwanted
collisions from occurring. Helmets are a recommended
example of preventative medicine. Likewise, riding a bike for at least 30 minutes each
day can contribute to the prevention of noncommunicable diseases. Helmets are
practical for many types of cyclists including professional racers, commuters and for

those who exercise cycling. In order to make helmet use prevalent on campus, a
campaign should be initiated that should consist of three (3) main objectives:
✓ Giveaway of custom UPR Mayagüez theme helmets at campus events
✓ Offer helmets for sale on campus
✓ Offer incentives for campus products to cyclists who use helmets
If many people on campus begin to use helmets it could create a positive trend in safety
gear. Accidents also tend to happen when the asphalt is slippery, such as during or after
a rain event. In the event a cyclist slips or collides with a vehicle, the helmet can protect
one of the most vital parts of the body. Our university should lead the way in helmet use
among cyclists in Puerto Rico.
5.3. Education
Many students move around campus on bikes but most have not received formal
training on adequate use of bicycles, including laws and maintenance. The bicycle is a
way of life and eventually many students will adopt cycling as part of their healthy
lifestyle. The students’ physical, mental and emotional health may be fortified, by using
the bicycle. Therefore we recommend:
• Educate the campus community in proper bicycle usage on campus
• Capacitation of students in skills related to bicycle mechanics

•Apply “positive reinforcement” by incentivizing good behavior of

users on the road
Through a partnership between Ride a Bike and Department of

“Calidad de Vida” will offer bicycle safety seminars that will cover
topics such as (1) riding bicycle through the streets of Mayagüez and (2) the benefits
associated with riding a bicycle to the university. The seminars should be held at least 2
times a semester and should benefit to coincide with events of similar nature such as
Orientation Week, Earth Week and Transportation Week.
A frequent issue with cycling in the campus university is the lack of tools, skills or
service outlets for students to repair their bicycles. For this reason, different types of
seminars should be given throughout the semesters so students can develop these
skills that foster independence and mechanical creativity. Majors topics that should be
covered in the seminars are the following:
✓ Introduction to the Benefits of Maintenance and Operations of Cycling
✓ Replacing a Bicycle Tire Pneumatic Tube
✓ Adjusting Basic Issues Such as Seat Height, Brakes and Handlebars
✓ Introduction to Bicycle Plug-ins
These seminars should be interactive in
the most of their ways, using a bike to detail
every aspect of what should be done to fix or
clean the bicycle. These seminars should be
held once a month as part of the “Ride a Bike
Shop” concept described in this report.
Informational brochures should be prepared
containing links to local community bicycle shops, bicycle-friendly businesses and
resources that address bicycle maintenance. Information on these seminars including
presentation materials and supplementary information should be on the Department of
Calidad de Vida’s website.

A similar approach should be taken with motor vehicle drivers whom commit
traffic violations. As a substitute for penalizing drivers with enforcement fines they
cannot afford, the Department of Tránsito y Vigilancia should give courses that address
road safety topics regarding safe driving in a complete streets environment. By
attending these courses, a student can receive amnesty for traffic fines that have been
received. The courses should last at least 1 hour and cover a broad range of topics
associated with driving on campus, pedestrian and bicycle safety, how to use a
complete street, and any other similar topics.
5.4. Encouragement
The most important aspect for this whole project is to promote and encourage
students, staff, college faculty and the general pubic to use the bicycle more often,
whether for transportation or recreational purposes and to highlight cycling as a more
productive way of moving for both practical and enjoyable
reasons. In order to promote the use of bicycles, the following
alternatives are recommended:
✓ Seminars during Transportation Week, Earth Week and
Orientation Week
✓ Bicycle Tours of campus during Orientation Week
✓ Bike to Work Day in May
✓ Educational Cycle Races
✓ Bicycle-related sports
✓ Improved integration with the local cycling community
✓ Mountain biking trails in Alzamora farm
✓ Create a Bicycle Center on campus
✓ Offer free repair tools
With these and other activities the university would be
recognized as a key promoter of cycling and physical activity
on the West coast. These activities could be coordinated with
student organizations like Ride a Bike. Through these

activities, the university can promote cycling to both newcomers, people who don’t
normally ride bicycles as well as experienced cyclists.
During Orientation Week in August, the university should encourage students by
giving bicycle tours of the campus. Through this activity the individual newcomer is
being assured of the safety of cycling on campus by university representatives. Another
activity that should be held is “Bike to Campus Day” at least twice a year. This should
encourage employees and faculty to ride to campus more often.
Bicycle races are a way for casual cyclists become more active in the cycling
community. A series of bicycle races performed on campus would make great strides to
motivate the cycling community. The university’s participation in larger cycling events
(50-100 km in length), such as “La Vuelta de Puerto Rico” (above image) would be yet
another means of proclaim that the University of Puerto Rico is a bike-friendly campus
for all.
Finally, a Bicycle Center should be integrated to the Student Center to support
cyclists commuting to campus. The maintenance and shop service could follow a similar
operational structure as “Cueva de Tarzán”, the campus café. Aside from selling spare
parts and replacement tubes, the shop could offer maintenance and repair services.
This dedicated space could also hold workshops for the campus community and be the
one stop for all matters related to cycling on campus. Bicycle mechanics could be
engineering alumni in a work-study arrangement. The Bicycle Center is an essential
component of this Bicycle Master Plan and necessary to expand access to bicycle
services for students. A detailed proposal for the Bike Center will be added to the
Appendix at a later date.  

“We need more bike education for

bikes and drivers. It would make
things a whole lot better”
- Richard Meritzer, ADA Coordinator of Pittsburgh
“Nothing compares to the simple

pleasure of a bike ride”
- John F. Kennedy. 35th President of the United States of America 

5.5. Budget
The Master Bike Plan counts with an estimate of the amount of money to be used in the new proposed
infrastructure that will be added to the campus existing grounds. The table shown below specifies the
materials and the components that will be added. The main components are the asphalt concrete paving,
used for the cycle track routes; the thermoplastic shared lane marking, for the sharrow; the thermoplastic
lines, that establish the cycle lanes; the sub-base preparation, which is the excavation and preparation of the
terrain for new roads; and the crushed stone base ¾”, used in the sub-base for concrete where needed.
The following units are tons (Ton), cubic meters (CM), and linear meter (LM). Finally the preliminary budget
counts with a total of $265,035.00.
COST ESTIMATE AND UNIT TAKE-OFFS FOR PROPOSALS CONTAINED IN THIS PLAN
Description Unit Quantity Unit Price Cost
Asphalt Concrete Paving Ton 800 $ 135.00 $ 108,000
Crushed Stone Base ¾” CM 720 $ 50.00 $ 36,000
Sub-base Preparation LM 2200 $ 45.00 $ 99,000
Thermoplastic Shared Lane Marking each 106 $ 125.00 $ 13,250
Thermoplastic Lines LM 2510 $ 3.50 $ 8,785
Total $ 265,035

Appendix A: Educational Materials on Use of Sharrows on Campus
Biciflecha
1. Los símbolos de biciflechas (sharrows) se usan
para resaltar la presencia de ciclistas en las
carreteras y marcar una calle compartida.
2. Las biciflechas (sharrows) se usan para asistir a

los ciclistas a ubicarse en una calle compartida.
Ayudan a ciclistas evitar conflictos con vehículos
estacionados y cambios en el flujo vehicular.
Observe la velocidad máxima dentro

del R.U.M. de 20 mph. Ceda el paso
a ciclistas y peatones para anticipar
su presencia en calles compartidas.
Utilice los cruces peatonales cuando

sea posible. Verifique ambos lados
de las carreteras antes de cruzar.
Viaje en el centro del carril en rutas

marcadas con biciflechas cuando sea
posible. Desmonte cuando necesite
utilizar accesos peatonales.

Institute of Transportation Engineers

University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez Student Chapter

UPRM Bicycle Master Plan

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University of Puerto Rico

University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez Campus Bicycle Master Plan 2014

D. Soto and E. Rodríguez Institute of Transportation Engineers 1

University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez

Campus Bicycle Master Plan

Prepared for: Lucas N. Avilés, Dean of Administration

D. Soto and E. Rodríguez Institute of Transportation Engineers i

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D. Soto and E. Rodríguez Institute of Transportation Engineers ii

MORE THAN 100 STUDENTS VOLUNTEERED IN

CST — Comisión para la Seguridad en el Tránsito

DOT — Department of Transportation

DTOP — Departamento de Transportación Y Obras Públicas

FHWA — Federal Highway Administration

FTA — Federal Transit Administration

FIESTA — Facilitadores Instructores En Seguridad, Tránsito y Alcohol

ITE — Institute of Transportation Engineers

ITE-UPRM — Institute of Transportation Engineers University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez

MUTCD — Manual on Uniform Traﬃc Control Devices

NACTO — National Association of City Transportation Oﬃcials

NBPDP — National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project

NHTSA — National Highway Traﬃc Safety Administration

PRSHSP — Puerto Rico Strategic Highway Safety Plan

RSA — Road Safety Audit

SLM — Shared Lane Marking

TCRP — Transit Cooperative Research Program

TRB — Transportation Research Board

TWLTL — Two-way left-turn lane

UPRM — University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez Campus

D. Soto and E. Rodríguez Institute of Transportation Engineers iv

D. Soto and E. Rodríguez Institute of Transportation Engineers v

D. Soto and E. Rodríguez Institute of Transportation Engineers 1

1.2 Future Research Needs

D. Soto and E. Rodríguez Institute of Transportation Engineers 2

CAMPUS STREETS SERVE MANY ROAD

D. Soto and E. Rodríguez Institute of Transportation Engineers 3

Who are the Stakeholders in the Bicycle Master Plan?

Engineering Decanato de Administración

Education Oficina de Calidad de Vida

Emergency Servicios Médicos

Enforcement Tránsito y Vigilancia

Everyone Ride a Bike / Campus Verde

D. Soto and E. Rodríguez Institute of Transportation Engineers 4

Bicycle Master Plan Flowchart

Director Director of Director of Director Office of

D. Soto and E. Rodríguez Institute of Transportation Engineers 5

The objective of this bicycle master plan is to lay the

Economy Health Environment

D. Soto and E. Rodríguez Institute of Transportation Engineers 6

More Cyclists Safety in Numbers Safer Cycling

Pedestrian and Bicycle Initiatives in Puerto Rico

D. Soto and E. Rodríguez Institute of Transportation Engineers 7

Category 2013 2014 % Change

Driver 133 92 -30.8%

Total 326 275 -15.6%

D. Soto and E. Rodríguez Institute of Transportation Engineers 8

educational campaign for advising pedestrians and cyclists on their responsibilities to

2009 Personal Mode Share Results

been selected for the random sample, a

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UPRM — University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez Campus 

  ROAD SAFETY AUDITORS ENGAGE WITH