With material & layout being the same; If given the option to ride on the edge (along) side of a road with a purposed paved bicycle path or ride on a paved path with a noticeable separation as well as protection between the road & paved path, I'm going with the latter.
In some areas it might not be easily feasible to have such a built route, but imo, it's about time for those that are responsible in planning & developing such infrastructure to start applying better logic.
Example: Overpasses [overbridges or flyover] that are currently being replaced due to failing inspection that dont have a safe built in ped crossing section should incorporate an ADA pedestrian crossing if a nearby (Less than 250' walking distance) & safe accommodating structure doesn't already exist.
I get it, most contracts & budgets were approved years ago that are now breaking ground, but it's not uncommon to amend an existing contract & provide a BES to POM the new requirement. Should the existing contract need more than an amendment & lacks an additional terms section to include new clauses, T for C & draft up a new (better) contract.
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