Reactions to and Recommendations for the Updated MUTCD
Source: Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center (PBIC)
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recently released the updated 11th Edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), a 1,150 page document that governs road markings, speed limits, stop signs, and traffic signals for nearly all streets, roads, highways, and bikeways across the US. In their initial reactions, several organizations noted the significance of FHWA having sought and incorporated input from the public, agencies and industry stakeholders, and that the manual makes important steps toward a safer, more people-focused transportation system; includes improvements for people who walk, bike, and roll; and includes additional flexibility. Many noted they look forward to working closely with FHWA on the next update of the manual required in four years, if not sooner. Here are further initial reactions and recommendations.
- Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE): Notes the updated manual demonstrates a commitment to meeting the diverse needs of all road users. They value the context-sensitive perspective woven throughout and applaud the inclusion of provisional traffic control devices previously under Interim Approval. They commend FHWA for recognizing the pivotal role of uniform traffic control devices in fostering safety across the roadway network, aligning with the principles of the Safe System Approach.
- National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO): Identifies six key reforms to the MUTCD that could transform streets and save lives and provides highlights from the update addressing these key reforms plus areas where they recommend improvement. Calls for stronger reforms to protect pedestrians. Notes that separated bikes lanes are now included in the manual, but some treatments such as green-backed shared lane markings and proven bike signal treatments are unreasonably not permitted.
- Smart Growth America and Transportation for America: Notes the updated MUTCD responded to some of their concerns, but fell short of the kind of major paradigm shift required to protect people who walk, bike, and roll. Calls for FHWA to improve data collection and implement a feedback loop that allows amendments to the current MUTCD as soon as 2024.
- America Walks: Notes the published update is better than its predecessor and what was proposed almost three years ago in how speed limits are set, prioritizing protection of people who walk, bike, and roll, allowing colored bike and bus lanes, and easier justification of crosswalks and signals. Finds the changes are insufficient as the 85th percentile can still be used to set speed limits, discourages colored crosswalks, and encourages engineers to wait for a certain number of deaths before approving a signal or crosswalk.
- League of American Bicyclists: Presents a chart of their 12 recommendations in six key interest areas, which of them was included in the update, and their assessment of how the updated manual deals with each interest area. These include embracing the Safe System approach, removing barriers to lower speed limits, and enabling better bike networks.
- Toole Design: Describes why the MUTCD update matters, briefly highlights what it includes, and gives specific examples of how they will use the manual. They note that while the manual as written is not a Safe System-based document, it can create Safe System outcomes when properly applied and by using engineering judgment and design flexibility.
- A Streetsblog USA article also shares some initial reactions.
