Go for a ride and use this checklist 
to rate your neighborhood's bikeability.

How bikeable is your community?

Location of bike ride (be specific):

Rating Scale:

• 1 = awful
• 2 = many problems
• 3 = some problems
• 4 = good
• 5 = very good
• 6. excellent

1. Did you have a place to bicycle safely?

a) On the road, sharing whte road with motor vehicles?

• Yes 
• Some problems (please note locations): 
• No space for bicyclists to ride 
• Bicycle lane or paved shoulder disappeared 
• Heavy and/or fast-moving traffic 
• Too many trucks or buses 
• No space for bicyclists on bridges or in tunnels 
• Poorly lighted roadways 
• Other problems:

b) On an off-road path or trail, where motor vehicles were not allowed?

• Yes 
• Some problems: 
• Path ended abruptly 
• Path didn't go where I wanted to go 
• Path intersected with roads that were difficult to cross 
• Path was crowded 
• Path was unsafe because of sharp turns or dangerous downhills 
• Path was uncomfortable because of too many hills 
• Path was poorly lighted 
• Other problems: 

2. How was the surface that you rode on?

• Good 
• Some problems, the road or path had: 
• Potholes 
• Cracked or broken pavement 
• Debris (e.g. broken glass, sand, gravel, etc.) 
• Dangerous drain grates, utility covers, or metal plates 
• Uneven surface or gaps 
• Slippery surfaces when wet (e.g. bridge decks, construction plates, road markings) 
• Bumpy or angled railroad tracks 
• Rumble strips 
• Other problems:

3. How were the intersections you rode through?

• Good 
• Some problems: 
• Had to wait too long to cross intersection 
• Couldn't see crossing traffic 
• Signal didn't give me enough time to cross the road 
• Signal didn't change for a bicycle 
• Unsure where or how to ride through intersection 
• Other problems:

4. Did drivers behave well?

• Yes 
• Some problems, drivers: 
• Drove too fast 
• Passed me too close 
• Did not signal 
• Harassed me 
• Cut me off 
• Ran red lights or stop sign 
• Other problems:

5. Was is easy for you to use your bike?

• Yes 
• Some problems: 
• No maps, signs, or road markings to help me find my way 
• No safe or secure place to leave my bicycle at my destination 
• No way to take my bicycle with me on the bus or train 
• Scary dogs 
• Hard to find a direct route 
• I liked Route was too hilly 
• Other problems:

6. What did you do to make your ride safer?

Your behavior contributes to the bikeability of your community. Check all that apply: 

• Wore a bicycle helmet 
• Obeyed traffic signal and signs 
• Rode in a straight line (didn't weave) 
• Signaled my turns 
• Rode with (not against) traffic 
• Used lights, if riding at night 
• Wore reflective and/or retroreflective materials and bright clothing 
• Was courteous to other travelers (motorist, skaters, pedestrians, etc.)
  

7. Tell us a little about yourself.

In good weather months, about how many days a month do you ride your bike? 

• Never 
• Occasionally (one or two) 
• Frequently (5-10) 
• Most (more than 15) 
• Every day 

Which of these phrases best describes you? 

• An advanced, confident rider who is comfortable riding in most traffic situations 
• An intermediate rider who is not really comfortable riding in most traffic situations 
• A beginner rider who prefers to stick to the bike path or trail

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