BLOS, BCI, and PLOS - Bike and ped suitability measures for roadways

Go to BLOS/BCI calculator form now.

Go to a form with both bike and ped measures or, do a before & after calculation for bike/ped.

Bicycle Level Of Service (BLOS) and Bicycle Compatibility Index (BCI) are emerging national standards for quantifying the bike-friendliness of a roadway. While other "level-of-service" indices relate to traffic capacity, these measures indicate bicyclist comfort level for specific roadway geometries and traffic conditions. Roadways with a better (lower) score are more attractive (and usually safer) for cyclists. Also, the Pedestrian Level Of Service (PLOS) measures walking conditions.

BLOS and BCI evaluation may be useful in several ways:

• A bicycle map can be produced for the public to assist them in route selection.
• The most appropriate routes for inclusion in the community bicycle network can be identified.
• "Weak links" in the network can be determined, and sites needing improvement can be prioritized.
• Alternate treatments for improving bike-friendliness of a roadway can be evaluated.
• Road project selection formulas can include a BLOS or BCI term to encourage implementation of bike planning goals.

Sidepath Suitability. BLOS and BCI are not applicable for sidewalks and sidepaths - paths parallel to and separated from the roadway. This "homemade" sidepath suitability form evaluates existing or planned sidepaths.

The BLOS and BCI form uses somewhat simplified versions of the formulas found in the references. The BLOS and PLOS form calculates both bike and ped conditions. Compare BLOS and PLOS before-and-after a road project here.

This information is presented by the League of Illinois Bicyclists and the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation.