2002 Knoxville Regional Bicycle Plan

Appendix A: Glossary

Bicycle (or “Bike”)

A vehicle propelled by human power upon which any person may ride, having two tandem wheels, except scooters and similar devices. The term also applies to three- and four-wheeled human-powered vehicles, but not tricycles for children.

Bicycle Facilities

A general term denoting improvements and provisions made by public agencies to accommodate or encourage bicycling, including parking and storage facilities, bike lanes, paved shoulders and wide outside lanes.

Bicycle Lane (“Bike Lane”)

A portion of a roadway that has been designated by striping, signing and pavement markings for the preferential or exclusive use of bicyclists.

Bicycle Path (“Bike Path”)

See Shared Use Path

Bicycle System

A system of bikeways designated by the jurisdiction having authority with appropriate directional and informational signage. Bicycle systems should establish a continuous routing, but may be a combination of any and all types of bikeways.

Bikeway

A generic term for a road, street, or path that in some way is specifically designated for bicycle travel, regardless of whether such facilities are designated for the exclusive use of bicycles or are to be shared with other transportation modes. This term can be used interchangeably with “bicycle facility.”

Greenway

A corridor of undeveloped land, usually in an urban area, which is set aside or used for conservation and/or recreation. Greenways can also serve as pedestrian and bicycle facilities for recreation and transportation. In this region, the term is often used to mean a Shared Use Path, rather than the more complete definition of greenway.

Right-of-Way

A general term denoting land, property or interest therein, usually in a strip, acquired for or devoted to transportation purposes.

Right of Way

The right of one vehicle or pedestrian to proceed in a lawful manner in preference to another vehicle or pedestrian.

Roadway

A general term denoting a public way intended for vehicular use.

Rumble Strips

A textured or grooved pavement sometimes used on or along shoulders of highways to alter motorists who stray onto the shoulder.

Shared Roadway

A roadway that is open to both bicycle and motor vehicle travel. This may be an existing roadway, street with wide curb lanes or road with paved shoulders.

Shared Use Path

A bikeway physically separated from motorized vehicular traffic by an open space or barrier and either within the roadway right-of-way or within an independent right-of-way. Shared use paths may also be used by pedestrians, skaters, wheelchair users, joggers and other non-motorized users.

Shoulder

The portion of the roadway contiguous with the traveled way for accommodation of stopped vehicles, for emergency use and for lateral support of sub-base, base and surface courses. In rural areas, this portion may also be used for bicycle and pedestrian travel.

Sidewalk

The portion of the street or highway right-of-way designated for preferential or exclusive use of pedestrians.

Signed Shared Roadway (Signed Bike Route)

A shared roadway that has been designated by signing as a preferred route for bicycle use.