WICHITA AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION
BICYCLE LEVEL OF TRAFFIC STRESS
The Wichita Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (WAMPO) has developed a Bicycle Level of Traffic Stress (BLTS) score for each city in the WAMPO region. The scores range from 1 to 4, with the smaller number representing a lower amount of stress on the bicyclist. The purpose of the map is to better show where bicyclists may have more trouble on the road and how bicyclists and traffic are intertwined. The resulting map can be found below.
The BLTS score for each of the road segments was calculated based on traffic speed, Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT), functional road classifications, and whether or not the road has a protected bike lane, defined as any bike lane that is separated or protected from the road lane by an object, ledge, etc. This does not include painted lines.
DESCRIPTIONS OF THE BICYCLE LEVEL OF TRAFFIC STRESS
BLTS 1
Comfortable for all, including children. Roadways are characterized by having a protected bike lane and/or little to no intermingling with vehicular traffic.
BLTS 2
Tolerable by most adults. May have some turning conflicts but cyclists are mostly separated from traffic with a painted bike lane. Roadways may not be suitable for children.
BLTS 3
Roadways have a higher volume of traffic compared to BLTS 2 roadways.
BLTS 4
Tolerable by only the most experienced bicyclists.