Bicycle and motor vehicle interactions on Park Loop Road: Acadia National Park, ME

Van Gorder, Kendrew; Stanley, Becca; Gibson, Adam

From the introduction: "Park Loop Road provides access to vistas, attractions, and hiking trails in Acadia National Park. The historic road also serves as an attraction of its own, providing users with a scenic viewing experience as the road meanders along the coastline, mountains, and through the forests of the park. Park Loop Road is popular with both motor vehicles and cyclists. Due to the narrow, winding nature of the road, drivers must often wait for an opportunity to safely pass cyclists. In addition to the characteristics of the road itself, increasing vehicle usage may lead to higher vehicle congestion, resulting in fewer opportunities for drivers to safely pass cyclists. Measuring the distance given to cyclists by passing motor vehicles, motor vehicle speed, and conducting bicycle counts on Park Loop Road has allowed us to assess the current state of bicycle and motor vehicle interactions on Park Loop Road."