MDOT Active Transportation News – MDOT Releases Bicycle Level of Traffic Stress (LTS) Analysis

Published: Tue, 04/05/22

The Maryland Department of Transportation Releases First Bicycle Level of Traffic Stress (LTS) Analysis

The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) is pleased to announce the release of a statewide bicycle level of traffic stress (LTS) analysis. A goal of the 2019 Maryland Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, the LTS analysis scores how bikeable a roadway is based on the type of bicycle facility, traffic volumes, and speed. The LTS results help provide a basis for understanding how accessible Maryland’s road and trail networks are for various cycling audiences.

The LTS rating scale ranges from 0 to 5 (shown below), which reflects the suitability for a particular bicycling audience. A facility with an LTS rating of “0” represents the most comfortable bicycle experience, such as road-separated, shared-use paths - suitable for bicyclists of all ages and abilities. A higher LTS score indicates higher levels of motorized traffic interaction, which is less inviting for most people.

To view MDOT's Level of Traffic Stress (LTS) Map, click here.

The level of traffic stress is also available for download on iMap, Maryland’s GIS Data catalog in two datasets:

The road-separated bike routes file contains all shared-use paths, rail trails and sidepaths. This file contains all LTS 0 and some LTS 1 facilities
The bicycle level of traffic stress file contains all roadways in Maryland, with and without bicycle facilities.

Also available online is the MDOT LTS Technical Memo (2022), which describes the methodology, data development, as well as uses and limitations of the data.

The LTS analysis will help MDOT identify bicycle network gaps and improve connectivity, as well as help local agencies and stakeholders assess and prioritize network needs. MDOT invites local partners and stakeholders to use the LTS data in their planning and project development efforts. Based on nationally accepted standards, the LTS will be updated as more and better data become available.

Please take a look, and reach out with any comments or questions by emailing bikepedinfo@mdot.maryland.gov.