(A) The city has potential to transform itself into one of the region’s most walkable and bikeable communities. Although challenges lie ahead, the foundation of a fantastic system already exists. This subchapter lays out a 20-year plan for completing this system. The recommended network builds upon previous and on-going local and regional planning efforts and reflects the extensive input offered by city staff, bicycle/pedestrian stakeholder groups and city residents.
(B) The recommended walkway and bikeway network includes a comprehensive and diverse set of pedestrian and bicycle facilities connecting key destinations in and around the city. System improvements include filling sidewalk gaps, establishing a designated bikeway network, upgrading intersections for safer bicycle/pedestrian crossings, expanding the shared use path network and other infrastructure projects to encourage bicycling and walking. Suggested improvements include low-cost measures yielding immediate results, such as establishing bicycle boulevard corridors. Other suggested improvements, such as expanding the local trail system, represent longer-term strategies for transforming the city into a truly bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly community.
(C) (1) This subchapter contains a long list of suggested improvements, yet projects at the top of the priority list will substantially improve the walking and bicycling environment within the first five years of plan implementation. A section at the end of this subchapter suggests specifically where the city should concentrate its infrastruct ure improvement efforts first.
(2) This subchapter describes programmatic strategies to enhance the city’s walking and bicycling environment.
(Ord. passed 6- -2009)