BACKGROUND
Several multi-use path projects have been completed within close proximity to the Town of New Palestine. A multi-use path exists at the Sugar Creek Township Park and the Town of Cumberland has constructed a multi-use path on the old Pennsy railroad corridor from German Church Road to Mt. Comfort Road (CR S 600 W). The City of Greenfield has created a multi-use path on the old Pennsy Corridor from CR S 150 W to CR S 400 E and efforts are underway to try and connect the two communities via a path along the abandoned railroad corridor.
Wishing to capitalize on connections to these other regional trails and to improve walking and biking opportunities within the Town Limits, the Town of New Palestine has decided to complete a Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. The master plan will identify the best routes for making connections to destinations within the Town as well as to residential neighborhoods. The plan will include a conceptual network of on road bicycle facilities, sidewalks, and multi-use trails. Recommendations will also be made on programs and policies for the Town to implement that will help support walking and biking.
NEED FOR THE PLAN
In the United States of America, 30% of the population currently does not drive a motor vehicle. This includes children, the elderly, those people that are physically unable to drive, those that are financially unable to afford the cost and maintenance of a vehicle, and an increasing population of those who chose to use alternative transportation for its economic, environmental, and health benefits.
Currently it is recommended that adults participate in moderate activity for 150 minutes a week. This translates to 30 minutes a day for 5 days a week. In the State of Indiana, 30% of adults fall into the obese category and 16% of teenagers are obese. This alarming fact is partly attributed to an increasingly sedentary lifestyle. In 1969 the percentage of school children walking to school was 48% and today that number is down to 13%. Getting more kids to walk or bike to school could help lower this percentage and an added benefit is that kids who walk or ride arrive ready to learn and more focused. This is also true of workers who use alternative modes of transportation.
TARGET USERS
This plan is intended for pedestrians and bicyclists who either wish to or need to make daily trips for goods and services within their community, and recreational users looking to maintain or improve their health. Users that fall into the category of needing to make trips by foot are the elderly who can no longer drive, schoolchildren, those people that are unable to afford or maintain a car and therefore need to find alternative means to make connections. This plan is also for casual bike riders that may not be comfortable riding among automobile or truck traffic. These types of riders account for 60% of the bicycling population, and require improved infrastructure or residential streets with low traffic and speed limits to make connections within the community.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
1. Increase the number of people that exercise daily by providing safe walking and biking experiences for citizens of all ages and levels of ability.
2. Increase the number of people walking and bicycling for everyday transportation purposes such as commuting to work, to school and running errands.
3. Enhance community connections to neighborhoods, parks, schools, library, businesses, retail and dining, and government facilities.
4. Increase the quality of life in the Town in an effort to retain current citizens and attract new citizens.
5. Provide guidance and priorities for implementing infrastructure to support walking and bicycling with a broad range of funding and support.
6. Provide program and policy recommendations that help support and increase walking and biking in the community.
7. Provide community awareness of motorists and cyclists sharing the road through public education.
8. Increase eco-tourism in the Town by attracting people that are looking for recreational activities in the region.
9. Be ready for future funding opportunities when they present themselves.
10. Create regional connections to county facilities and surrounding communities.
SCOPE OF THE PLAN
The plan studies within the entire town limits of New Palestine. The plan investigates both on-road facilities as well as separated corridors that can be improved to enhance the existing pedestrian and bike network. A master plan for infrastructure improvements has been developed. Detailed cost estimates and phasing are provided for each route. Priority corridors are identified. Development Standards and possible funding opportunities are included for all routes. Public input has been sought throughout the master plan.
Bicycle and walking programs and policies has been developed for the entire community to help support the infrastructure plan. The programs and policies concentrate on the areas of education, encouragement, enforcement, engineering, and evaluation.
PROJECT TIME FRAME
DESIGN PROCESS
