Where We Are

Active Transportation

West Jordan City's AT network is a key component of the overall transportation system. It enhances the livability, health, and safety for residents. The existing network consists of 21.7 miles of paved multi-use trails, 37.2 miles of combined AT designated shoulders and bike lanes, and over 590 miles of sidewalks. The Jordan River Trail is the most used and second longest continuous trail system, extending from South Jordan to Taylorsville (4.4 miles). The Mountain View Corridor Trail is the longest continuous facility covering 4.5 miles from South Jordan to West Valley City.

Figure 2-1: Existing AT facilities

Mobility versus Accessibility

The main purpose of the transportation system in any community is to provide mobility. Mobility focuses on efficiently moving people and goods from point A to point B, or the level of ease with which movement happens. Without basic mobility, store shelves would be empty, and people would not be able to get to necessary destinations like work and school. Even more important for communities, however, is accessibility. While mobility focuses on overall movement, accessibility encompasses the less tangible components of travel, like travel time, cost, options, comfort, and risk. The two concepts are tied together, and as accessibility increases mobility improves. Mobility is highest in places that accommodate pedestrians, transit users, and bicyclists as well as drivers. Improving accessibility revolves around making locations easy to approach and enter. Accessibility differs by mode and although a location may have high accessibility for automobile travelers, it may have little to no accessibility for transit riders, pedestrians and cyclists. The key to good transportation planning is identifying the overall needs of the users and improving accessibility for all.

Figure 2-2: Cyclist navigating 1300 West in South Jordan

Land-Use and Transportation

Land-use and transportation are inseparably linked. Different land uses will create different transportation impacts and require different types of transportation access. The transportation facilities provided will often dictate how people travel. For example, a newly constructed office building may include a large parking lot to accommodate commuters driving alone or carpooling, or it may be built near a light rail station with minimal parking to incentivize using transit. It is important to consider what types of trips are connected with various locations, particularly for locations that may incorporate active transportation modes. Locations like neighborhoods, schools, parks, and shopping areas are prime locations for active connections. Improving connections and providing opportunities for citizens to walk and bike not only improves accessibility and mobility, but also improves the health and wellbeing of the local community. Accessibility improvements to sidewalks and trails can also enrich the livability of a community. Sidewalks and trails with pedestrian-friendly elements, such as curb ramps and benches, create inviting strolling and shopping areas while providing access for people with limited transportation options. While all pedestrians will have different needs, the goal should be to make all sidewalk and trail environments accessible to the largest possible number of potential users.

Pedestrian facilities should be developed that are safe, attractive, convenient, and easy to use. Sidewalk and trail projects should be selected carefully to maximize their usefulness to the community. Although worthwhile, it can be difficult to retrofit existing built-out areas to incorporate trails and sidewalks. Because of this, high priority should be given to incorporating sidewalks and trails during long-range planning and new site development. It is always easier to incorporate infrastructure during the development process rather than trying to retrofit after the fact.