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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-03-31 - Agendas CITY OF a e evl Iq AGENDA Y ARKANS City Council Transportation Committee March 31, 2015 5:45 pm or Immediately after City Council Equipment Committee City Hall Room 326 Members: Matthew Petty, Chairman; Adella Gray; Justin Tennant; Alan Long City Staff: Chris Brown, City Engineer 1. Old Business A. None. 2. New Business A. OVERCREST STREET SPEED TABLE DISCUSSION: A temporary speed table was installed on Overcrest Street last year, as an interim measure pending construction of a sidewalk along the street to Old Wire Road. The sidewalk installation is complete, but the residents along Overcrest have requested that the speed table be left in place. B. ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PLAN: Review of the Active Transportation Plan, presented by Peter Nierengarten, Sustainability and Resilience Director. The draft plan is attached. (Staff requests a recommendation from the Committee to the City Council for this item) C. TRANSPORTATION DIVISION WORKPLAN REVISION: Presentation of a proposal to remove Maple Street, from Gregg to Leverett, from the 2015 work plan, and add 1) 1) Paving of Stadium Drive, Bulldog Lane, and Leroy Pond Drive near the University of Arkansas and Fayetteville High School, and 2) Sidewalk improvements to Davidson Street, Forest Avenue, and Highland Avenue. (Staff requests a recommendation from the Committee to the City Council for this item) D. UNVERSITY OF ARKANSAS GAS LINE CONSTRUCTION-MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT FOR INSTALLATION WITHIN CITY RIGHT OF WAY: The University of Arkansas is planning to construct approximately 5,300 linear feet of 6-inch high pressure natural gas service line, beginning on Nettleship Street west of Razorback Road, and terminating at the University Central Heating Plant located at 870 West William. Approximately 2,400 linear feet of this natural gas service line is required to be laid within or cross City right of way along the route. A Memorandum of Agreement establishing stipulations for use of City right of way for this gas line has been developed for review and is attached. (Staff requests a recommendation from the Committee to the City Council for this item) E. HIGHWAY 112 (MAPLE STREET-RAZORBACK ROAD TO GARLAND AVENUE)- PAYMENT TO ARKANSAS STATE HIGHWAY AND TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT: Review of a proposal to front the full cost of this project, and be Mailing Address: 113 W. Mountain Street www.fayetteville-ar.gov Fayetteville,AR 72701 reimbursed as federal aid is available. This request is from the AHTD, and is due to expected delays in federal aid reimbursements resulting from uncertainty with highway funding on the federal level. Further details are attached. F. MASTER TRANSPORTATION PLAN REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: The RFP for the Transportation Master Plan is attached for review and discussion. The RFP will be issued soon, and the process of procuring a consultant for the Master Plan will begin. Work on the plan, which has a budget of$500,000, will begin within the next 3 to 4 months (after the consultant is selected and approved), and will be completed in 12-18 months after that. G. MINIMUM STREET STANDARDS: A draft guidance document for design and construction of streets, sidewalks and trails is attached for review. This document will replace a 1996 version of Minimum Street Standards, and will serve as a technical supplement to the City's Unified Development Code. Associated revisions to Chapter 171 (Streets and Sidewalks) and other code chapters will be presented to the Committee for review at the next meeting. 3. Reports A. General Update of the Transportation Bond Program. 4. Announcements Next meeting April 28, 2015 after City Council Agenda Session. 2 CITY OF Taye evl Iq CITY COUNCIL AGENDA MEMO ARKANS MEETING OF APRIL 7, 2015 TO: Mayor and City Council THRU: Peter Nierengarten, Sustainability and Resilience Department Director Chris Brown, Engineering Division Director FROM: Leif Olson, Associate Planner DATE: March 18, 2015 SUBJECT: Active Transportation Plan RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the City Council approve the Fayetteville Active Transportation Plan and Map. BACKGROUND: In 2003, the City of Fayetteville adopted the Fayetteville Alternative Transportation & Trails (FATT) Plan, which laid out a vision for the development of a city-wide trail system. The FATT Plan served as a catalyst to initiate large-scale trail development and brought greater awareness of the benefits of alternative transportation networks. Now in 2015, the viability of these networks is readily apparent and other regional cities are replicating and expanding their trail networks with the development of the Razorback Regional Greenway. This Active Transportation Plan (ATP) document replaces the 2003 FATT Plan, and it will be used to guide the design and implementation of bicycle and sidewalk infrastructure. The ATP sets forth a vision and a roadmap for measuring success and it provides the general parameters for the prioritization and design of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure without prescribing solutions for specific projects. Individual projects to be implemented should incorporate the vision and principles set forth in this plan, while balancing the goals of the plan, funding availability, citizen input and potential success for each project. DISCUSSION: The Active Transportation Plan was developed with input from a large number of individuals, groups and local government commissions. Staff from the Sustainability and Resilience Department worked with the City's Engineering, Transportation and Geographic Information Systems Divisions and the Parks and Recreation Department to develop an initial draft plan based upon input from the public and various bicycle and pedestrian stakeholder groups such as; the Bicycle Coalition of the Ozarks, NWA Regional Planning Commission, University of Arkansas Planning and Alta Planning. The draft Active Transportation Plan was presented to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Fayetteville Active Transportation Advisory Committee in February for their review and input. A number of amendments were made to the Plan based upon this input and the Parks and Recreation Board forwarded the Plan with a Mailing Address: 113 W. Mountain Street 21113-1I www.fayetteville-ar.gov Fayetteville,AR 72701 recommendation of approval on March 2, 2015. Staff presented the ATP to the Planning Commission on March 9, 2015 and the Plan was forwarded on a unanimous vote with a recommendation of approval. Finally, the Active Transportation Advisory Board met and forwarded the Plan with a recommendation of approval on March 11, 2015. BUDGET/STAFF IMPACT: No impact. Attachments: Active Transportation Plan Active Transportation Map 2B-2 Z `r WI 1 ` � I _ ^I � � � r a *✓"�' � =may� _- _T —[pool - r 1 C�14V m LTAA TRANSPORTATION PLAN IF I i 0 LID11 :1011 ■ INTRODUCTION executive summary,Active Transportation Plan vision and goals PAGES 1 -3 BACKGROUND planning process, progress and timeline,the pedestrian network, the on-street bicycle network, and transit PAGES 4- 12 ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION BENEFITS PAGES transportation benefits of biking and walking 13 - 17 PAGES VISION FOR THE FUTURE 18-24 plan vision and goals PAGES 25 -28 PEDESTRIAN RECOMMENDATIONS implementation and success metrics PAGES 29-33 BICYCLE RECOMMENDATIONS implementation and success metrics ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION INTRODUCTION executive summary EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ATP VISION AND GOALS In 2003,the City of Fayetteville adopted the Fayetteville Alernative The City envisions the ATP as the guiding document for identifying Transportation &Trails (FATT) Plan,which laid out a vision for the and prioritizing bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure improvements. development of a city-wide trail system.The FATT Plan was developed This plan is intended to be general in scope and to provide a dynamic through an extensive public input process which resulted in a and timely framework for the decision making process. comprehensive set of goals and objectives.At the time the FATT Plan Ultimately,the vision for this Plan is as follows: was developed, Fayetteville had not yet committed to building the Scull Creek Trail that has become the backbone of our trails system.The FATT Fayetteville endeavors to develop and promote an interconnected and Plan served as a catalyst to initiate large-scale trail development and universallyaccessible networkofsidewalks, trails and on-streetbicycle brought greater awareness of the benefits of alternative transportation facilities that encourage citizens to use active/non-motorized modes of networks. Now in 2015,the viability of these networks is readily transportation to safely and efficiently reach anydestination. apparent and other cities in the region are replicating and expanding trail networks with the development of the Razorback Regional Greenway. L 1� THE PRIMARY GOALS This Active Transportation Plan (ATP) document replaces the 2003 Fr FATT Plan, and it will be used to guide the design and implementation Strive to create an inclusive Multimodal Transportation System. of bicycle and sidewalk infrastructure.The ATP sets forth a vision and a roadmap for measuring success, and it provides the general parameters Endeavor to build , trail connection • - half mile of for the prioritization and design of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure every residence. without prescribing solutions for specific projects. Individual projects to Increase the active transportation commutingmode be implemented should incorporate the visions and principles set forth b 2020. in this plan, while balancing the goals of the plan, funding availability, citizen input and potential success for each project. Work to identify and correct missing bicycle and pedestrian linkages. ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PLAN INTRODUCTION 'ot ,)d :_ti :)n executive summary MF WHAT IS ACTIVE • • transportationActive powered transportation, or skateboarding. MULTI - MODALWHAT IS • • Multi-modal refers to a range of mobility options;vehicular traffic, public transit,walking, bicycling and ride sharing that are effectively integrated to provide a high degree of accessibility for all users. WHAT ARE Just as our existing motorized transportation networks connect destinations via an interconnected system of roadways that enable people to get from A to B, active transportation networks allow people to do the same thing by walking and bicycling. Imagine a system of trails, quiet neighborhood streets, bike lanes and cycle tracks that connect your home with your work, school, shopping, entertainment and other destinations.You can enjoy the freedom of safely and conveniently getting where you're going without needing to drive. 0 INTRODUCTION ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PLAN itrt di rti In community development pattern chart High per capita car ownership CAROWNERSHIP Medium per capita car ownership High per capita motor vehicle mileage VEHICLETRAVEL Medium to low motor vehicle mileage - Automobile traffic is prioritized over pedestrian and PRIORITY OF TRAVELERS Non-drivers are prioritized and their needs merit bicycle use significant consideration Generous supply,free PARKING Moderate supply,priced appropriately in high r _ destination areas _ - 13 Maximum traffic speeds TRAFFIC SPEEDS Lower traffic speeds _ - •' i, ._.I, Low with common destinations dispersed from LAND USE DENSITY Medium to high with common destinations and residential areas residential areas clusteredJII Primarily single use development patterns LAND USE MIX Abundance of mixed-use development patterns LAND AREA FOR !' Large amounts of land devoted to roads and parking Medium amounts of land devoted to roads and parking — 'L' . v r TRANSPORTATION Parking is placed in front of buildings SITE DESIGN Buildings are placed at the street with parking - - �,, behind or at the side 51 Streets designed for primarily automobile traffic STREET DESIGN Streets designed to support multiple modes and users T ` - Large scale streets and blocks STREET SCALE Medium to small streets and blocks r . a , '- Low levels of street connectivity with STREET CONNECTIVITY High levels of street connectivity with numerous _ - abundant cul-de-sacs intersections , -. y r' Walking can be hazardous and is primarily Walking is pleasurable on most public streets and is a safe WALKING . . ._ undertaken by those unable to afford a car and efficient alternative to driving for many daily activities' L- -r s- - Non-drivers are a small minority PLANNING PRACTICES with little Planning places a high value on transportation _ y� Ar political influence modal diversity ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION BACKGROUND the planning • • THE PLANNING PROCESS The ATP has been developed with information gathered from a wide variety of planning studies and public input overtime.This Plan recognizes that exceptional bicycle and pedestrian planning,design and implementation occurs at many levels and is influenced and guided by a variety of plans, policies and advocates. In developing the Alternative Transportation Plan, staff incorporated data, best practices and input from a wide variety of sources including: 2003 Fayetteville Alternative Trails and Transportation Plan Recommendations from the 2014 League of American Bicyclists Fayetteville Bronze designation Recommendations from the NWA Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan developed with help from Alta Planning for the NWA Regional Planning Commission and endorsed by the Fayetteville City Council • City Plan 2030 and the City of Fayetteville's Master Street Plan Specific neighborhood plans adopted by the City, including:Walker Park, Fayette Junction and the Wedington Corridor Plan The City of Fayetteville's annual sidewalk plan developed by the Transportation Services Department Recommendations from the Bicycle Coalition of the Ozarks Generous public input from participants in the above plans, programs and policies ITY PLAN 2030 bicycle coalition o1 the Ozarks WON "E p,\IERAGE NUMBER YETTEVILLE WIN n• . . . . , D . City of Fayettevj Ile Trai I Count Data.(2013). iN Y 0 BACKGROUND progress an • timeline PROGRESS AND TIMELINE The City of Fayetteville has made enormous progress in the development of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure since the adoption of the FATT Plan in 2003. Some notable accomplishments include:the completion of Scull CreekTrail in 2008 that serves as the backbone of the City's trail system, the adoption of a complete street policy through the adoption of a Master Street Plan and complete street cross-sections in 2005,the completion of - Dickson Street enhancement project in 211' and designation as a Bronze C - Friendly Communityby - League • American Bicyclists in 2010. Additionally, • -• • bicycle infrastructure and a significantnumber• -• projects hav- been • • - -• in the last 10 SIGNIFICANT DATES •• •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ; City awarded Fayetteville Design Grant Alternative : awarded to the T-21 federal Citizens research City for Frisco fundingfor Transportation& Walton Family on conceptofa j Scull Creek Trail Trail southern The Trails ; trail projects. Trail Master Plan Foundation funds a bikeways system Advisory Group p adopted by City opens as a extension. portion of Cato Spring began with was created as : Council by backbone of Trail design. survey of bicycle : acitizen group Resolution Fayetteville Trail g p 5 stem. Northwest Arkansas use among with the goal of Sidewalks and : y Regional Planning residents. : adopting atrail :TrailsCoordinator Trails Frisco Trail p g hired. Coordinator Commission awards Walton Family master plan. Mud Creek Trail completed. Fayetteville Fayetteville a grant Foundation funds position completed. to build Clear Creek a portion ofTown earns Bronze : Resolution#2-81 created in Parks Trail&Frisco Trail approved the and Recreation In house Trail : Bicycle Friendly Branch Trail Department. Construction Crew Community Southern construction. first master P Extension,made Bikeways Plan for created in Transports- designation. the City. tion Division composed possible through The Sidewalk and of 9 member crew and a grant from the ' The City receives Walton Family Fayetteville Sections of $400,000 in Trails Advisory $893,149 allocated for ISTEAfundin Committee was 2005with$1.3million Sidewalk Task Force Foundation. Razorback Greenway are Bicycle Task Force 9 completed. formed to discuss for trail projects established by recurring. becomes ATAC possibility of major Resolution ; (Alternative Transportation bicycle transportation #71-01. Trail Design Program Advisory Committee) Bicycle Coordinator way throughout the City. movC oJ:,ngineering hired. O on. ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PLAN BACKGROUND �� . DU ,d existing conditionsEXISTING CONDITIONS within the historic central core of the City that was developed prior to the 1940's as a street grid of small blocks with low traffic speeds. Small blocks encourage pedestrian use and provide for safe and P MEN Fayetteville is fortunate to have a well-connected street network convenient bicycle transportation within the existing travel lanes. U=LJ§Pl Generally, areas of the City that were developed from the 1940's [NPV 'il mi — �111 q15001vto �r�~ M. through the 1990's have a non-gridded street pattern that is AIJ—_ 0,W 1,characterized by looping streets and cul-cle-sacs.These streets generally lack sidewalks _ not interconnected.The �tnIIIL; development •. •, . 111 to present has,formost �l I r! I�� I ninclusion of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure when building part, been built in the era of"complete streets"which requires the new streets.This requirement stems from the adoption of Fayetteville's Complete Street Policy in 2006 • Street•• complementary • _ i • • • Ja11i11•` 7. .4. s an element of the 7 . YIL- StreetMaster • - •. - • 1 1 •• • I • VII Ihy' n\ 11 •% •��' and land use policies are updated every five years. Ijr% -;. i IIC� �� ,' �l ` •/�y �' IN � •� X11 _� �L�_u..�C��� � FAYETTEVILLE is considered a hilly cit . . .1 ..: AIiiji L .�I�n�f linnanl� •1.� • my = 11. ig NO t ► `YII }I�; a STEEP slope for a multi use trail is 5% or more. / 1 �~ .� •, r FAYETTEVILLE'S TRAIL SYSTEM has an -� .'`� (]����_ ►� average slope of Sidewalks on both si s 2492 % _ 2irw Shared Use Paved Trail System - Streets without sidewalks 0 GIS Division.City of Fayetteville.(2014). 6 1 • 1 • • 1 • IT IS IMPORTANT TO LOOK AT EACH ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION MODE IN DETAIL IN ORDER TO UNDERSTAND HOW IT FITS INTO THE LARGER MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION NETWORK. THE PEDESTRIAN NETWORK At present, Fayetteville's pedestrian network is made up of 435 miles of existing public sidewalks and 40 miles of existing shared-use paved trails.The sidewalk map shows where existing sidewalks are located and where gaps exist.Traditionally,Capital Improvement Program funds have been allocated for an annual sidewalk budget in the City's Transportation Department to build new sidewalks or to rebuild and replace go existing damaged or inadequate sidewalks. Additional funding has also come through State and Federal grant for sidewalk construction.Construction of sidewalks is required for most new development along public streets.As a result of this requirement, 127 miles of sidewalks were built from 2003 to 2013 by private •- developers.This plan provides the framework for identifying and prioritizing sidewalk improvements in the future. Future sidewalk planning will emphasize improving connectivity throughout the existing network by connecting densely populated areas to key destinations such as parks, schools and businesses. According to the 2013 Census Bureau's American Fact Finder Survey,walking constituted 6.3% of the overall commuting • mode share for all forms of transportation utilized by workers 16 years of age and older. a LLN ILK 51. CLN ILK 5 1. 4 7 before reconstruction during MAJItruction after reconstruction ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION BACKGROUND shared- use paved trails Shared-use paved trails, due to their separation from the roadway network, are especially useful for building a robust multi-modal transportation network.The ability to accommodate both bicyclists and pedestrians allows trails to provide a significant return in terms of use and convenience for the public investment. Fayetteville was fortunate to acquire a north-south oriented corridor along an existing Arkansas/Missouri Railroad rail line.Together,the rail line and Scull Creek provided a natural"spine"through the center of town.This trail segment has ultimately become the southern section of the Razorback Regional Greenway. Spur trails to the east and west along the Razorback Regional Greenway spine will be the focus for much of the future trail network(see Razorback Regional Greenway map on next page). Much like our sidewalk program,trails are funded through dedicated Capital Improvement Project funds and additional public and private grant sources.The City is extremely grateful for the generosity of the Walton Family Foundation and the Endeavor Foundation for significant funding to assist in the planning,designing and construction of many miles of shared-use paved trails.The Safe Routes to School Program administered by the Arkansas State Highway Department has also been a valuable partner for funding a number of sidewalk and trail projects. Ultimately,this plan envisions an interconnected shared-use paved trail network within one half mile of every residence, school,commercial area and place of employment within the City. H kA 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 TRAIL AND SIDE PATH CONSTRUCTION MILEAGE OVER PAST 10 YEARS. 2B-72 0 ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION 1 • • • • • 1 BACKGROUND razorback regionalgreenway RAZORBACK REGIONAL GREENWAY MASTER PLAN MAP includes Razorback Regional Greenway is a 36-mile shared-use paved trail that includes more than 9 miles of Fayetteville's trails and serves as the primary • active transportation corridor for the region.The Razorback Regional Greenway opened in the spring of 2015 and spans across six municipalities, connecting .�. dozens of popular community destinations. Funding to design and construct this 38-million dollar project came from federal transportation grants, local government resources, and grants from the Walton Family Foundation. PMM FAYETETVIL MAP IJ r✓ LL 2B-13 k ACTIVE TRANSPOPTATION BACKGROUND active transportation plan map The Active Transportation Plan Map illustrates the location of the existing and future trail system and on-street bicycle facilities.This map is adopted by a resolution of the City Council and it serves as the official map for directing the development of active transportation infrastructure. City Staff utilizes the map to prioritize City led infrastructure improvements.The Active Transportation Plan Map is also used to inform land owners and developers of future trail corridors for planning and development purposes. Please see the offical Active Transportation Plan Map that accompanies this document for more detail. • 5 ar¢oks-Humm¢I _ j _ na j _ - Park Gran Park I j ,_ - Foram -II r Park- 12 55 40 -I l i33 Dale I GIaM 31 : - I Peik _ _ � - - PX61uMONST WIIB¢n P— __ f 56 - -' ' v rk 14 37 r- 25 37 j T !�F mads><uc_ __I I7 Flll 73 I 66 605 7 JAMain acv__ sT env T -16 15 e 13 ar �- I I_ Villa eat �� _ 1' 33 - - - Park ;raj 1 - crc I ' 22Ln •_ � j - ' I J I I - 59 42 _ t m_i a •.`, 4/3� a _ '-- U ePa P rk Ll 2 Park 63 20 Pio i) _ Active Transportation Plan Finger GePark Lantl o� Proposed Shared-Use Paved Trail I Park k . 17 .•`­' Proposed UofACampus Connections C 31 ! 2U. W '.20 as"I¢ Proposed On-Street Bicycle Facility 52 _ - -, - fit - 1� uAResearch a qTecnnologY Park WM1I!¢ q � X - EsistinG Trails � � SM1ereMLve Pavetl TreA I I\ T f rk 53 r 46 - ..._45 f ®, Z _ _ G �— N¢gFLornood/PeMTran kn - _" 'I 46 Kessler _. 28-14 10 ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION the • bicycle network THE ON - STREET BICYCLE NETWORK Shared-use paved trails serve as the foundation of our active transportation infrastructure, but on-street linkages provide a critical link for cyclists to reach trails and other destinations using city streets. Fayetteville's on-street bicycle network has been rapidly developed in recent years;25 miles of on-street bike lanes and shared bikeways were added to Fayetteville streets in the years between 2010 and 2014. Fayetteville has gone from a patchy inadequate pattern of on-street bike facilities to a network of usable and navigable bike routes,yet continued progress is needed to meet the growing demand for these on-street facilities. Fayetteville's varied development patterns and occasionally steep terrain require a variety of on-street solutions to make the most efficient use of space while providing safe and comfortable travelways for cyclists.On-street shared lanes, bike lanes,climbing lanes, buffered bike lanes and bike ways have all been implemented in Fayetteville.Other facilities such as cycletracks,which are fully protected bike lanes, may be constructed in the future.As part of Fayetteville's commitment to the continued expansion of on-street bicycle facilities,City Plan 2030 requires all new street projects and significant street reconstruction incorporate some form of bicycle infrastructure in the public right-of-way where the City Plan indicates bicycle infrastructure is appropri- ate. The images bellow illustrate examples of the context-sentitive solutions used in various locations in Fayetteville and other regional cities. IPA I ON-STREET SHARED LANES CLIMBING LANES BIKE LANES Willow Avenue - Fayetteville Ash Street - Fayetteville Appleby Road - Fayetteville s ' xo' _ CYCLETRACKS BUFFERED �F,�4ANES BICYCLE WAYS 11 Silent Grove Rd. - Springdale Rolling Hills Dri 7 r rreville Asbell Bike way - Fayetteville ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION 1 • • • 1 • transit TRANSIT Fayetteville is served by two public transit agencies, Razorback Transit and Ozark Regional Transit. Razorback Transit serves University -- of Arkansas Students and residents of Fayetteville. Service is provided by the University of Arkansas and riders pay no fee. Ozark Regional Transit,which serves cities in Benton and Washington counties,charges a riderfee but the agency is primarily funded through a combination of federal, state and local programs and contributions. Public transit provides a critical link in a multi-modal transportation network. High quality public transportation allows residents to walk or 1 bike to transit stops, ride the bus to a stop near a destination and then walk or bike the final leg of the trip.These multi-modal trips are typical within a responsive and dynamic transportation network that incorporates the active transportation to connect users and destinations. According the 2013 American Fact Finders survey, public transpor- tation has a 2.7 % commuting mode share for workers 16 years of age and older. OzarkIV TRANSIT USAGE ON THE RISE Razorback Transit 2,000,000 1 ,500,000 1 ,000,000 500,000 1 20091 1 2C I year 201220131 1 ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION BENEFITS ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PLAN active transp )r a �'or ie -ef is transportation benefits of biking and walking ENVIRONMENTBENEFITS OF A BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN PLAN HEALTH The benefits of planning and constructing a robust active transportation network can improve a community in many ways. Benefits include;an enhanced qualityof life,the QUALITY A promotion of healthy lifestyles, O O MIC OF LIFE environmental benefits and economic resiliency. - THE NUMBER OF POUNDS THE AVERAGE PERSON WILL LOSE IN THEIR FIRST YEAR OF BIKING TO WORK Ib Ib b 13b b b b Outdoor Foundation.(2010). AN ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION BENEFITS ACTIVETRANSPORTATIONRT.o - bi --el active transK of t. �.o � bf -e1 is transportation benefits of biking and walking THE PROMOTION OF Bicycling and . . emotional transportationAmericans are increasingly aware of the link between ID built people value environmentneighborhoods that are conducive to bicycling and walking as a form of exercise and transportation. Necessarily,the . providing individuals with transportation . . . . . commitment HEALTH through City Plan 2030 to promote infill development, discourage sprawl and develop a livable transportation network acknowledges this linkage between the built environment and healthy lifestyles. mental health Cycling has a relaxing effect due to balance""" uniform movement which stabilizes Cycling produces the balance between physical and emotional functions. exertion and relaxation which is important for It reduces anxiety,depression and the body's inner equilibrium. other psychological problems. back pain Cycling posture is optimum,and the .. .... .. .. .... .. .. .... .. ....... .. ....... .. ....... .. ....... cyclic movement of the legs stimulates heart muscles in the lower back. All the risk factors that lead to a heart attack are ..."'."'."'."'."'" reduced.Regular cycling reduces the likelihood ....................................... ..... of heart attack by more than 50%. ........................ waistline .........: .......................................................... muscles Cycling is ideal for targeting problem areas.It A week of inactivity reduces the strength enables people who can not move easily to ""'""`? of the muscular system by up to 50% exercise.It increases fitness and stimulates the and can harm muscles long-term.During body's fat metabolism. cycling,most of the body's muscles are activated. coordination" " " ' ' ' ' joints 9 g The circular movement of cycling assists Moving both feet around in circles while steering with both your hands and your body's own weight the transport of energy and other is good practice for your coordination skills. metabolic producers to the cartilages, reducing the likelihood of arthrosis. 14 Davis,Cavill.(2007)."Cycling and Health:what's the evidence?"Cycling England ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION BENEFITS active transp :)i tz t o- �( .-.ef ts transportation benefits of biking and walking ENHANCED QUALITY OF LIFE . Quality of life is understood to mean the well being of individuals, cities and societies. Quality of life can be measured in a variety of ways such as community stability, culture,education, open spaces, health,the environment and infrastructure. Active transportation alternatives can have positive impacts on all aspects of quality of life.All efforts and actions toward improving Fayetteville's Bicycle Friendly community designation are intended to improve the quality of life for all residents. This is especially true when measuring transportation mode share and the locational equity and extent of the existing and QUALITY future bicycle,trails and sidewalk networks. OF LIFE I � . y - 2B-19 15 ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PLAN ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION BENEFITS active trans I lot :' icn b �ne its transportation benefits of biking and walking ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS FOR THE COMMUNITY When non-motorized transportation options are present,the community has the ability to choose biking and walking for trips such as commuting to work,traveling to school or going shopping.The goal is to create a i balanced transportation network that fosters one's ability to make environmentally conscious choices that result in less traffic congestion,cleaner air and less dependence on non-renewable fuels.An accessible active transportation network is essential for an environmentally sustainable community,considering that the transportation sector contributes approximately one third of American greenhouse gas emissions. ENVIRONMENT (Cambridge Systematics Inc. and Urban Land Institute,Moving Cooler an Analysis of Transportation Strategies for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions,July 2009). • 2 EMISSIONSpounds per passenger mile traveledd MASS TRANSIT 3/4 FULL • .37 CARPOCIL • 0*75 ' • 1 . 10 AVERAGE CAR 1 •� � TRUCK OR SUV 167('4z! ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION BENEFITS active transp :)Fci L ci'� ")E iief ts transportation benefits of biking and walking ECONOMIC RESILIENCY BENEFITS FOR THE COMMUNITY Economic resiliency is an often overlooked benefit of having a robust active transportation network. Economic resiliency can be measured broadly, at the community level,or narrowly as the benefits and costs to an individual or family. At the community scale, economic resiliency can be measured a number of ways including the number of jobs created by building and maintaining infrastructure or by calculating the community's overall costs of living and transportation affordability. Local economies are impacted negatively by the high transportation costs associated ECONOMIC with an automobile oriented land use and transportation network. Multi-modal transportation systems that include extensive active transportation components are less expensive to construct,operate and maintain.Community metrics like commuting time or the average annual costs of operating an automobile can provide measurements for assessment and goal setting.At an individual scale, economic resiliency can be measured by automobile ownership and operation costs, but leisure time and quality of life attributes are also important.Additional economic benefits include the development potential for residential and commercial uses in close proximity to active transportation networks or corridors and tourism benefits associated with regionally scaled trail amenities. Northwest Arkansas is poised to take advantage of the limitless development potential along the Razorback Regional Greenway. Communities that recognize and actively pursue appropriate development in this corridor will begin realizing immediate economic benefits. The average annual LOCAL ECONOMY operating cost . BICYCLE is 000 TRAIL SYSTEMS HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO RETURN $3 IN REVENUE FOR EVERY $1 IN 2 6xiess EXPENDITURE. The Razorback Greenway cost approximately $30 million to than that of a complete and could generate $100 shops,million in sales revenue at local VEHICLE ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION VISIONPLAN • goals PLAN VISION The Active Transportation Plan (ATP) has been developed through numerous planning and visioning exercises both locally and region wide.The ATP proposes to consolidate and summarize all of the various alternative transportation planning processes, policies and programs with the following vision statement:"Fayetteville endeavors to develop and promote an interconnected and universally accessible network of sidewalks, trails and on-street bicycle facilities that encourage citizens to use active/non-motorized modes of transportation to safely and efficiently reach any destination" OENDEAVOR TO CREATE AN INCLUSIVE MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM. OWORK TO BUILD ATRAIL CONNECTION WITHIN ONE HALF MILE OF EVERY RESIDENCE. OINCREASE THE ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION COMMUTING MODE SHARE FROM 7.5%TO 15% BY 2020. OIDENTIFY AND CORRECT MISSING BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN LINKAGES. OPARTNER WITH ADVOCATES TO ADDRESS BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN NEEDS. OEARN BICYCLE FRIENDLY COMMUNITY DESIGNATION OF SILVER BY 2017. 2B-22 8 ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PLAN • AND • ' goals PLAN GOALS OENDEAVORTO CREATE AN INCLUSIVE MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM Developing a truly multi-modal transportation system is consistent with City Plan 2030's goal of creating a"Livable Transportation Network"and the City's adopted complete street policy, public street cross-sections and Master Street Plan. Multi-modal refers to a range of mobility options;vehicular traffic, public transit,walking, bicycling and ride sharing that are effectively integrated to provide a high degree of accessibility for all users.To some degree,the ATP addresses all of these modes with the primary emphasis on bicycling and walking.A — multi-modal transportation system has a number of significant `I benefits for the community including: promoting an active and yrs healthy lifestyle, expanding mobility options for all users, reducing overall travel costs for residents and providing environmental benefits through the reduction of traffic congestion and associated air pollution. Success in this goal area can be quantified through increased multi-modal transportation _. commuting mode share measured by the U.S. Census Bureau, increased transit ridership reported by transit agencies and increased trail usage determined through mechanical counts. CYCLE TRACK ON MALL AVENUE FAYETTEVILLE,ARKANSAS MULTI - MODAL • • • • NETWORK ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION VISIONPLAN • goals 0WORK TO BUILD ATRAIL CONNECTION WITHIN ONE HALF MILE OF EVERY RESIDENCE The ATP Map shows the existing trail system and identifies future trail locations. Once completed,the Fayetteville Trail System will include approximately 150 miles of shared-use paved trails.The Fayetteville Pedestrian Shed (on the following page) illustrates the proximity of the existing and proposed trails.At the current rate of trail construction, it is estimated the City will have achieved this goal by 2040.This goal is essential to ensuring that the trails system and its benefits are inclusive for all residents regardless of the location of their residence. Success will be measured through locational data collected by the City of Fayetteville Geographic Information Systems Division. WHAT IS A 7 • • IAN SHED 0 A pedestrian shed is the linear distance thoto typicalpedestrion con walk in given amount of time. Generally, this distance is 112 mile in IDEALTRIPS 1 MINUTE for . OMI 40miNUTE cyclist can complete a 3 mile bike ride in approximately 15 minutes and a pedestrian can walk % mile in ek 1 minutes0 ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PLAN PLAN VISION AND GOALS plat � is , n an( go ils goals 2015 TRAIL SYSTEM 2020 TRAIL SYSTEM j L of the population live within 1/2 mile of the o, of the population will live within 1/2 mile current trail system. of the current trail system. ql R t H WTI St M.P1 St 91 1- 17 1 11,4- ----------- ------------ :--4 ---------- ------ - - Use Paved Trail 0^111111110 Existing Shared Future Shared-Use Paved Trail 0 1/2 1 2 Miles 1/2 Mile Ped/Shed Giry of Fayetteville,l ansas Fayettevil le�wi�mits 21 ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION VISIONPLAN • goals 2040 TRAIL SYSTEM 1 1 ; J of the population will live --- -- ! within 1/2 mile of all proposed trails. J �- i EST p A rb O� Ill„In� tiv, yeti„ - ( ' k Ma StLA CK G T 1 G2 .IAV,•Existing Shared-Use Paved Trail .W+I.Future Shared-Use Paved Traili- 1/2 Mile Ped/Shed 7 Fayetteville City LimitsFri 0 '/z 12113-26 2 Miles i City of Fayetteville,Arkansas ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION VISIONPLAN • goals FAYETTEVILLE MODE SHARE DISTRIBUTION 0INCREASETHE ACTIVE 23% .-1 . .. TRANSPORTATION COMMUTING Public Transportation MODE SHARE TO 15% BY 2020. 300. .. Active transportation for the purposes of this plan refers to: work from home B i c y c I e .any form of human powered transportation, ie.,walking, cycling, using a wheelchair, in-line skating or skateboarding" 6,3% . . According to the U.S. Census Bureau American Fact Finder Walk Survey in 2013,the City of Fayetteville had 36,957 workers 6 ,4%•4% 16 years old and over that commute to work. Of these 6.3% R i d e s h a r e walked for their daily commute, 1.2% bicycled to work, 2.7% used public transportation and 1.4% used a taxicab or motorcycle. Rideshare or car-pooling constituted 6.4%, and 3% reported working from home.Therefore,the active transportation commuting walking and biking mode share is 7.5%.The majority of workers 16 years and over, 79% reported commuting in a single occupancy vehicle.The average length of commute for workers was 19.1 minutes. Single Occupancy Increasing Fayetteville's active transportation mode share to 15% by 2020 will be accomplished by a wide variety of action steps identified in the implementation section of this plan. OIDENTIFY, PRIORITIZE AND ADDRESS MISSING BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN LINKAGES. The City faces significant challenges for creating a densely gridded bicycle and pedestrian network.Obstacles include steep topography, large undeveloped and underdeveloped parcels and a disjointed street network comprised of cul-de-sacs and inward facing developments. However, Fayetteville does have some built in advantages for building a good active transportation network including numerous stream corridors and a streamside protection ordinance that limits development in these areas that are particularly well suited for multi-use trails.City staff have identified missing sidewalk,trail and on street bicycle linkages utilizing GIS mapping tools. Missing segments are constantly being prioritized for future infrastructure projects to correct and complete these missing MATS. 23 ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION VISIONPLAN • goals OPARTNER WITH ADVOCATES TO ADDRESS BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN NEEDS. The City of Fayetteville currently relies upon the Active Transportation Advisory Committee(ATAC)to help prioritize sidewalk and trail infrastructure projects.ATAC also reviews street projects for the inclusion of bicycle facilities.This committee's process is to take public comment and advise City Staff on the prioritization for active transportation infastructure within our City.They are also responsible for adopting Sidewalk and Trails Master Plans and recommending 5 year construction plans. Recommendations relating to trails and sidewalks are forwarded to the City Council Transportation Committee. ATAC is comprised of eight voting members and seven non-voting staff members,including representatives from the Parks and Recreation,Transportation, Engineering and Police Departments.In addition to ATAC's work,the City should also continue to develop and expand our positive working r relationships with the Fayetteville School District,the Bicycle Coalition of ��r,' the Ozarks and funding groups such as the Walton Family Foundation and TH III the Endeavor Foundation in addressing Fayetteville's bicycle and pedestrian ��:;,—•� needs. EF 1��` from the O EARN BICYCLE FRIENDLY COMMUNITY LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLISTS DESIGNATION OF SILVER BY 2017. ENGINEERING Creating safe and convenientplaces to The City of Fayetteville was designated a bronze-level Bicycle Friendly ride and park bicycles.i Community by the League of American Bicyclists in 2010 and again in 2014.The League of American Bicyclists uses a criteria called the EDUCATION Giving people of all ages an• • • ilities the 5 E's to assess and rate a given community's bicycle friendliness. skills and confidence to ride bikes. The 5 E's are: Engineering, Education, Encouragement, Enforcement and Evaluation. Each of these categories is essential for creating ENCOURAGEMENT Creating a strong bike culture that great communities for bicycling.The City's 2014 evaluation identi- welcomes and celebrates bicycling. fied a number of areas in which Fayetteville should focus in order to achieve silver or gold designations.These measures are discussed in ENFORCEMENT Ensuring safe roadsfor detail in the recommendations section of the plan. EVALUATIONPlanning for bicycling as a • viable 7 PLANNING transportation option. 2