Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 10/09/2014

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In addition to pedestrians and inline skaters, regional trails are intended to serve: • Casual or new adult and teenage bicyclists who prefer comfortable access, preferably by a direct route on low -speed or low- traffic streets. These bicyclists are most comfortable on designated bikeways, off -road facilities and independent trails, or having access to streets with low vehicle speeds and volumes. • Pre -teen bicyclists whose roadway use is usually accompanied by a parent. They need access to local schools, libraries, recreation facilities, shopping, or other residential areas. These bicyclists have a strong preference for separation of bicycles from motor vehicles through off - road facilities or independent trails. Regional trails may also serve the most experienced bicyclists, who want direct access to destinations at maximum speed with minimum delays. Highly experienced bicyclists primarily rely on the road system for routes, and value using roads like other vehicles for commuting, but occasionally enjoy independent trails if they are relatively continuous and not overly crowded. Regional Bicycle Transportation Network In preparing the 2040 Transportation Policy Plan, the Council conducted a Regional Bicycle System Study in 2013 -2014. The purpose of the study was to develop a more complete understanding of how the region's on- street bikeways and off -road trails interact and how they serve regional transportation trips by bicycle. The primary outcome of the study was to identify a Regional Bicycle Transportation Network. The intent of the proposed Regional Bicycle Transportation Network is to encourage planning and implementation of future bikeways by cities, counties, park agencies, and the state that will integrate a seamless network of on- street bikeways and off -road trails to most effectively improve conditions for bicycle transportation region -wide. The proposed Regional Bicycle Transportation Network corridors that are shown in Figure 4 -1 are intended to serve as the "backbone" arterial system for biking in the region. Existing regional trails are highlighted to depict their relationship to the proposed Regional Bicycle Transportation Network corridors and also to highlight the overlap between bicycle recreation and bicycle transportation networks. Existing regional trails or segments of regional trails that serve a transportation function were included in the proposed Regional Bicycle Transportation Network, such as the Cedar Lake Regional Trail, the Samuel Morgan Regional Trail, and portions of the Luce Line Regional Trail. For more information on the Regional Bicycle Transportation Network, please refer to the 2040 Transportation Policy Plan. (insert link to Regional Bicycle Transportation Network section of 2040 TPP in the final version of the 2040 RP3). 64