Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 02/08/2018

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transportation system. The Council is responsible for regional transportation planning, including bicycle transportation facilities. Since regional trails also serve commuters, it is important that the Regional Parks System and the transportation system work together when developing trail and transportation plans. A comprehensive network of trails that serve both recreation and transportation needs is desirable. This network should link state, regional, county and local trails, and should be integrated with other transportation modes, including the transit system. Regional trails are primarily multi -use recreation trails, although some regional trails also serve bicycle commuter functions. The majority of regional trail miles should be developed so they are off or away from roadways. However, in some instances it may be necessary for a short stretch of trail, to be adjacent to or on a road in order to bypass natural or man-made barriers or private property. Regional trails will primarily consist of these types of facilities: • Off -road facilities, which are paths within or adjacent to the road rights -of -way but separated from the roadway surface. They may be used for walking and inline skating as well as bicycling. • Independent trails, such as trails using abandoned railroad corridors or utility easements that exist in their own independent rights -of -way. 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, which defined a two -tiered network for planning and implementation. The Tier 1 (high priority) network was identified where bicycle travel was greatest, population and job densities were highest, and where there were the most opportunities to connect regional job concentrations and activity centers