Laserfiche WebLink
4. Existing and Planned Non -Motorized Transportation <br />Network <br />This section addresses network needs for walking and bicycling within Ramsey. This section <br />also addresses the needs of people using wheelchairs and assistive mobility devices such as <br />mobility scooters, as they are considered pedestrians. <br />Enhancing the non -motorized elements of the Ramsey transportation system is a key goal in <br />terms of improving transportation sustainability in the city and in the region. This approach <br />gives residents an alternative to driving, supports transportation options for people who do not <br />have consistent access to a personal vehicle, and encourages healthy activities and lifestyles. <br />This section includes information on the existing non -motorized transportation network within <br />Ramsey, connections to land use planning, the planned local non -motorized transportation <br />network, and the planned regional non -motorized transportation network. This section also <br />includes recommendations for intersection improvements and design best practices. <br />4.1. Existing Non -Motorized Transportation Network <br />The non -motorized transportation network in Ramsey is comprised of sidewalks, on -street <br />bicycle lanes/shoulders, local multi -use trail, and regional trail. As shown in Figure 7, there is <br />existing sidewalk on many of the streets in the COR and on some residential streets in other <br />areas of the city. There are also approximately 38 miles of city trails, which are largely paved <br />with asphalt and primarily adjacent to roadways, connecting parks, schools, and other <br />destinations within the city. <br />Additionally, there are two regional multi -use trails located in the City of Ramsey. The Central <br />Anoka Regional Trail is an existing Anoka County regional trail that, when complete, will be 26 <br />miles long, beginning at the Mississippi West Regional Park in Ramsey and ending at the <br />Anoka -Washington County line. The completed portions of the trail within Ramsey are located <br />along Bunker Lake Boulevard and Ramsey Boulevard. A route for the Mississippi River <br />Regional Trail (which is also part of a national bikeway) crosses the southern portion of the city <br />using a combination of on -street and off-street facilities. <br />4.2. Connections to Land Use Planning <br />Ramsey has development patterns largely consistent with its designation as an Emerging <br />Suburban Edge community. In many areas of the city, existing residential development is lower <br />in density compared with many urban and suburban areas, reflecting a community that has <br />developed relatively recently. As a result, most commercial land uses are separated from largely <br />single-family residential land uses. This means that people walking and bicycling must cover <br />greater distances to reach commercial areas from their homes. In these areas of the city, <br />development patterns are likely better suited to bicycling than walking for transportation for <br />most trips due to the distance between residential and commercial areas of the city. However, <br />the COR area demonstrates existing and planned land use patterns that are more similar to <br />urban or suburban areas, including transit facilities and a mix of land uses at higher densities, <br />Chapter 5-Transportation (DRAFT) Page X-25 <br />Adopted XXXXXX XX, 2017 <br />