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79 <br /> <br /> <br />Existing and Planned Non-Motorized Transportation Network <br />This section addresses network needs for walking and bicycling within Ramsey. This section also <br />addresses the needs of people using wheelchairs and assistive mobility devices such as mobility <br />scooters, as they are considered pedestrians. <br />Enhancing the non-motorized elements of the Ramsey transportation system is a key goal in terms <br />of improving transportation sustainability in the city and in the region. This approach gives <br />residents an alternative to driving, supports transportation options for people who do not have <br />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 />Existing Non-Motorized Transportation Network <br />The non-motorized transportation network in Ramsey is comprised of sidewalks, on-street bicycle <br />lanes/shoulders, local multi-use trail, and regional trail. As shown in Figure 19, there is existing <br />sidewalk on many of the streets in the COR and on some residential streets in other areas of the <br />city. There are also approximately 38 miles of city trails, which are largely paved with asphalt and <br />primarily adjacent to roadways, connecting parks, schools, and other 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 Anoka- <br />Washington County line. The completed portions of the trail within Ramsey are located along <br />Bunker Lake Boulevard and Ramsey Boulevard. A route for the Mississippi River Regional Trail <br />(which is also part of a national bikeway) crosses the southern portion of the city using a <br />combination of on-street and off-street facilities. <br />Connections to Land Use Planning <br />Ramsey has development patterns largely consistent with its designation as an Emerging Suburban <br />Edge community. In many areas of the city, existing residential development is lower in density <br />compared with many urban and suburban areas, reflecting a community that has developed <br />relatively recently. As a result, most commercial land uses are separated from largely single-family <br />residential land uses. This means that people walking and bicycling must cover greater distances to <br />reach commercial areas from their homes. In these areas of the city, development patterns are <br />likely better suited to bicycling than walking for transportation for most trips due to the distance <br />between residential and commercial areas of the city. However, the COR area demonstrates existing <br />and planned land use patterns that are more similar to urban or suburban areas, including transit <br />facilities and a mix of land uses at higher densities, along with a more regular street grid. In this <br />area, development patterns are better-suited to bicycling and walking. <br />The city’s land use planning and coordination with developers can help improve opportunities for <br />walking and bicycling for transportation. The city can continue to encourage mixed-use <br />development that situates residents within a short walk of commercial destinations. The city can <br />also work with developers to construct sidewalks and trails within developments. Additionally, the