Integrated Approaches to Shared-Use Paths Doug Sarkkinen, PE Windi Shapley, PE Mandi Roberts, AICP, PLA
Why? Biking and walking are important active transportation options. Shared-use paths are critical facilities within our regional transportation systems. Shared-use paths can increase, complement, and enhance transit use through seamless connections.
Overview of Our Presentation Integrating paths and trails to relieve congestion Implementation results The process Important things to consider in planning and design
Definitions Multi-Use Trail (old) Nonmotorized Trail (old) Shared-Use Path (new) WSDOT defines a Shared-Use Path as: a facility physically separated from motorized vehicular traffic within the highway right-of-way or on an exclusive right-of-way with minimal cross flow by motor vehicles
Definitions Nonmotorized Transportation (old) Bicycle and Pedestrian (newer) Active Transportation (new) WSDOT: Active Transportation is about giving people safe options for getting from one place to another using "active" modes such as walking and bicycling.
Paths Reduce Traffic Congestion Reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips Encourage bus/transit ridership, biking, walking More efficient transportation Many other benefits
Main Uses of Paths Regular Commuters Recreation Special Events Transit to Trails TriMet is your connection to nature in the city. We need to accept urban trails as part of the commuter network.
Statistics Currently over 1000 miles of shared-use paths in the State of Washington. Yet, overall in the US: The number of children riding bicycles declined by more than 20% between 2000 and 2010 (even as the number of children in this country increased by 3%), while the number of adults riding bicycles increased slightly. Gluskin Townley Group, 2011 The American Bicyclist Study
Statistics A census of cyclists in Calgary, Canada found that 75% of cyclists commuting downtown were male. Women were more likely than men to be possible or occasional cyclists, while men were more likely than women to be regular cyclists. Women were more concerned about safety, being able to carry daily items, and the need to fix their hair. Twaddle, H., et al., 2011 Latent bicycle commuting demand and effects of gender on commuter cycling and accident rates, Transportation Research Record, 2190/2010, 28-36
Statistics From the Washington State Bicycle Facilities and Pedestrian Walkways Plan, 2007
Bicycle and Pedestrian Connections to Transit FHWA course on bicycle and pedestrian transportation Seattle METRO Non-motorized Access Study Studies and case histories show that there is great potential for increase transit ridership by providing station and vehicle amenities More work needed particularly in Washington
Quote 7 Best Practices Bicycle Access to Transit The Portland Bureau of Transportation Bicycle Program estimates that providing improved access for bicyclists increases the capture area of transit investments twelve-fold.
Station and Vehicle Amenities Trail access to park and rides Pedestrian short cuts Wider sidewalks, bike lanes Lighting Bike storage and racks at transit centers Bike racks on transit vehicles
Bicycles and Transit Typically allowed at no extra cost Sometimes limited capacity Bike storage facilities at transit centers
Bicycle and Pedestrian Counters Fremont Bridge in Seattle bicycle counter, online, can view up to date data. Consistently over 20,000 bicycle trips per day on weekdays in the summer months, over 10,000 trips per day in the winter months.
Trails are Popular! Numerous advocacy groups throughout the state are instrumental in assisting with securing grants/funds.
The First and Last Mile Problem First and Last ¼-Mile Very Likely, Comfortable Walking Distance First and Last ½-Mile Likely, Walking and Biking Beyond the Last ½-Mile Less Likely
Solutions Accessible and convenient connections High capacity transit and bicycle and pedestrian facilities More deliberate planning and design
King County
Redmond Bike and Ped Connections Redmond Central Connector Sammamish River Trail 520 Bike Trail King County Metro Rapid Ride B Line Redmond Transit Center Sound Transit Planned Light Rail Line
Snohomish County
Everett / Mill Creek Bike and Ped Connections Interurban Trail North Creek Trail Community Transit Swift Blue Line Planned Swift Green Line McCollum Park Park and Ride Mariner Park and Ride Sound Transit Planned Light Rail Line
Bicycles and Transit Storing versus boarding Vehicle racks On-board options
Swift BRT Bicycle Boarding Bikes On-Board - Approx. 6% of all Swift riders
Shared-Use Paths - Challenges Crossings Bridges, boardwalks, freeways, rail lines, rivers, etc. Environmental Considerations Avoid / minimize / mitigate impacts Permitting Stormwater requirements
Shared-Use Paths - Challenges Topographic Challenges Balancing Design Criteria, Environmental Considerations, and User Experience Challenges Increased Trail Costs
Burlington Gages Slough Trail I-5 Crossing Freeway Crossing Environmental Considerations Topographic Challenges
Burlington Gages Slough Trail I-5 Crossing
Snohomish County North Creek Trail North Creek Crossing Stream Crossing Environmental Considerations Topographic Challenges
Snohomish County North Creek Trail North Creek Crossing
Redmond Central Connector Stream / Road Crossings Environmental Considerations
The Process: Important Things to Remember in Planning and Design Understand your customers and what the community wants. Know the background and statistics and promote the benefits throughout the process. Zoom out and look at the surrounding context of your project.
The Process: Important Things to Remember in Planning and Design Find partners to create better projects and increase funding opportunities. Integrate trails and transit through integrated planning and design the best teams bring multiple talents to the table.
Growing Transit Communities
Growing Transit Communities
Growing Transit Communities
Growing Transit Communities
Growing Transit Communities
Growing Transit Communities
Growing Transit Communities www.psrc.org/growth/tod/ growing-transit-communitiesstrategy Click on Innovative Demonstration Projects and then East Link Implementation Support
The Silver Tsunami
The Silver Tsunami
Parting Shot
Health Active transportation provides an opportunity to be physically active on a regular basis. Social Active transportation is accessible and increases social interactions. Transportation Active transportation reduces road congestion and commute time in traffic. Environmental Active transportation is environmentally-friendly and can contribute to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Economic Active transportation saves money on gas and parking.
Integrated Approaches to Shared-Use Paths THANK YOU! www.otak.com Doug Sarkkinen, PE Windi Shapley, PE Mandi Roberts, AICP, PLA