Hennepin County Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning 1
Value of bicycle and sidewalk systems Safety Livability Mobility Health Personal Finances Economic Sustainability Clean Air Recreation Parking and congestion alleviation Regional Economic Competitiveness 2
Bicycle Plan Vision and Organization Riding a bicycle for transportation, recreation, and health is a comfortable, fun, routine part of daily life throughout the county for people of all ages and abilities. 2040 Bicycle System Planned Corridors Gap Map Programs Safety Programs Encouragement Programs Implementation Performance Targets Investment options Bicycle integration and collaboration The Hennepin County Bicycle Transportation Plan will be continually evaluated to meet evolving community needs and innovations 3
Goals of the Pedestrian Plan 1. Improve pedestrian safety 2. Increase walking for transportation 3. Improve the health of county residents through walking
Hennepin County Bicycle Transportation Plan Goals RIDERSHIP Promote the bicycle as a mode of transportation that is practical, convenient, and pleasant for commuting, health and exercise, and outdoor recreation. BIKEWAY SYSTEM AND FACILITIES Collaboratively build an integrated county bicycle system that allows bicyclists of varying skills to safely, efficiently, and comfortably connect to and between all significant destinations within the county. SAFETY AND COMFORT Create a safe and comfortable county bicycling system. SUSTAINABILITY Implement bicycle facilities as an essential tool in realizing environmental, social, and economic sustainability. MAINTENANCE Protect the county s and the park district s investment in the bikeway system and reduce seasonal hazards through partnerships. 5
Who are these plans for? Everyone! 6
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Findings from pedestrian community engagement Transit stops are key destinations Barriers to walking: Traffic safety Personal safety Sidewalk gaps Difficult crossings Poor winter sidewalk maintenance
Public feedback themes High recognition and appreciation of the existing biking improvements Strong desire for facilities of high comfort & protection from conflicts Desire for increased connections to neighborhoods & regional trails Continue to address bikeway gaps Increased interest in winter trail maintenance More education and enforcement of traffic laws 9
Bikeway Design Guidance 10
2040 Bikeway System Existing System Miles Off-Street Bikeways 425 On-Street Bikeways 226 Total Existing System 651 2040 Planned Bikeway System Miles Off-Street Planned Bikeways 238 On-Street Planned Bikeways 298 Total 2040 Planned System 536 11
2040 Bikeway Gap Map Bikeway Gap Type Number Miles Off-street 33 14 On-street 97 32 Total 130 46 The plan identifies top 25 corridors and top 25 gaps 12
County road pedestrian facilities About half of county roads have sidewalk and/or trail Minneapolis and suburbs have most coverage
Priority implementation areas Minneapolis and 1 st ring suburbs Focus on pedestrian crossing improvements and sidewalk reconstruction 2 nd ring and western Hennepin Focus on commercial and town centers
Programs (Actions) Bicycle Counting Bicycle Parking Guidelines Bicycle Friendly Business Status Safety Evaluation, Education and Enforcement Wayfinding and Trip Planning 15
Implementation of the Ped and Bike Plans Creating Efficiencies Encourage the expanded integration of bikeway consideration into all phases of county related activities Facilitate improved development and site plan reviews Provide support for right-of-way and easement dedication requests 16
Implementation of the Ped and Bike Plans Partnerships opportunities Prioritizing top 25 gaps and corridors Opportunities for agencies with common priorities to create joint projects Provide design guidelines for consistent bikeway and sidewalk development 17
Hennepin County Bike/Ped 2016 Maintenance Study Bicycle and Pedestrian counting Pedestrian Crossing guidance County annual solicitation management Comprehensive Plan assistance Pedestrian Safety Committee Enhanced network definition County sidewalk and intersection prioritization Pedestrian realm guidelines for county roads
2016-2020 County Capital Projects 2016 Construction Washington Ave Franklin Bridge (construction) Minnehaha Ave (construction) Godfrey Bridge Bushaway Rd (construction) Shady Oak Rd (construction) Portland Ave (construction)
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Bikeway data needs Creating sharable data Looking for GIS data from all HC cities Still need line work from ½ our cities 5 key attributes from cities Status: Existing, Planned, Programmed General type: On- or off-street Specific type: bike lane, bike blvd, trail, protected bike lane, etc Surface type: Bituminous ashphalt, concrete, crushed limestone, etc Side of street: is it a one way or two way bike lane? 21
Thank you! Questions? 22