Norwalk Pedestrian & Bikeway Transportation Plan

NORWALK PEDESTRIAN & BIKEWAY TRANSPORTATION PLAN

Introduction and Existing Conditions Technical Memorandum

DRAFT

Submitted by: Fitzgerald & Halliday, Inc. 72 Cedar Street Hartford, CT 06106 Contents

Vision...... 3 Executive Summary...... 4 Key Points Plan Purpose...... 5 Background Study Area The Case for Walking & Cycling Plan Development...... 7 Review of Existing Plans 2009 Connecticut Statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan...... 9 SWRPA Bicycle and Pedestrian Study...... 10 2008 Plan of Conservation and Development for Norwalk...... 11 Existing Conditions Report...... 14 Population and Employment...... 14 Land Use...... 15 Transportation Network...... 16 Overpasses & Underpasses...... 17 Sidewalks & Footpaths...... 18 Major Pedestrian Routes...... 19 Connectivity Plan...... 23 On-Road Bicycling...... 26 Trails /MultiUse Paths...... 30 Bike Storage/Amenities...... 31 Crash Data...... 32 Appendix 1: Summary of Focus Group Meetings...... 34 Appendix 2: Summary of Public Meetings...... 40 Appendix 3: Detailed Survey Results...... 42

2 Norwalk Pedestrian and Bikeway Transportation Plan Vision

The draft vision statement was first presented to stakeholders at the fo- Norwalk’s walking and bicycling vision is: cus group meetings and to the community at the public meeting held in July 2010. The comments and suggestions received at those meetings All Norwalk residents and visitors have access to the benefits of walk- were incorporated into a revised vision statement. The result is a state- ing and cycling. They are physically active and they and their children ment that is a synthesis of the many goals stated by various participants have learned to safely walk and bike, giving them mobility and inde- regarding their goals and aspirations for the Pedestrian & Bikeway plan. pendence. Norwalk is a community where people can walk or ride from their home to work, transit, to places for shopping and entertainment and for recreation.

Norwalk’s streets are livable places that accommodate many activi- ties. Neighborhood business districts are thriving with foot traffic from residents and visitors. A civic commitment to share the road is respect- ed by drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. Norwalk is the hub of a connected regional bicycle network that includes bike lanes, multi-use paths and greenways.

This statement will be used over the coming years to guide pedestrian and bicycle initiatives and improvements in the City and is a critical component of Plan. The vision statement forms the foundation for the goals, objectives, recommendations and designs within this plan so that all participants will be represented and will work congruently and coherently toward a desirable future.

Norwalk Pedestrian and Bikeway Transportation Plan 3 Executive Summary City of Norwalk Sidewalks, Footpaths, Multi-Use The City of Norwalk seeks to create a transportation system that will Paths, Schools & Transit Centers accommodate the needs of all users, including pedestrians and cyclists; one that integrates safety improvements, reduces congestion, and pro- motes healthier lifestyles. Norwalk’s pedestrian infrastructure of sidewalks and footpaths provides good access to the City’s urban streets and to certain rural parts of the City adjacent to schools and parks. In many cases, however, sidewalks and footpaths are narrow, in poor condition, and have significant gaps or are missing pedestrian activated crosswalks to link sidewalks at dangerous intersections. Bicycle facilities in Norwalk are less comprehensive, limited to multi-use trails and shoulders of roadways. The City has no clearly designated on-street bike lanes and bike racks are hard to find.

Improvements made to the walking and bicycling infrastructure in prox- imity to densely populated areas, employment centers, schools, transit facilities, parks, and community facilities are needed and will have a positive impact on residents and businesses alike. The present network of roads is primarily designed to serve the needs of motor vehicles and provides limited support for alternative modes of transportation, including cycling and walking. This study will focus on identifying deficiencies and recommending improvements to the existing system that will assist in a mode shift from auto traffic to walk, bicycling, and transit use.

Norwalk’s pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure is concentrated in densely populated areas and near pedestrian generating facilities (see Figure 1). Filling gaps and improving this network by alleviating barriers, making new connections and providing new wayfinding signs is a critical component of the plan which will improve the environment for bicycling and walking in Norwalk. Key Points

• Norwalk’s extensive sidewalk infrastructure and emerging bicycle path network provide access for the majority of residents and provide a good foundation for future improvements. • Connecting the gaps in this network is critical to the success of facilitating walking and bicycling in Norwalk. Figure 1

4 Norwalk Pedestrian and Bikeway Transportation Plan • Overpasses and underpasses and the lack of crosswalks at criti- Study Area cal intersections present obstacles to safety and can represent a critical deficiency in an otherwise safe pedestrian corridor. The study area of this plan includes the entire City of Norwalk (see Figure 2) with attention called to specific focus areas within the City. In particular, The Existing Conditions Report will evaluate the condition of the existing this plan focuses on pedestrian and bicycle connections between schools, network and provide the basis for Task 2 which will prioritize key corri- transit centers, parks, open spaces, and other community facilities and dors, develop design guidelines and recommend needed improvements amenities. over the next decade. A subset of the study area is the Norwalk Connectivity Study area which Plan Purpose is bordered by Wall Street on the north, Washington Street on the south, the Norwalk River/ harbor on the east, and West Avenue on the west. This area was analyzed in detail in the Norwalk Redevelopment Agency Background Connectivity Plan study area. All pedestrian and bicycle issues and recommendations in that area are included in the Connectivity Plan. Dur- The 2011 City of Norwalk Pedestrian and Bikeway Transportation Plan ing the citywide Pedestrian and Bikeway Transportation Plan development, will serve the City of Norwalk by providing direction on improving and the study team coordinated with the Norwalk Redevelopment Agency to expanding pedestrian and bicycle facilities. The ultimate goal of the ensure that the two plans’ recommendations were compatible with one Plan and the planning process is to advance the transportation network another. to include a more connected system of bikeways and walkways throughout the City. This technical memorandum provides an introduction to While there is some discussion of state roadways, the Plan places special the overall planning process and analysis of the existing transportation focus on City facilities, whose design and construction are primarily the network to assist in determining what improvements are necessary to responsibility of the City of Norwalk. support a more connected system of sidewalks and footpaths, on-road dedicated bicycle lanes, and off-road bicycle and walking trails. The final Plan provides recommendations as well as specific plans and drawings to illustrate the recommended improvements. The Case for Walking and Cycling in Norwalk

The City of Norwalk initiated this planning effort because it believes that As stated earlier, research shows that fewer than five percent of Norwalk an improved system of pedestrian and bicycle facilities will encourage residents are walking or bicycling to work. An improved system of pedes- residents to use these modes more frequently. The Plan of Conserva- trian and bikeway facilities can encourage residents to be more active and tion and Development (POCD) for Norwalk reports that fewer than five thus has the potential to reduce motor vehicle trips. percent of Norwalk residents walk or bicycle to work. Early outreach in the planning process identified missing links and gaps in the system The benefits of increased walking and bicycling in Norwalk are multiple. of sidewalks, footpaths, and bikeways as possible causes for this single These include improvements to health, transportation, the environment, digit mode share percentage. Ultimately, the Planning Commission and the economy. Combined, these benefits could lead to a greater qual- hopes to achieve a more balanced relationship between local trans- ity of life for residents, employees, and those who visit Norwalk. Benefits portation modes and to further target infrastructure improvements to of walking and cycling published in the U.S. Bike and Pedestrian Plan accommodate a wider variety of transportation modes and users. include:

Norwalk Pedestrian and Bikeway Transportation Plan 5 City of Norwalk Schools & Transit Centers Health Benefits - The health benefits of regular physical activity are far- reaching: reduced risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other chronic diseases; lower health care costs; and improved quality of life for people of all ages. The Norwalk Health Department initiated the Norwalker program, which established maps and routes of good walks within the City, to encourage residents and visitors to walk for health benefits.

Transportation Benefits - Many trips are less than three miles in length, yet 72 percent of these short trips are made in vehicles. In Norwalk, over 17,000 people live and work within the City and could possibly travel to and from work by foot or bicycle. In addition, every bicycle and transit trip begins and ends with a pedestrian trip. By doing so, travelers could potentially bypass congestion and gridlock traffic, and may even arrive at their destinations faster than if they had driven a car.

Environmental Benefits - Transportation accounts for 30 percent of all energy consumed as well as is responsible for nearly one-third of carbon dioxide emissions and 80 percent of carbon monoxide emissions . Replacing short trips with walking or bicycling can help reduce this level of energy consumption, while also decreasing emissions from cold starts caused by short car trips.

Economic Benefits - The cost of owning and operating a car, currently estimated at $9,055 per year, can account for almost 18 percent of a typical household’s income. Compare that with the $120 yearly operating cost of owning a bicycle, or essentially free travel by foot, and it is clear that walking and bicycling can provide options for those who would like to save money. In addition, bicycling and walking facilities have the potential to revitalize businesses and bring new economic life to downtown Norwalk Connectivity Norwalk areas. Plan Area Quality of Life Benefits - In Norwalk, over six percent of households do not have access to a motor vehicle. Providing more travel options can increase a sense of independence in these seniors, young people, and others who cannot or choose not to drive. Increased levels of bicycling and walking can have a great impact on an area’s sense of livability by Figure 2 creating safe and friendly places for people to live and work.

6 Norwalk Pedestrian and Bikeway Transportation Plan Plan Development Stakeholder Meetings

Plan Process and Guidance FHI and Alta Planning + Design met with a variety of stakeholders at a series of individual meetings on two separate days in July 2010. The This plan was commissioned by the City of Norwalk and administered by purpose of the meetings was to gather information about how the exist- the City of Norwalk Planning and Zoning Office. The Plan is being pre- ing pedestrian and bicycle system in Norwalk is functioning. A number of pared by Fitzgerald & Halliday, Inc. (FHI), (Hartford, CT) with assistance City, agency, and interest group representatives participated in a meeting from Alta Transportation + Design (Boston, MA) and Stantec (Hamden, with the consultant team. Meetings were held with representatives from: CT). The plan effort began in June 2010. • Norwalk Health Department The planning process included an exhaustive review of relevant City of • SWRPA Norwalk, South Western Regional Planning Agency (SWRPA), Connecticut • Sound Cyclists Department of Transportation (CT DOT), Connecticut Department of Envi- • Merritt Parkway Trail Alliance ronmental Protection (CTDEP), and other regional and state plans. Goals, • Bike Walk Fairfield County objectives, and recommendations of these plans relevant to Norwalk are • Norwalk River Valley Trail Committee summarized in this report. In addition to the review of existing plans and • Livable Norwalk relevant data, a significant amount of information was collected directly • Norwalk Public Works Department from stakeholders and the community via meetings and other outreach • Norwalk Common Council mechanisms, described in the following section. • Coalition of Norwalk Neighborhood Associations • Norwalk Public Schools Stakeholder and Community Outreach • Norwalk Recreation & Parks Department • Norwalk Transit District Providing the community with the opportunity to participate in the Plan development is an important aspect of this initiative. The outreach effort Representatives discussed how their respective agencies and/or organiza- is designed to provide interested parties with a means to communicate tions are involved or advocate for walking and/or bicycling in Norwalk. pedestrian and bicycling needs, desires, and suggested improvements In addition, they discussed problem areas for pedestrians and bicyclists as with the City. The ultimate goal is to create a plan that incorporates the well as suggested improvements to these areas. Many cited gaps in the community input with that of the City to create a plan that is relevant and sidewalk network and lack of maintenance of sidewalks as issues related implementable for all. to walking in Norwalk, and lack of facilities (lanes or shoulders) as issues related to bicycling in Norwalk. In particular, attendees cited that there Stakeholder and community outreach was accomplished through several was a desire to bicycle to Calf Pasture Beach, but many are concerned mechanisms in this planning process. These included stakeholder meet- about the safety of bicycling on nearby roads (East Avenue, Gregory Bou- ings, public meetings, and a public questionnaire. Each are described levard, Calf Pasture Beach Road, etc.). In addition, others noted that walk- below: ing on Route 1 (particularly on Connecticut Avenue) was especially chal- lenging because there are gaps in the sidewalk network and infrequent, poor pedestrian crossings. Route 1 was also identified as a location for high transit usage and there is a need for transit users to cross Route 1 to reach transit stops and retail and commercial stores. A summary of each stakeholder meeting is included in Appendix I.

Norwalk Pedestrian and Bikeway Transportation Plan 7 Public Meetings • Concerns about personal safety and a lack of bicycle lanes / paths are cited the most as very strong factor that prevent respondents from Two public meetings were planned for the Plan development process. bicycling more often. Both meetings were “open house” format, with a brief presentation and • Four (4) percent of respondents do not own a car. open discussion. • A summary report of the survey questions and answers is included in Appendix III. The first public meeting, held in July 2010, introduced the community to the study and identified a number of existing conditions in the City. Members of the community provided input on problem areas for walk- Sample Survey Question: ing and bicycling and suggested improvements to many of these areas. "How often do you walk in Norwalk?" The second public meeting held in October 2010, will present the Draft 5% 1% Recommendation Plan to the community. A summary of the first public 8% meeting is included in Appendix II. Everyday

Regularly (more than once 40% Public Questionnaire per week) Occasionally (a few times An online questionnaire was created early in the planning process as per month) a means for the general public to submit comments about the existing Rarely (a few times per year) pedestrian and bicycle network as well as to suggest improvements. A Never hardcopy of this survey was also distributed via the Hour Newspaper and computer instructions and links were made available at Norwalk public 46% libraries. There were 164 respondents to the survey over the two-month period in the Summer of 2010. Some responses from the survey include:

• Approximately 64 percent of the respondents were female. The other Sample Survey Question: "How often do you bicycle in Norwalk?" 36 percent were male. 5% • The largest percentage, 30 percent, of the respondents were between 19% the ages of 31-40 years of age. The next largest percentage, 24 percent, were between 41-50 years of age. Everyday • Almost 56 percent of respondents never walk to work / school. Fifty- Regularly (more than once seven (57) percent of respondents never bicycle to work / school. 35% per week) • Maintenance and a lack of sidewalks were cited the most often as Occasionally (a few times per month) very strong factors that prevent respondents from walking more often. 17% • Almost 72 percent of the respondents are not familiar with the Nor- Rarely (a few times per year)

Walker program. Never • Almost 88 percent of respondents stated that they prefer to bicycle on streets. 24%

8 Norwalk Pedestrian and Bikeway Transportation Plan 2009 CT Statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan • Provide financial and technical There are a number of planning reports and data sources relevant to support and seek to utilize all walking and biking in Norwalk. They include information on the bicycle available funding for the develop- and pedestrian components of various state, regional, and City plans. ment and construction of bicycle The primary sources, which provide a framework for this plan, include and pedestrian facilities through- the Connecticut Statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan, the out Connecticut, within CTDOT’s SWRPA Bicycle and Pedestrian Study and the Norwalk Plan of Conserva- available resources and consistent with federal program initiatives. tion and Development (POCD) (2008). Additional sources are referenced • Contribute to public health by pro- in Table 1. Information about the primary sources is included below: viding safe and attractive opportunities for walking and bicycling. The Plan states its Vision as: In the statewide plan, all regional planning agencies identified desired bicycle “To encourage and promote bicycling and walking throughout Connecticut by and pedestrian improvements for their region. SWRPA, the regional planning providing for the safe, convenient, and enjoyable use of these modes of trans- agency that includes the City of Norwalk, identified their most critical needs portation. Any person will be able to walk, bicycle, or use other types of non- (that affect or include Norwalk) as the following: motorized transportation modes safely and conveniently throughout the State. A network of on-road facilities and multiuse trails will connect towns, regions, and • Complete the Merritt Parkway Trail. Connecticut to neighboring states. Specifically, residential areas, employment • Complete the Norwalk River Valley Trail to the Norwalk/Wilton town line. One centers, shopping areas, transit centers, recreation and cultural attractions, and section has been completed from the Maritime Center to Union Park in Norwalk. schools will accommodate the walking and bicycling needs of users, both within It would intersect the Merritt Parkway Trail at the rebuilt Route 7/Route 15 inter- the development and to nearby destinations.” change. This interchange is being reconstructed by CTDOT in order to provide an expressway connection between the two highways, and, if possible to improve Specific goals in support of this vision include: bicycle and pedestrian access to intersecting trails. • Complete the SWRPA Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. • Develop and maintain a safe efficient, accessible, and convenient pedestrian • Develop a regional marked route system. Identify and sign three east-west bi- and bicycle system that allows users to travel safely and comfortably. cycle routes: 1) East Coast Greenway on-road and Route 1 (major surface route • Integrate and connect the pedestrian and bicycle system with other transpor- through densely populated area with many destinations), 2) Merritt Parkway Trail, tation systems (roads, rail, bus, etc.) and 3) one on-road route further north from Weston to Greenwich. Identify and • Support and encourage pedestrian and bicycle connections between neigh- sign north-south bicycle routes: 1) Route 7 and/or Route 53, 2) Route 137 and/ borhoods, commercial areas, employment centers, schools, state and mu- or Route 104, and 3) Route 106. nicipal parks, and other destinations serving the community. • Improve bicycle and pedestrian access and integration with transit. This • Encourage and support pedestrian and bicycle safety (Note: These action includes sidewalks, bike routes markings to and around various stations; bicycle strategies are recommend for consideration on state owned roadways and parking at all train stations, etc. recommended for support on local roads). • Improve bicycle and pedestrian safety on Route 1 through markings and delinea- • Develop and implement educational programs to ensure that transportation tions or other measures. facilities will be used safely and responsibly. • Develop a policy to narrow the lanes when re-striping to slow traffic and provide a • Provide financial and technical support and seek to utilize all available fund- safer place for bicycle and pedestrians. Apply this policy to certain classifications ing for the development and construction of bicycle and pedestrian facilities (such as minor arterials or collectors), considered as “context-sensitive design”. throughout Connecticut, within CTDOT’s available resources and consistent • Implement sharrows and bike boxes. with federal program initiatives. • Improve pedestrian mobility, through more sidewalk development.

Norwalk Pedestrian and Bikeway Transportation Plan 9 SWRPA Bicycle and Pedestrian Study

The SWRPA Bicycle and Pedestrian Study is currently in development at the time of this study. The plan identifies the following as its primary objectives:

• To establish bicycle and pedestrian policies that provide a framework for local and regional planning. • To actively involve federal, state, and local stakeholders in the development of the regional bicycle and pedestrian plan. • To educate federal, state, and local policy-makers, as well as the general public, about the benefits of incorporating bicycles and pedestrians into transportation improvement projects. • To focus attention on creating Safe Routes to School. • To encourage healthier lifestyles that includes bicycling and walking. • To address pedestrian safety issues important to older adults. • To identify hazardous locations for cyclists and pedestrians through the collection and analysis of accident data and develop projects to enhance safety at the identified locations. • To identify regional bicycle and pedestrian priorities and recommend specific projects for implementation over a 20-year period.

As of Fall 2010, SWRPA has completed two technical memorandums as part of their bicycle and pedestrian planning process. The first, a Sum- mary of State, Regional, and Local Plans, was completed in 2009. The second, Demographic and Safety Data, was completed in early 2010. More information on the safety data is included in the Crash Data section of this report.

Figure 3: Existing and proposed pedestrian and bicycle facilities in the SWRPA region, as defined in the CT Statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan.

10 Norwalk Pedestrian and Bikeway Transportation Plan 2008 Plan of Conservation and Development for Norwalk

The Plan of Conservation and Develop- Goal: Create a network of walking and bicycle trails among neighborhoods, ment (POCD) for Norwalk identifies bike points of interest, and opposite sides of the river and harbor. (POCD Goal and pedestrian improvements as a cen- #C.4.1) tral theme for Norwalk’s future. This plan • Create a plan for bikeways linking residential areas with downtown and pro- recommends growing Norwalk’s multiuse vide capital budget funds in Parks and Recreation budget. trail network as a means to connect parks • Establish appropriate bike lanes on select streets. • Provide capital budget funding to fill in “gaps” in the Riveredge Park and and neighborhoods, as well as provide Bikeway along the Norwalk River. public access to the harbor and Norwalk • Provide funding for a pedestrian circulation system of sidewalks, new and River in promoting public health. Specific reclaimed footpaths, and crosswalks, especially in high traffic areas. goals and objectives that are relevant to this bicycle and pedestrian plan include: Goal: Provide a safe and efficient vehicular transportation system (POCD Goal Goal: Maintain, improve, and increase water access for the public (POCD Goal #E.3.1) #C.1.1) • Improve the performance of roadways and pedestrian facilities in central • Encourage public walkways as part of developments along the Norwalk and Norwalk by reducing vehicle demand during peak hours. Five Mile Rivers and their harbors, consistent with Connecticut Coastal Man- • Establish appropriate bike lanes on select streets. agement Act water-dependent use criteria. • Identify streets for traffic calming and provide capital budget funds. • Provide capital budget funding to fill in “gaps” in the Riveredge Park and Bikeway along the Norwalk River. Goal: Maintain vehicular and pedestrian ways continuously and at a high level • Improve certain street ends for public access to the waterfront and provide (POCD Goal #E.3.3) capital budget funding. • Adopt a workable repair and maintenance program for sidewalks and foot- • Develop a plan for public and visual access to the river. paths, and provide capital budget funds. • Provide additional public space along Norwalk River in the next 10 years; • Improve coordination between Department of Public Works and Department provide open spaces leading to the Norwalk River. of Transportation during road construction to better accommodate walkers • Fill in the missing segment of the waterfront trail behind the Maritime Aquar- and bikers. ium, linking the entrance of that facility and Oyster Shell Park with SoNo. • Preserve and enhance the pedestrian experience on Main Street. • Ensure public access areas to the waterfront are for the general public and not limited to particular groups or individuals. Goal: Maintain a system of bridges to facilitate safe and efficient vehicular and • Support facilities and pedestrian connectivity for boats that encourage public pedestrian movement (POCD Goal #E.4.1) and visitor use in a fair manner and consistent with goals regarding the environment and navigation issues. Goal: Incorporate pedestrian convenience and safety at all bridges and overpasses (POCD Goal #E.4.2)

Norwalk Pedestrian and Bikeway Transportation Plan 11 Study Source/Year Pages Study Area Description

The core of this plan is transit oriented development around the South Norwalk Intermodal Center. To quote from the plan: "Providing better pedestrian—and bicycle—connections to the station from the immediate neighborhood will help enhance its effect upon and service to nearby residents." Recommendations include: • Create an enhanced intermodal station at the South Norwalk Station. • Plan for active around-the-clock uses at the South Norwalk Station. South Norwalk: South of Washington • Ensure a quality public environment at South Norwalk Station. South Norwalk City of Norwalk Street, bounded by Water Street, Dr. • Encourage new station-area uses to share the current parking supply. p.20-23 Planning Study 2005 Martin Luther King Drive, and Concord • Refurbish Ryan Park to suit residents needs and establish park constituency. Avenue • Develop and encourage facilities for supervised recreation for young people. • Encourage housing for a variety of income levels, tenure, and family sizes. • Use publicly owned parcels to provide long-term affordability. • Amend zoning to remove barriers to development types that fulfill planning goals on South Main Street. • Explore shared parking options. • Preserve architectural qualities of South Main Street; establish a Village District along South Main Street.

Westport Avenue west to East Avenue. Report recommends pedestrian oriented design and improvements in the Westport Ave (Rt.1) and Main St. corridor. Specific At East Avenue, Westport Avenue recommendations include: pedestrian oriented building design, regulation of parking lots and curb cuts, street trees and street lamps, utility Westport-North Main becomes North Avenue, where it undergrounding, pedestrian amenities, curb extensions, on-street parking, smaller curb radii, human scaled building facades. The report notes City of Norwalk p.15-19, 25- Corridor Study and continues to Main Street, where the the possibility of street narrowing of Main Avenue. Notable quotations include: "A pedestrian-friendly environment is essential to building a 2006 26, 52-59 Plan study corridor turns northwest up Main vibrant and livable Norwalk." "In addition to providing a pleasant living and working environment, pedestrian facilities also have the potential to Street/Avenue, to the northern encourage walking, cut down the number of short vehicular trips, and reduce traffic congestion. The existing pedestrian facilities can be boundary at the Merritt Parkway. improved with the introduction of design features such as sidewalks, well-marked crosswalks, pedestrian signals, landscape and streetscapes."

Focus of plan is improvement of traffic operations on Route 1, West Avenue and multiple intersections within study area. Includes an inventory of pedestrian facilities on Washington St., South Main St., South Water St., North Main St., Wall Street, Burnell St., Route 1, and West Avenue. Pedestrian focused intersection improvements include: accessible curb ramps, pedestrian signals, 10' wide ladder type crosswalk markings. Limits of study are Rt.1/Cross St. to the High priority intersection locations to be improved by 2007 were identified as: Washington Street and North Water Street, Wall Street at High Central Norwalk p.14-15, 27- City of Norwalk north, Washington St. to the south, Street and Knight Street, Wall Street, Mott, Belden and West Avenues, Belden Avenue and Burnell Street, Burnell Street and River Street, West Transportation & 29, 2006 Norwalk River to the east, and West Avenue and Connecticut Street, West Avenue and Reed Street, West Avenue, Route 7, I-95, and Crescent Street. Sidewalk improvements are Pedestrian Masterplan Appendix Avenue to the west. recommended for: Route 1 between Park Street and East Avenue, Route 1 between High Street and Knight Street, Crescent Street between West Avenue and Butler Street, Hubbells Lane between Wall Street and Daksam Lane, Knight Street between Route 1 and Wall Street, Park Street between Route 1 and Wall Street, East Avenue under railroad bridge, Daksam Lane between Smith Street and East Avenue, Moody's Lane between Smith Street and East Avenue.

Report documents a workshop session for South Norwalk. Includes pedestrian and trail improvement concepts in South Norwalk, West Ave./Wall St. areas. Report recommends Development of a conceptual design for the Crescent Street pedestrian/bikeway. Also cites the Norwalk importance of wayfinding in making people aware of the different walking paths, parks and attractions in the district. Report recommends that Uptown/Wall Street and South Norwalk Norwalk Connections Redevelopment p.1-9 proposed alternate pedestrian/bike path using Crescent Street and the Route 7 onramp embankment along the southerly edge of Pine Island (east of West Avenue & MLK Dr.) Agency 2007 Cemetery be added to the planned Mathews Park improvements. Also‐ recommends the median along Reed Street should be narrowed or eliminated to allow more pe destrian space along the edges of the development parcels‐ to the north and the south. Report also documents planned pedestrian improvements on West Avenue. ‐ Norwalk Plan of City of Norwalk p.23-27, 34- Includes specific goals, objectives, and actionable items including recommendations for trails, paths, bike lanes and sidewalks (p.27). Open Conservation & City of Norwalk 2008 39, 54-55 space map (p.23) shows Rt 7 & Mrrt Parkway trails and documents goal to create network of trails (p.27) Development

City of Norwalk, Norwalk Masterplan of References Route 7 Linear Park (Norwalk River Valley Trail). Includes long term (1995-2000) budget for development of Route 7 Linear Park, Planning p.35 City of Norwalk Parks and Open Space Merritt Parkway Regional Trail, and Riveredge Park & Bikeway. Commission. 1995

Plan includes bike, pedestrian and traffic calming recommendations. Recommended improvements include: New traffic signal at Tierney Street Eastern Norwalk Strawberry Hill Safe with a dedicated pedestrian phase, new pedestrian crossing at Alrowood Drive, ADA accessible curb ramps at all intersections, installation of Neighborhood p.1-4 Strawberry Hill Road Routes to School Plan bicycle lane on boths sides of Strawberry Hill Avenue raised intersections are recommended at selected intersections including Strawberry Hill Association, 2006 Avenue and Tierney Street to help calm traffic. Table 1: Index of Relevant Planning Documents 12 Norwalk Pedestrian and Bikeway Transportation Plan Study Source/Year Pages Study Area Description

Norwalk NorWalker Walking Multiple City-Wide Multiple maps of walking routes and descriptions for several areas of Norwalk Maps Department of Maps Health Southwest Region Documents bicycling and walking projects in Norwalk. Recommendations specific to Norwalk include: Implement the current phases of the Long Range SWRPA 2007 p.196-200 Regional and Citywide Norwalk River Valley (Route 7) Linear Trail and seek funding for future phases of the Norwalk River Valley (Route 7) Linear Trail through Transportation Plan Norwalk. 2007-2035 Plan calls for a continuous, clear system of pedestrian access along and to the Harbor. Aims to connect across the Harbor to form a loop system to the extent possible. Additional recommendations include the extension of the Harbor trail (where industrial land uses don't prohibit access) and enhancement of pedestrian river crossings. Harbor crossing should be enhanced to improve cross-Harbor pedestrian access. The Stroffolino Bridge and I-95 need enhancements to their approaches and crossings Filling in the missing segment of the waterfront trail behind Harbor Area from Mack St. and City of Norwalk the Maritime Aquarium could link the entrance of that facility and Oyster Shell Park with SoNo in an attractive waterside promenade A Mid Harbor Plan p.30-43 Seaview Park at south to Chapel Street 2005 connection beneath the abutments of the railroad bridge on the east side of the Harbor would connect the existing trail along the Sewage at north Treatment Plant to the Neptune Marina area and Veterans Park. This critical link would help establish a continuous trail from Wall Street to Veterans Park along the east side of the Harbor. Harbor Avenue is one such roadway that will, for the foreseeable future, provide a vital pedestrian connection between Wall Street and SoNo on the west side of the Harbor. Water Street should be enhanced to provide a pedestria connection between SoNo and waterfront neighborhoods to the south. City of Norwalk Norwalk Paving List p.1 Citywide Norwalk streets scheduled for repaving 2010-2014 2009

SWRPA Bike Ped Plan SWRPA 2010 p.4-7, 29-34 Citywide and Regional Plan currently underway

Report includes bicycle and pedestrian opportunities and constraints for South Norwalk with a summary of Urban Design and Wayfinding. The Connectivity Study offers guidance for future bicycle and pedestrian-related projects and improvements, as well as recommended programs Norwalk Connectivity Norwalk Redev. p.9-26, 75- Uptown/Wall Street and South Norwalk and policies that will improve local biking and walking conditions. The aim of the study is a safe, accessible bicycle and pedestrian system that Plan Agency 2010 78 (east of West Avenue & MLK Dr.) includes sidewalks, greenways and safe intersections, as well as programs and policies that encourage residents and visitors alike to walk and bike, rather than drive, around downtown Norwalk. The study identifies major gaps in pedestrian network including: West Avenue and Mott Avenue/Wall Street, Washington and Water Street intersection, ramps to I-95 and Route 7 along West Ave.

Connecticut Statewide p. 23-30,70, Establishes goals for walking and bicycling in Connecticut. Provides bike and pedestrian facilities toolbox. Documents proposed Merritt Bicycle and CT DOT 2009 147-221, Statewide Parkway Trail, Norwalk River Valley Trail, Harbor Trails, as well as existing Route 136 bike route as part of a regional bicycle transportation Pedestrian 245 network. Transporation Plan

Documents need for a connected system of parklands, trails and greenways, including: a) Property which enhances connections between protected open space City of Norwalk, Norwalk Open Space b) Land along riparian corridors Conservation p. 6 Citywide Plan c) Land that provides or enhances a network of foot and bicycle paths and trails Comm. 2004 d) Abandoned railroad rights-of-way e) Properties adjacent to scenic roads This report describes a proposed trail extending from Norwalk Harbor to Wilton parallel to Route 7. The report suggests the trail could be developed on public land including land held by the State for the Super 7 rightof way. The report notes there are many physical impediments to South Western the construction of the trail, including street, railroad, and waterway crossings in Norwalk as well as topography and steep grades in Wilton. The Norwalk River Valley / Norwalk River Valley/Route 7 Corridor, Regional Planning p.1-33 report suggests funding for the trail could be obtained from both Norwalk and ‐Wilton‐ should the state and federal government be unwilling to Route 7 Linear Trail Norwalk to Wilton Agency, 1995 provide funding. The report also suggests that trail costs could be higher owing to items like railroad and waterway crossings. The report recommends that either portions of the trail or provisions for the trail be integrated into Connecticut DOT’s Route 7 widening and improvement projects.

Roton Middle School Safe This report documents recommended pedestrian improvements to areas near Roton Middle School. Recommended improvements are focused on SWRPA, 2009 p.1-20 Rowayton Routes to School Plan Highland Avenue.

Table 1 (cont.): Index of Relevant Planning Documents

Norwalk Pedestrian and Bikeway Transportation Plan 13 Existing Conditions Report City of Norwalk Population This section includes an analysis of the existing conditions of walking and bicycling in the City of Norwalk. It discusses background information about the City and its people as well as the existence and condition of on- and off-road facilities such as: shoulders, bicycle lanes, and multi-use paths, sidewalks, footpaths; and other amenities such as signage, pavement markings, and wayfinding.

As noted earlier, there is a special focus on pedestrian and bicycle connections between schools, transit centers, parks, open spaces, and other community facilities and amenities. A number of bicycle and pedestrian facilities that provide connections to such locations and / or were highlighted in the community outreach process are called out in greater detail in this section. Population and Employment

The residential population of Norwalk is concentrated in several areas. Most of these areas coincide with interstate or state highway corridors that pass through Norwalk, primarily Interstate 95, Route 7, and the Merritt Parkway. Population follows, to a lesser extent, the Metro North rail line and station areas. Figure 4 displays population distribution in Norwalk.

Norwalk’s workforce population (Figure 5) distribution coincides, for the most part, with its residential population distribution. Like the residential population, the most concentrated areas of employment are found along state routes that run through Norwalk, including Route 1 and Main Avenue (formerly Route 7). Figure 5 displays employment distribution in Norwalk.

Figure 4

14 Norwalk Pedestrian and Bikeway Transportation Plan City of Norwalk Land Use Employment Centers Norwalk’s land use is a mix of commercial, industrial, and residential uses with extremely concentrated areas of retail, business, commercial, and industrial activity along certain transportation corridors such as Route1, Route 7, and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Pedestrian scaled retail and business activity (village district and regional center land use classification) is primarily found in Norwalk Center and South Norwalk and is clustered around the harbor and at the confluence of many of Norwalk’s heavily travelled routes. Commercial activity is found along Route 1 and Main Avenue. Industrial activity coincides with the Amtrak / MetroNorth rail line, most likely a vestige of the freight traffic that once occupied that corridor.

East Avenue is at the heart of the East Av- enue Village District, an area anchored by The Green, City Hall, residences, offices, and several churches. This area is fairly well served by sidewalks, although there are few opportunities to cross East Avenue and no crosswalks to the historic green. Addi- tionally, bicycling on East Avenue is difficult and perceived as unsafe as a result of the heavy traffic and lack of shoulders. The Green South Norwalk has a more urban feel than neighboring East Avenue. Wall Street, West Avenue, North and South Main Streets are the central corridors within the district. With retail, restaurant, and entertainment establishments, it buzzes with pedestrian activity. While South Norwalk has an extensive sidewalk network, sidewalk condition varies greatly with improvements needed to crossings, sidewalk quality, access management, and pedestrian amenities such as lighting and street trees.

Pedestrian and bicycle improvements would be most warranted in the in Village District and Regional Center areas found in Norwalk Center and South Norwalk, as these improvements would be most likely to have a positive impact upon businesses that already seek to cater to pedestrians and people who travel my modes of travel other than a Figure 5 private vehicle.

Norwalk Pedestrian and Bikeway Transportation Plan 15 City of Norwalk Roadways & Transportation Network Train/ Bus Routes Norwalk’s primary transportation network consists of roadways, rail lines, and bus routes. Figure 6 displays this transportation network.

Norwalk has a “spoke and hub” roadway system, with arterial streets branching out from Norwalk Center towards Norwalk’s various neighborhoods. Norwalk is also transected by three highways, those being Interstate 95, the Merritt Parkway (Route 15), and Route 7.

Norwalk also has two rail lines, one east / west route used primarily by Amtrak and Metro North and a north / south line used primarily by Metro North. Metro North has four stations along these routes, Row- ayton, South Norwalk, and East Norwalk Stations along the east / west rail line and a Merritt 7 stop on the north / south line.

In addition to road and rail facilities, Norwalk has a central pulse point for the Norwalk Transit District bus system, the Wheels Hub in Norwalk Center. Norwalk is served by three distinct bus transit services. These include Wheels, CT Transit, and Coastal Link. Wheels is a City bus service with local routes throughout Norwalk. Both CT Transit and Coastal link are regional bus services that travel along Route 1 providing transportation to points east and west of Norwalk. These services meet at Wheels Hub in Norwalk Center.

The South and East Norwalk train stations as well as Wheels Hub are located in dense areas with an extensive sidewalk network providing access to and from the stations. Rowayton and Merritt 7 stations have limited sidewalk networks surrounding the stations. Rowayton’s station is set in a small residential village setting while Merritt 7 is located near an office dominated, highly trafficked area.

Figure 6

16 Norwalk Pedestrian and Bikeway Transportation Plan City of Norwalk Overpasses and Underpasses Overpasses/Underpasses

Norwalk’s highway and rail transportation systems, while a conduit for movement through Norwalk, are also barriers pedestrian and bicycle movement within Norwalk. Interstate 95, Route 7, Route 15, and Norwalk’s rail lines provide physical barriers due to limited access and crossings. In addition, while the Harbor and Norwalk River are great natural and community resources, they often act as physical barriers that limit east / west movement within Norwalk. Numerous bridges, overpasses, underpasses, and tunnels provide access across these barriers. Many of these access points, however, are not fully accessible to bicyclists and pedestrians. Figure 7 displays the over- and under-passes for many of these barriers in Norwalk.

During the July 2010 Stakeholder Meetings, a number of locations came up where participant cited safety concerns at over- and underpasses. These locations include:

11 East Avenue rail underpass - Participants cited that while this route provides a desirable connection to the beaches, the underpass is a true pinch point for bicyclists. There is one narrow travel lane in each direction with no shoulder, simply not enough room for a bicyclist to share safely with motor vehicles. There is a narrow sidewalk in each direction that can serve pedestrians.

1 Route 136 Bridge: Participants cited that while Route 136 provides a desirable east- west connection in the southern portion of the city, this bridge pinch point for bicyclists. There are two heavily traveled lanes in each direction, with very narrow (less than one foot) striped shoulder. In addition, access to the bridge on the west side, at the Washington Street / Water Street intersection, is dangerous for bicyclists. There is a four- five foot concrete sidewalk in each direction.

2 I-95 Overpass: The “Yankee Doodle Bridge” has a sidewalk on the north side of the bridge that can take pedestrians over the Nor- walk River. Participants of the stakeholder group meeting cited a poorly maintained sidewalk with overgrown vegetation as barriers to using this facility safely. Figure 7

Norwalk Pedestrian and Bikeway Transportation Plan 17 Sidewalk and Footpaths

Sidewalks and footpaths comprise Norwalk’s pedestrian network (see While a pedestrian in Norwalk may not notice the difference between a Figure 8). These facilities connect strategic points including schools, sidewalk and a footpath, the City of Norwalk does distinguish between municipal buildings, recreational facilities, institutions, retail locations, the two facilities. In general, sidewalks are wider than footpaths, can be offices and residences. While a large percentage of Norwalk’s popu- concrete or asphalt surfaces. Footpaths are generally narrower, winding, lation is served by sidewalks or footpaths, the network contains many sometimes only 2-3 feet, and often asphalt surfaced. Both facilities can gaps. Completing the network by filling these gaps will be critical for be on public or private property. Footpaths were built over the previous Norwalk to realize it’s vision of being a pedestrian friendly community. 30 years when a movement began to improve access to schools, parks, and other community destinations in Norwalk. Based on survey results, Norwalk’s pedestrian network is most complete in Norwalk Center, residents of rural areas generally prefer footpaths. South Norwalk, and East Norwalk. Areas of lower population density such as Cranbury, Silvermine, and West Norwalk have a sparse network The Norwalk Connectivity Plan area is situated at the center of Norwalk’s of sidewalks and a number of footpaths. Rowayton and Broad River transportation system as shown on Figure 8. The area’s sidewalk network have limited sidewalk networks connecting them to South Norwalk and and issues are shown in greater detail in Figure 9. This plan will extend Norwalk Center respectively. Figure 8 displays the existing pedestrian the pedestrian and bicycle corridors referenced in the Connectivity Plan to network in the City of Norwalk. other parts of the City.

18 Norwalk Pedestrian and Bikeway Transportation Plan Existing Conditions: Sidewalks, Footpaths & Bikeways

Cranbury Park

Field Street Nature Area Wilton

Bayne St

Silvermine West Rocks Rd Golf Course

Grumman Ave Silvermine Tavern White Newtown AveBarn Preserve Silvermine Merritt Pkwy Golf Course Main Ave

Gregory Shopping Center Perry Ave Westport Merritt 7 Office Park

Merritt 7 Station HoneyHill Ballfield

West Rocks Rd

New Canaan Senior Center Woods Pond Merritt Pkwy Park

Blake Street Main Ave Conservation New Canaan Ave Area

Ponus Ave New Canaan Ave

Union Newtown Ave Cemetery

Fox Run Rd Main St Westport Ave

Riverside Ave

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East Ave Field

Green Cross St

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Grandview Ave VanBuren Ave Oak Hills Park

Strawberry Hill Ave

Richards Ave

I-95 City Hall

Malmquist Norden Industrial Norwalk Field Park Hospital

East Ave

Danbury Branch Line

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Aquarium/ IMAX Constitution Shorehaven Washington St. Park Seaview Ave East Ave Golf Course Veterans Gregory Blvd Memorial First Ave Connecticut Ave Park South Norwalk Richards Ave Flax Hill Station Park

I-95 Flax Hill Rd RiverPark Water St Office Park

Calf Pasture Beach Rd

Fodor Farm Community Burritt Ave Taylor Garden Woodward Ave Norwalk Connectivity Study Area Farm

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Bayley Beach 1/4 Mile Radius of School & Park Transit Center NORTH 0 .25 .5 mi Major Pedestrian Routes While Norwalk has hundreds of roads, there are several corridors that link strategic points within Norwalk and between its neighborhoods (see Figure 9). These corridors are often shared by pedestrians, cyclists, and motor vehicle traffic. It is critical to the success of this plan to focus on the highest priority of these corridors, identify their value to the network and note the gaps and deficiencies that exist within this network.

As noted earlier, this plan provides a special focus on pedestrian connections between schools, transit centers, parks, open spaces, and other community facilities and amenities. Various pedestrian routes provide connections to these locations with the following areas being identified as high priority corridors during the community outreach process. The listing below and Table 2 display more detailed information about the pedestrian conditions of the highest priority corridors. The routes and their existing conditions include:

Sea View Avenue: This roadway is heavily utilized by pedestrians and provides direct connections to Veterans Memorial Park and the Norwalk River Valley Trail. Users can also access 1st Street, Gregory Boulevard, and Calf Pasture Beach Road to connect to Marvin Elementary School and Calf Pasture Park and Beach from Sea View Avenue. There is a continuous network of sidewalks and footpaths along Sea View Avenue.

1st Street: This roadway is heavily utilized by pedestrians and provides a direct connection between Sea View Avenue and Gregory Boulevard. Many users walk on 1st Street to reach the destinations such as Veterans Memorial Park, the Norwalk River Valley Trail, Marvin Elementary School and Calf Pasture Park and Beach. There is a continuous four-foot sidewalk on both sides of 1st Street, and some sidewalks have a two-foot planting strip separating them from the roadway.

Sea View Avenue: Figure 9 View South Norwalk Pedestrian and Bikeway Transportation Plan 19 Gregory Boulevard: This roadway is utilized by pedestrians and provides a connection between Sea View Avenue and Calf Pasture Beach Road. Many users walk on Gregory Boulevard to reach the destinations such as Veterans Memorial Park, the Norwalk River Valley Trail, Marvin Elementary School, and Calf Pasture Park and Beach. There is a continuous four-foot sidewalk on both sides of Gregory Boulevard, and most sidewalks have a two-foot planting strip separating them from the roadway.

Calf Pasture Beach Road: This roadway is utilized by pedestrians and provides direct connections to Marvin Elementary School and Calf Pasture Gregory Boulevard: Park and Beach. In addition, users can walk to Gregory Boulevard and View South beyond to reach destinations such as Veterans Memorial Park and the Norwalk River Valley Trail. There is a combination of four-foot sidewalks and three-foot footpaths on both sides of the roadway, and most have a two-foot planting strip separating them from the roadway. The footpaths are extremely narrow near the school requiring pedestrians to walk single file.

East Avenue: This roadway is utilized by pedestrians and provides direct Calf Pasture Beach Road connections to the Green, City Hall, and local businesses / retail. In addition, users can walk to Gregory Boulevard and beyond to reach destinations such as Veterans Memorial Park, the Norwalk River Valley Trail, Marvin Elementary School, and Calf Pasture Park and Beach. There are four-foot sidewalks on both sides of the roadway, though with a large number of gaps and driveways intersecting them, and some have a two- foot planting strip separating them from the roadway. There are no crosswalks or protected crossings accessing The Green on East Avenue. East Avenue: Newtown Avenue/Grumman Avenue: This corridor provides pedestrian View North connections to Cranbury Park and East Avenue and its destinations. There is a two-to-three-foot wide, mostly continuous, footpath on the west side of Newtown Avenue and some segments of footpath on the east side of the roadway south of Murray Street. These footpaths are narrow and require multiple users to walk single file. Grumman Avenue extends from Newtown Avenue to Cranbury Park and Cranbury School. It has footpaths on at least one side of the roadway for the entire length of the corridor. Newtown Avenue: This corridor provides an important link to Westport and points north. View South

20 Norwalk Pedestrian and Bikeway Transportation Plan Strawberry Hill Avenue: This roadway is utilized by pedestrians (students) and provides direct connections to the Nathan Hale School, Naramake Elementary, and Norwalk High School. In addition, users can walk to the East Norwalk Train Station. There are four-foot sidewalks on both sides of the roadway, though with a large number of gaps, and some have a two-foot planting strip separating them from the roadway. There are a number of crosswalks, though they are inconsistent in type. In addition, the crosswalk in front of Nathan Hale School does not connect to a sidewalk that can safely get the students to the school. The must cross a steep wall and large parking lot or walk in the school driveway. Strawberry Hill Avenue: View South at Nathan Route 1 (Connecticut Ave/Van Buren Ave/Westport Ave): This roadway Hale School provides direct connections to businesses, restaurants, and retail. There are four-foot sidewalks on both sides of the roadway, with a large number of gaps and driveways intersecting them; some portions have a two-foot planting strip separating them from the roadway. The gaps in the sidewalk network and lack of crosswalks / pedestrian activated signals pose the greatest safety challenges to pedestrians that must or would like to walk to destinations on Route 1. (See photo at left for example of sidewalk deficiency along Route 1.) In addition, Route 1 had the highest number of vehicle crashes involving pedestrians of any roadway in Norwalk during the years 2005-2007. Specific issues include the need for a crossing between Stew Leonard’s and Dry Hill Road and across Westport Avenue at East Avenue.

Route 1 (CT Avenue): Richards Avenue: This roadway is heavily utilized by pedestrians and pro- View West vides direct connections to the Norwalk Community College and Fox Run School. There are four-foot footpaths on one or more sides of the roadway most of the corridor. A significant gap exists is along the side east side of the road in the vicinity of Walmart and at 110 Richards Avenue. There are a number of crosswalks, near Norwalk Community College and stop signed intersections with pedestrian activated signals.

Richards Avenue View South Norwalk Pedestrian and Bikeway Transportation Plan 21 Flax Hill Road: This windy roadway, through a densely populated Wilson Avenue/Meadow Street/Woodward Avenue/Burritt Avenue/ neighborhood, provides direct connections to Highland Avenue and its Water Street/Winfield Street (Route 136): These roads are part of State schools. Residents in this area are concerned about truck traffic and Route 136. This corridor runs from Darien to Westport and provides traffic speed. There are four-foot footpaths on one or more sides of the an important connection between Rowayton, South Norwalk and East roadway on the entire corridor. There are crosswalks at Highland Av- Norwalk. It connects Rowayton School and Springwood Park. Most of enue and along Flax Hill Road along some side streets. the corridor, with the exception of Woodward Avenue, has sidewalks or footpaths on at least one side of the roadway. Significant gaps exist in Highland Avenue: This roadway is utilized by pedestrians (students) and the vicinity of East Norwalk Train Station. provides direct connections to the Brookside Elementary School, Brien McMahon High School, and Roton Middle School. In addition, users New Canaan Avenue/Riverside Avenue (Route123/809): This corridor is can walk to Rowayton Elementary from Highland Avenue. There are largely devoid of sidewalks or footpaths. Small segments exist between four-foot footpaths on one or more sides of the roadway on the entire Ponus Avenue and Forbell Drive. This route provides an important con- corridor. There are crosswalks at Flax Hill Road, Rowayton Wood Drive, nection between central Norwalk and the Broad River neighborhood. and Roton Middle School. An extensive outreach for the Roton Middle School Safe Routes to School Plan revealed that the sidewalks are often West Rocks Road/France Street/Park Street: This corridor runs parallel broken, bumpy, and infested with poison ivy. In addition, the crosswalk to Route 7 (Main Avenue) and is a critical north/south corridor from at Rowayton Woods Drive, which has a lot of student foot traffic, has central Norwalk to Wilton. It has sidewalks or footpaths on at least one poor visibility because of a curve in the road. The Plan recommends to side of the roadway on West Rocks with France and Park Streets hav- move the crosswalk north to Charcoal Drive and fill in the footpath gap ing sidewalks on both sides. This corridor links to All Saints and West on the west side of the roadway between Rowayton Wood Drive and Rocks Schools, and to various churches and community facilities. This Charcoal Drive. corridor is linked to Main Avenue via footpaths on Aiken Street, Linden Street, Ward Street, and Bayne Street. Route 7 (Main Avenue): is located north of Route 123 and connects to the Merritt Parkway and Grist Mill Road. This roadway is a commercial roadway with various retail stores, office buildings, gas stations, strip malls, and convenience stores. Like Connecticut Avenue there are properties along this roadway with sidewalks, though there are a large number of gaps in the network (especially on the west side of the roadway) as well as busy driveways that intersect the sidewalks. Some areas with sidewalks have a 2-3 foot planting strip between the sidewalk and roadway. The gaps in the sidewalks, large number of driveways, and lack of crosswalks / signals pose the greatest safety challenges to pedestrians.

Fox Run Road/Ponus Avenue: This corridor provides a valuable pedestrian connection between New Canaan and the Merrit Parkway to Fox Run School and Oak Hills Park. It has footpaths on at least one side of Flax Hill Road: View East the street for most of its length.

22 Norwalk Pedestrian and Bikeway Transportation Plan Fillow Street/Grandview Avenue: This east/west route provides pedestrian access to three public schools and Oak Hills Park. The schools include Fox Run, Kendall, and Jefferson Elementary. It also provides a connection between Richards Avenue and Van Buren Avenue (Route 1). It has sidewalks or footpaths on at least one side of the road for the length of the corridor.

Perry Avenue: Perry Avenue is a north/south route that extends from Main Avenue to Silvermine. It has footpaths on the west side of the street for much of its length providing access to Silvermine Elementary School and to shopping centers on Main Ave. The footpaths are in poor condition, generally cracked, broken, and in need of repair.

Bayne Street: Bayne Street provides an east/west connection between West Rocks Road, Cranbury Park, Cranbury Elementary School, and Grumman Avenue. Footpaths are present on this route, providing residents with pedestrian access to shopping centers on Main Ave.

Figure 10 Norwalk Connectivity Plan: Pedestrian Issues

Norwalk Pedestrian and Bikeway Transportation Plan 23 Connections to Parks, Other Pedestrian Sidewalk / Footpath Pedestrian Observed Issues / Corridor Schools, Community Sidewalks Footpaths Crosswalks Amenities (ramps, Pedestrian Traffic Conditions Signals Problem Areas Facilities,etc pads, audible, etc.)

Continuous on both Veterans Memorial Park, sides. On northside - 6 Two at Fort Point intersection - one On southside adjacent Good. Concrete None (no ramps or Harbor Bike Path, Marvin ft. wide. On southside - across Sea View Ave and one Pedestrian buttons Significant usage. No Sea View Ave to Veteran Memorial surfaces. Some other amenities at Moderate / heavy Elementary School, Calf 4 ft wide. Some across Fort Point on the south side at crosswalks signage, or wayfinding. Park weeds. crosswalks) Pasture Park and Beach planting strips on of the intersection. southside.

Fair. Narrow. Construction in progress - Appears Veterans Memorial Park, Construction in Construction in Continuous (4 ft wide) Combination of that two will be installed at Gregory Harbor Bike Path, Marvin progress - perhaps progress - perhaps at Significant usage. No 1st St on both sides. Some None ashphalt and concrete Blvd, one across Gregory on north Moderate / heavy Elementary School, Calf at crosswalks on crosswalks on signage, or wayfinding. planting strips. surfaces. Overgrown side, and one across 1st St on west Pasture Park and Beach Gregory Blvd. Gregory Blvd. vegetation (bushes). side.

Construction in progress - Appears Veterans Memorial Park, Construction in Construction in 4-5 ft wide on both In front of Marvin that two will be installed at 1st St, Harbor Bike Path, Marvin progress - perhaps progress - perhaps at Gregory Blvd sides. Most areas have School and near Good one across Gregory on north side, Moderate Elementary School, Calf at crosswalks on crosswalks on1st 2+ ft planting strips Marvin St on east side. and one across 1st on west side. Pasture Park and Beach 1st Ave. Ave. One across Gregory at 4th Ave.

Veterans Memorial Park, 3 ft wide on west side Good. Combination of Faded Slow School Continuous (4 ft wide), Calf Pasture Beach Harbor Bike Path, Marvin across from, and on concrete, pavers, and One across Calf Pasture Beach Rd At school Ramps at school pavement markings. with 2 ft planting strips, Moderate / heavy Elementary School, Calf east side north of, asphalt surfaces. at school driveway. crosswalk crosswalk Narrow footpaths near Rd on each side. Pasture Park and Beach Marvin School. Narrow footpaths. school.

4 ft wide, with 2+ ft Limited pedestrian Fair. Large numbers of The Green, City Hall, planting strips, on both access to City green. East Ave None driveways and access None at City green None at City Green None at City green Moderate Rail Station, businesses sides. Sporadic gaps Limited wayfinding to rail to businesses. on both sides. station and beach.

3 ft mostly continuous on west side of Newtown Ave. Some 3 Fair/Poor. Narrow, Extremely narrow Cranbury Park,Cranbury broken, weeded, and footpaths. No paths Newtown Ave/ ft segments on east Elementary. East Ave None side south of Murray rooted. Broken asphalt Very limited None None Light near Cranbury Grumman Ave and beyond St. 2-3' on one side of surface. Interrupted by Park. Pedestrians walk Grumman Ave in some utility poles. in roadway. areas. Gaps.

Poor. Discontinuous, One across Strawberry Hill Ave in Pedestrian actuated Faded pavement narrow, weeded, and Nathan Hale School, front of Nathan Hale School. One button at Norwalk markings. Inconsistent 4 ft on both sides. bumpy. Combination of At Nathan Hale Naramake Elementary In front of Norwalk in front of Norwalk High School. High School. Retro crosswalk types. No Strawberry Hill Ave Sporadic gaps on both concrete and asphalt and Norwalk High Light School, Norwalk High High School. Four at County Street. Many along reflective school sidewalk connecting to sides. surfaces. Footpaths in crossings School, Rail Station Strawberry Hill Ave across side crossing signs (4 crosswalk on Nathan better condition than streets on both sides. total) at high school Hale property. sidewalks

Poor. Weeded and Very unsafe. No Route 1 (Westport Significant gaps in Often with Some on south side on gaps. Large number of Some at crosswalks shoulders. Heavy traffic. Ave, Van Buren Ave, Businesses, retail sidewalk network along Infrequent crosswalks where Moderate Westport Ave. driveways and access where they exist Gaps in sidewalk entire corridor. they exist CT Ave) to busineses. network

Table 2: Inventory of Pedestrian Routes 24 Norwalk Pedestrian and Bikeway Transportation Plan Connections to Parks, Other Pedestrian Sidewalk / Footpath Pedestrian Observed Issues / Corridor Schools, Community Sidewalks Footpaths Crosswalks Amenities (ramps, Pedestrian Traffic Conditions Signals Problem Areas Facilities,etc pads, audible, etc.)

Three at W Cedar St intersection. At W Cedar St Norwalk Community One across Richards Ave at Heavy near South of West Cedar 4 ft on one or more Good. Combination of crosswalks and College, Fox Run Norwalk Community College. Two In-street pedestrian Norwalk Lack of continuous Richards Ave Street aproaching side throughout most asphalt and concrete Norwalk School, Oak Hills Park, on west side of Richards at Fillow crossing signage Communiity sidewalks Route 1 of corridor. surfaces. Community Flax Hill Rd and beyond St and Scribner Ave (along College College crosswalk footpath). Across Highland at Flax Hill Road, Good / Fair. Some Four schools, Rowayton 4 ft on one or more Rowayton Woods Drive, and , Windy. Poor sight lines. areas are weeded, Highland Ave waterfront and None side throughout entire Roton Middle School. Along None None Heavy Inadequate crossing broken, and poison ivy businesses corridor. Highland Ave crossing various side amenities near schools. is a problem. streets.

4 ft on one or more Brookside, Roton & Brien side throughout entire At some side streets and across Flax Hill Rd None Good None None Light/Moderate Windy. Poor sight lines. McMahon Schools corridor. 2 ft planting Flax Hill Rd at Highland Ave strip.

Significant gaps in Poor. Gaps. Large Very unsafe. Narrow sidewalk network along number of driveways Often with shoulders. Heavy traffic. entire corridor, and access to crosswalks where Some at crosswalks Gaps in sidewalk Main Ave (Rte 7) Businesses, retail especially on west side. None busineses. Infrequent they exist where they exist Heavy network

Wilson Ave/Meadow St/ Woodward Ave/ Rowayton School, Significant gaps, Industrialized areas and Burritt Ave/ Water St Springwood Park, footpaths on northern Only one at Woodward Ave. little access so fast road (Rt 136) Veterans Memorial Park segment, Poor to fair large gaps Located mainly parallel to Water St Near crosswalks None Moderate Lots of driveways

Ramps at some Small shoulders, narrow Winfield Street (Rt South side of roadway, Found near intersections sidewalks in front of 136) East Norwalk Station gap near East Ave Fair/Poor At signalized intersections crosswalks (Stanley) Light residential area

Fox Run Rd/Ponus Fox Run School, Oak 2-3ft on one side of Ave Hills Park roadway Good At signalized intersections None None Light/Moderate High Volume Road with New Canaan Ave/ Kendall Elementary Large gaps of no Where there are sidewalks at Found near Surfaced ramps on multiple travel lanes, Riverside Ave School sidewalk Good signalized intersections crosswalks newer sidewalks Moderate/Heavy gaps. West Rocks Middle Limited safe crossing School, Kendall School, Generally on one side points, no signage at West Rocks Rd Main Avenue businesses of roadway Fair Infrequent None None Heavy cross street crossings

2-3ft on one side of Fair near Kendall At Grandview Rd, Pettom Rd, Fillow St/ Grandview Jefferson School, Oak roadway. Significant School, poor in other Kendall Elementary School Gaps in network, narrow Ave Hills Park None gaps areas (multiple) None None Moderate in areas

2-3' Footpaths on west Poor, narrow, cracked, Perry Ave Silvermine Elementary On school campus side of roadway broken At Silvermine Elementary None None Moderate Gaps in network Churches. West Rocks Rd. West Rocks School, Higher speed, windy Main Ave. businesses. 2-3' on one side of road. Poor sight lines. Cranbury Elementary, roadway. No planting Fair/Poor, gaps, narrow No buffer for pedest- Bayne Street Cranbury Park. None strip. Gaps. walkway None None None Light/Moderate rians on footpath.

Table 2 (cont.): Inventory of Pedestrian Routes Norwalk Pedestrian and Bikeway Transportation Plan 25 City of Norwalk On-Road Bicycling Bicycle Routes Norwalk has a demand for on-road bicycling for both commuter and recreational purposes. Experienced riders can be seen navigating roadway shoulders and travel lanes while less experienced riders, adult and children alike, often use sidewalks. The current roadway system is primarily vehicular focused, as there are no clearly designated bicycle lanes, boxes, or bicycle signage.

Based on comments received during the public meetings, focus group meetings, survey responses and field observations it was determined that majority of those who bicycle in Norwalk do so on the roadway system, while a smaller number residents use recreational paths for cycling.

The Plan outreach process highlighted a number of areas where bicyclists are riding. Many of these corridors provide connections between schools, transit centers, parks, open spaces, and other community facilities and amenities. Many of these roadways, also have problem areas and are in need of improvements to make bicycling a safer means of transportation. These roadways are highlighted in Figure 11 and in the descriptions below.

Sea View Avenue: This roadway is heavily utilized by bicyclists and provides direct connections to Veterans Memorial Park, and the Norwalk Riv- er Valley Trail. Users can also access 1st Street, Gregory Boulevard, and Calf Pasture Beach Road to connect to Marvin Elementary School and Calf Pasture Park and Beach from Sea View Avenue: View west Sea View Avenue. During the community outreach process, bicyclists expressed desire to access all of the above listed destinations by bicycle. There is a wide right-of-way though no bike path or directional or facility Figure 11 signage for bicyclists.

26 Norwalk Pedestrian and Bikeway Transportation Plan Cove Avenue & 2nd Street: These roadways can be used by bicyclists to Newtown Avenue (Route 53): This roadway provides bicycle connec- provide direct connection between Sea View Avenue and Gregory Bou- tions to Cranbury Park and East Avenue and its destinations, in addition levard. While 1st Street is a safe, utilized connection for pedestrians, it to its use as a regional route connecting Norwalk with Westport and is simply too narrow for bicyclist to use safely. Many users can bike on Weston. Though the motor vehicle traffic volumes are not very high, this roadway to reach destinations such as Veterans Memorial Park, the the shoulders are narrow, 0-2 foot shoulder in each direction of the Norwalk River Valley Trail, Marvin Elementary School, and Calf Pasture roadway. Park and Beach. There are no bike paths and limited directional or facility signage for bicyclists on these roads. Fox Run Road: This corridor provides a connection from Norwalk to New Canaan and the Merritt Parkway to Fox Run School and Oak Hills Gregory Boulevard: This roadway is utilized by bicyclists and provides Park. The shoulders vary in width. Bicyclist must take the lane in some a connection between Sea View Avenue and Calf Pasture Beach Road. areas. Motor vehicle traffic is light to moderate. Many users bike on Gregory Boulevard to reach destinations such as Vet- erans Memorial Park, the Norwalk River Valley Trail, Marvin Elementary Riverside Avenue/New Canaan Avenue: This route provides a connec- School and Calf Pasture Park and Beach. There is a 6 to 7 foot wide tion between central Norwalk and New Canaan and provides access to shoulder on both sides of Gregory Boulevard that was striped as a part of neighborhood ballfields in the Broad River area. The shoulders vary in recent road improvements. width and there is a moderate level of motor vehicle traffic.

Calf Pasture Beach Road: This roadway is utilized by bicyclists and pro- West Rocks Road: This corridor runs parallel to Route 7 (Main Avenue) vides direct connections to Marvin Elementary School and Calf Pasture and is a critical north/south corridor from central Norwalk to Wilton. Park and Beach. In addition, users can bike to Gregory Boulevard and This corridor links to All Saints and West Rocks Schools, and to vari- beyond to reach destinations such as Veterans Memorial Park and the ous churches and community facilities. The shoulders vary in width and Norwalk River Valley Trail. There are two 12-foot lanes in each direction there is a moderate level of motor vehicle traffic. on this roadway, which is only fully utilized during the summer months for Gregory Boulevard View South special events such as the Norwalk Boat Show. There are no shoulders for bicyclists to ride and so they must take the lane when traveling on this roadway.

East Avenue: This roadway provides direct connections to The Green, City Hall, and local businesses / retail. In addition, users can access Gregory Boulevard and beyond to reach destinations such as Veterans Memorial Park, the Norwalk River Valley Trail, Marvin Elementary School, and Calf Pasture Park and Beach. Though it is a desirable connection or destination roadway for bicyclists, it is sometimes unsafe during rush hour because there is heavy traffic, no bike paths, shoulders, and limited directional or facility signage.

Gregory Boulevard

Norwalk Pedestrian and Bikeway Transportation Plan 27 Motor Bicycle Vehicle Pedestrian Connections to Parks, Schools, Traffic Signage / Bicyclists Community Facilities,etc Lanes Shoulders On-Street Parking Pavement Markings Volume Wayfinding Observed Observed Issues / Problem Areas Veterans Memorial Park. Harbor Bike Path. Marvin Elementary One lane in each Light / Significant usage. No bike path, signage, or Sea View Ave None Some on both sides Center striping only None Many School. Calf Pasture Park and direction medium wayfinding. Beach. Veterans Memorial Park. Harbor Bike Path. Marvin Elementary One lane in each No bike lanes, signage / wayfnding for 2nd St None On both sides None Light None None School. Calf Pasture Park and direction cyclists. Beach. Veterans Memorial Park. Harbor Bike Path. Marvin Elementary One 12 ft lane in 6.5 ft shoulder in each Directional Gregory Blvd None Center and shoulder striping Medium Some No signage / wayfnding for cyclists. School. Calf Pasture Park and each direction direction signs to beach Beach. Veterans Memorial Park, Harbor Bike Path, Marvin Elementary One 11 ft lane in Cove Ave None On both sides Center striping only Light None None No signage / wayfnding for cyclists. School, Calf Pasture Park and each direction Beach Veterans Memorial Park. Harbor Calf Pasture Bike Path. Marvin Elementary Two 12-ft lanes in Center and lane striping. Slow None None Light None None Faded Slow School pavement markings. Beach Rd School. Calf Pasture Park and each direction School markings. Beach. City Green. City Municipal Two 12-ft lanes in East Ave None None Center and lane striping Heavy None None Very unsafe. No shoulders. Heavy traffic. Building. Rail Station. Businesses. each direction

Cranbury Park. East Ave and One 11-12 ft lane in 0-2 ft shoulder in each Center striping, some shoulder Newtown Ave None Medium None None Resurface and widen footpaths. beyond. each direction direction striping Strawberry Hill Nathan Hale School. Norwalk One 12 ft lane in 8 ft shoulder in each Center and shoulder striping. None Medium None Few Faded pavement markings. Ave High School. Rail Station. each direction direction Slow School signs.

Route 1 (Westport Two 12 ft lanes in Businesses, retail. None None Center and lane striping Heavy None None Very unsafe. No shoulders. Heavy traffic. Ave, CT Ave) each direction

Variable 3-8 ft shoulder Norwalk Community College. Fox Center and shoulder striping. One 12-14 ft lane in in each direction Light / Richards Ave Run School. Oak Hills Park. Flax None Slow School pavement markings None None Some shoulders are too narrow for bicycles. each direction (narrow on north end of medium Hill Rd and beyond. at Norwalk Community College roadway)

Four schools. Rowayton One 12 ft lane in 0-2 ft shoulder in each Light / Highland Ave None Center and shoulder striping None None Windy. Poor sight lines. No shoulders. waterfront and businesses. each direction direction medium

One 14-ft lane in Light / Flax Hill Rd Schools on Highland Ave. None None Center striping only None None Windy. Poor sight lines. No shoulders. each direction medium

One 12-14 ft lane in No bike path, signage, or wayfinding other Veterans Memorial Park. NRVT. each direction. than the minimum established for motorists. Variable (some on Light / Route 136 Rowayton. South Norwalk. East Area near Fort Point Variable Center and shoulder striping None Few Shoulders are too narrow for bicyclists in both sides) medium Norwalk. Wesport. Darien. / Bridge has 2 lanes some areas (e.g. Rowayton). Lack of overall in each direction continuity.

One in each Light / Fox Run Road Fox Run School Variable None Center striping None None direction medium Riverside One in each Ave/New Canaan Variable None Center striping Medium None None direction Ave Kendall Elementary School One in each Light / West Rocks Road Variable None Center striping None None West Rocks Middle School direction medium Table 3: Inventory of Bicycle Routes

28 Norwalk Pedestrian and Bikeway Transportation Plan Strawberry Hill Avenue: This roadway provides direct connections to Nara- make Elementary School, Nathan Hale School and Norwalk High School. In addition, users can access the Rail Station. There is a eight foot wide shoulder on both sides of Strawberry Hill Avenue. Route 1 (Westport Ave/Connecticut Ave): This roadway is a key east/west corridor connecting Darien & Westport which provides direct connections to businesses, restaurants, and retail. Though it is a desirable connection or destination roadway for bicyclists, it is very unsafe for them because there is heavy traffic, no bike paths, shoulders, or directional or facility signage. In addition, Route 1 had the highest number of crashes involving bicyclists of any roadway in Norwalk during the years 2005-2007. Strawberry Hill Richards Avenue: This roadway is utilized by pedestrians and bicyclists and Avenue: View provides direct connections to the Norwalk Community College and Fox South Run School. Though the motor vehicle traffic volumes are not very high, the shoulders are narrow and less than three feet in each direction on some portions of the roadway. Access to Rowayton Avenue Train Station is provided via Devil’s Garden Road to the north and Wilson Avenue to the south. Highland Avenue: This roadway provides direct connections to the Brook- side Elementary School, Brien McMahon High School, and Roton Middle School. In addition, users can walk to Rowayton Elementary from Highland Strawberry Hill Avenue Avenue. Highland Avenue is windy and sight lines are poor. The shoulders are a narrow, less than three feet in each direction, on some portions of the roadway. Flax Hill Road: This roadway provides direct connections to Highland Av- enue and its schools. There are four-foot footpaths on one or more sides of the roadway on the entire corridor. Flax Hill Road is heavily used by bicyclists and is windy and sight lines are poor. There are no striped shoulders, bike lanes, or directional or facility signage on the roadway. Richards Avenue Route 136: Route 136 is a desirable bicycling route, because of the connections it provides, that runs east-west in the southern portion of the City. Richards Avenue: It provides direct connections to Rowayton, South Norwalk, East Norwalk, View North Veterans Memorial Park, the Norwalk River Valley Trail (NRVT), as well as the Towns of Darien and Westport. Many bicyclists expressed interest in this route for the connections it provides, but had concerns about the lack of roadway width / shoulder space as well as the number of stops and turns required in order to stay on the state route. In addition, some areas have heavy traffic (including truck) and there are no bike paths on this route.

Norwalk Pedestrian and Bikeway Transportation Plan 29 City of Norwalk Multi-Use Paths Trails / Multi-Use Paths

Norwalk’s future includes a vision for a series of trails and multi-use paths traversing the city both north/south and east/west. The comple- tion of this network would provide off-street connections for both com- muting and recreation between Norwalk and Wilton and connecting New Canaan and Westport through Norwalk.

Several of these multi-use paths exist, and are in the planning process. These include the Harbor Walk, NRVT, and the Merritt Parkway Trail. Of these planned paths, the Harbor Bike Path and segments of the NRVT been completed, with approximately two miles of a planned three miles completed. Figure 12 displays existing and proposed trails and multi- use paths in the City of Norwalk.

Norwalk River Valley Trail

The NRVT (also known as Route 7 Linear Trail) is a multi-use trail that has a few completed segments and many segments in the planning process. The trail is aimed at a variety of users including walkers, bikers, runners, joggers, rollerbladers, and people in wheelchairs. The ultimate plan is for the NRVT to begin at Calf Pasture Beach and extend northward the entire length of Norwalk and into Wilton. The length of the trail from Calf Pasture Beach to the Norwalk-Wilton line is approximately eight miles.

The trail currently has a section in Norwalk from Matthews Park to Union Park which has been completed. Another short section from New Canaan Avenue to Broad Street is completed. Both sections are about 8-10 feet wide and asphalt. The next trail section which is scheduled for construction would extend from Union Park, north along Figure 12 Riverside Avenue to Route 123.

30 Norwalk Pedestrian and Bikeway Transportation Plan West Harbor Trail Bicycle Storage and Amenities

The West Harbor Trail has some completed segments and other seg- Bicycle storage and other amenities for bicyclists, including workplace ments in the planning process. The completed path will extend from showers, are limited in Norwalk. Bicycle racks are concentrated at high the harbor area near Hanford Place / Water Street north to the NRVT. demand locations such as Calf Pasture Beach and other parks within the Completed sections of the trail are between the I-95 mainline and City (see Table 4, next page). The presence of bike racks is not consistent Washington Street. Trails are a mix of surface materials (asphalt and throughout Norwalk’s commercial district and no bike lockers are known concrete) and variable widths. to be present in the City. A review of MetroNorth Individual Station Re- ports, from 2007, showed bike racks lacking at all stations in Norwalk Norwalk River Edge Trail and Bikeway with recommendations for installation of racks at all stations. Bike racks have since been installed at South Norwalk, East Norwalk, and Rowayton The Norwalk River Edge Trail lines the east side of the Norwalk River Stations. Both CT Transit and Wheels buses have bicycle racks for trans- between Grandview Avenue and I-95 by way of the Wall Street Bridge. porting bicycles. One short segment of the trail has been completed on the west side of Smith Street. This trail would provide a critical alternative to walking or cycling along East Avenue.

The Merritt Parkway Trail

The concept of a trail system along the Merritt Parkway has been of interest since the Parkway was first conceived. As the only continuous inland trail running east-west along the length of Fairfield County, the Merritt Parkway Trail would provide a link to existing paths that cross the Parkway as well as to several proposed trails such as the Housatonic River Greenway, the Mill River Corridor, and the Norwalk River Valley Trail. Because of political realities, a contiguous trail along the Merritt Parkway could best be achieved incrementally, through building segments of the trail in areas where there is local support. To date, the trail has only been planned conceptually and no trail construction projects are slated for the near future in Norwalk. The development of the trail, however, is included in the CT Statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan under SWRPA’s list of priorities.

The Norden Place Trail

The proposed Norden Place Trail is located at 8 Norden Place. It connects Hiawatha Lane in Westport to Norden Place via small wooded area, open fields, and parking lots. This trail is proposed as part of a multifamily development. Construction has not yet begun.

Norwalk Pedestrian and Bikeway Transportation Plan 31

CITY OF NORWALK LIST OF BIKE RACK LOCATIONS IN PARKS & PUBLIC PLACES Crash Data

March 2011 Crash data can be a useful tool for researching problem areas related Bike Rack Locations Address/Location description Number of racks 1. South Norwalk Railroad Station Monroe Street to walking and bicycling. CT DOT collects and monitors crash data 2 (2 existing bike racks) Adjacent to terminals on both sides of track on an annual basis for all roadway classes, including Interstates, U.S. 50 Washington Street 2. 50 Washington Street & Webster Street Adjacent to Katz Memorial 1 Routes, state highways, and local owned and maintained roads. In- Parking Lot (1 new bike rack) (temporarily removed while park is being restored) cluded in this data are motor vehicle crashes that involve pedestrians 3. Oyster Shell Park North Water Street/Reed Street 1 (1 new bike rack) To the right of footbridge adjacent to parking lot and bicyclists. It is important to note that only crashes reported to the 4. IMAX theater entrance at SoNo Wharf North Water Street/Washington Street 1 police are included into the statewide database. Typically, crashes in- At southern end of parking lot (1 new bike rack) volving bicyclists-only or bicycles and pedestrians, as well as those that 5. Maritime Aquarium & Garage North Water Street/Ann Street 1 (1 new bike rack) Adjacent to Maritime Aquarium entrance do not have fatalities, injuries, or property damage, are not reported to 6. South Norwalk Library Washington Street 1 the police and thus not entered into the database. (1 existing bike rack) In plaza along Marshal Street adjacent to side entrance 7. South Norwalk Post Office Washington Street 1 (1 existing bike rack) Adjacent to front entrance One hundred and five (105) crashes that involve pedestrians were re- 8. NEON Community Center 98 South Main Street 2 ported in 2005, 2006, and 2007 for the City of Norwalk. A large (2 bike racks) Adjacent to front entrance 297 West Avenue number of these crashes were located in South Norwalk and Norwalk 9. Mathews Park Adjacent to Visitor Center plaza 2 (2 new bike racks) Adjacent to Tennis courts Center with several crashes along East Avenue in East Norwalk. Route 10. East Norwalk Railroad Station East Avenue 1 1 had the most (18) recorded crashes that involved pedestrians over the (1 existing bike rack) Adjacent to west bound train station building Seaview Avenue/Route 136 three-year period. The highest number of crashes (33) was caused by 11 Veteran's Park Adjacent to Staff Parking Lot 2 unsafe use of road by pedestrian, while 24 crashes were caused by the (2 new bike racks) Adjacent to east side of building 12. Calf Pasture Beach Calf Pasture Beach Road pedestrian or auto using the wrong side of the roadway, and 19 crashes Adjacent to Stew's Grill 2 (2 new bike racks) Adjacent to Life Guard station & bathhouses involving pedestrians were caused by speeding. Figure 13 and Table 5 13. Wall Street/Norwalk Center Wall Street/River Street 1 display crashes that involve pedestrians over the 2005-2007 three-year (1 new bike rack) In plaza adjacent to River Street entrance 14. Norwalk Public Library Mott Avenue period. 1 (1 existing bike rack) Adjacent to front entrance 15. Pinkney Park Rowayton Avenue 1 (1 new bike rack) Adjacent to front entrance 16. Bayley Beach Pine Point Road 1 (1 new bike rack) Adjacent to front entrance 17. Fodor Farm Flax Hill Road 2 (2 existing bike racks) Adjacent to Community Garden Rowayton Avenue 18. Rowayton Train Station 1 Adjacent to New York bound station

Total number of bike racks 24

Note: There are 7 new bike racks in storage at Transit District office; 1 may be installed at Norwalk Community College.

Table 4

32 Norwalk Pedestrian and Bikeway Transportation Plan City of Norwalk Table 5: Norwalk Crash Totals Involving Pedestrians by Crash Type Pedestrian Crash Locations

2005 2005 (%) 2006 2006 (%) 2007 2007 (%) Fatal Crashes Involving Pedestrians 3 11.5% 0 0% 2 4.7% Injury Crashes Involving Pedestrians 23 88.5% 36 100% 38 88.4% Property Damage Only Crashes Involving Pedestrians 0 0.0% 0 0% 3 7.0% Total: 26 36 43 Forty-nine (49) crashes that involve bicyclists were reported in 2005, 2006, and 2007. Route 1 (Westport Ave/Connecticut Ave) had the most (8) recorded crashes, and Route 123 had the second highest number (5) of recorded crashes that involved bicyclists over the three-year period. Common contributing factors of crashes involving bicyclists were high motorist speeds, failure to grant the right of way, and the bicyclist traveling on the wrong side of the road. Table 6 displays crashes by type that involve bicyclist over the 2005-2007 three-year period. Table 6: Norwalk Crash Totals Involving Bicyclists by Crash Type

2005 2005 (%) 2006 2006 (%) 2007 2007 (%) Fatal Crashes Involving Bicylists 0 0.0% 0 0% 0 0.0% Injury Crashes Involving Bicyclists 22 95.7% 10 91% 12 80.0% Property Damage Only Crashes Involving Bicyclists 1 4.3% 1 9% 3 20.0% Total: 23 11 15

In addition, SWRPA has completed a detailed analysis of bicycle and pedestrian safety for its region, including Norwalk. Both CT Avenue and Route 123 are both labeled as “safety corridors” in the technical memorandum because of the high number of bicycle and pedestrian crashes. Countermeasures suggested to improve the safety on CT Avenue include improving lighting, adding highly visible marked crosswalks, and completing the sidewalk network. Countermeasures suggested to improve the safety on Route 123 at New Canaan Avenue include adding highly visible marked crosswalks and bulbouts.

Figure 13

Norwalk Pedestrian and Bikeway Transportation Plan 33 Appendix I Tim stated that Norwalk students are equal to the rest of the nation when it comes to childhood obesity, and many cultural factors likely prevent students from walk- Bikeway and Pedestrian Transportation Plan ing and biking to school. City of Norwalk Tim noted that, in Norwalk, lower-income workers typically walk and bicycle for SUMMARY OF FOCUS GROUP MEETINGS transportation. He has seen a lot of bicyclists on Strawberry Hill. The City Hall July 8, 2010 and Department of Public Health building have showers. The solution, Tim stated, was to develop safe walking and biking routes in Norwalk, and then promote Meeting #1: Norwalk Department of Public Health these modes.

Attendees: Meeting #2: South Western Regional Planning Agency Ken Livingston - Fitzgerald & Halliday, Inc. (FHI) Marcy Miller - FHI Attendees: Francisco Gomes - FHI Phil Goff - Alta Planning + Design Ken Livingston - Fitzgerald & Halliday, Inc. (FHI) Tim Callahan - Norwalk Department of Public Health Marcy Miller - FHI Francisco Gomes - FHI Meeting Summary: Phil Goff - Alta Planning + Design Alex Karman - South Western Regional Planning Agency (SWRPA) Tim Callahan, of the Department of Public Health, stated that the Department of Public Health conducted a community health assessment in 2000. The survey Meeting Summary: included a 1,100 household phone survey as well as focus group meetings. Interestingly, the survey revealed that women between the ages of 30-50 years When asked, Alex Karman, of SWRPA, stated that the development of SWRPA’s were getting little to no physical activity. Tim later provided the questions and Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan has been dormant for a while, but is now moving responses from the survey to FHI. forward. The region has tried to identify where people are bicycling and walking and has inferred where many of these locations are. Alex believes that many of Tim noted that the results of the 2000 community health assessment spurred the the pedestrians and bicyclists in the region are generally younger, more diverse, City to initiate the NorWalker program. The NorWalker program includes 20+ and lower income. The region is also conducting a safety analysis and identify- maps of walks that are good walking routes in Norwalk. In theory, almost anyone ing high crash corridors. Two of these locations are in Norwalk, on Connecticut can do these walks and the route directions are printed in English and Spanish. Avenue and Main Street. Alex also referenced SWRPA’s Bicycle Storage Capacity Tim noted that there typically is a spike in the downloading of routes after it is Report, which is Appendix C of a larger rail study. publicized. Tim stated that the department would like to do a follow up health survey and there is interest from Norwalk Hospital in assisting on this, however, Alex stated that the perception of crime may keep people from walking and bicy- they have not secured a funding source to do so. (The 2000 survey was funded cling in Norwalk. Alex noted that SWRPA has had complaints from citizens about with a State Health Block Group Grant, which no longer funds projects such as the lack of crosswalks along Route 1 / Connecticut Avenue. In addition, Route this.) 136 is a commonly used east-west route for bicyclists. This route is narrow and windy, with poor sight lines in some areas. Another problem that Alex noted in Tim stated that he believes that walking after dark a concern for pedestrians, Norwalk is wayfinding. It is simply too difficult to find one’s direction when walk- especially in areas where there are no sidewalks. He noted that his department ing in Norwalk, especially near the transit stations. has coordinated with Norwalk Public Works, and is actively involved with the Strawberry Hill project Steering Committee. Alex stated that Norwalk seems to be doing a good job of working to advance its trails. Alex stated that SWRPA supports both the Norwalk River Valley Trail (NRVT) The Department of Public Health has not taken on a promotional campaign in and the Merritt Parkway Trail development. He stated that SWRPA tried to obtain the city’s school, though the department could be supportive of such a measure. funding for the design of a portion of the NRVT in the past. 34 Norwalk Pedestrian and Bikeway Transportation Plan References to the Norwalk Linear Trail are synonymous with the term NRVT. Fi- The group felt it is important to tackle the “low-hanging fruit” first. Problem areas nally, Alex commented on an abandoned Trolley line in South Norwalk that could and potential improvements that the group highlighted include: have potential as a multi-use path. Alex did not know who owned this property. (FHI found out that the property was previously owned by Connecticut Rail. At • David Marcus, of Livable Norwalk, commented that Main Avenue as well as one time the rail offered to sell the entire line to the city, however, there were the section of Route 1 between Exit 15 and the hospital could benefit from concerns about contamination. Since then, one neighborhood has purchased a a road diet. portion of the abandoned rail line.) • The group commented that there are limited crosswalks in the city. Deborah Lewis, of Sound Cyclists, noted that this is especially true on Main Avenue When asked which items are most important for Norwalk to focus on in the de- where the hotel patrons are forced to sprint across the street. velopment of its bicycle and pedestrian plan, Alex stated that: 1) complete NRVT • There are gaps in the sidewalk network along Route 1 and no connections as this connects office parks, bus hubs, Wall Street, and South Norwalk, 2) con- for cars, bicyclists, or pedestrians between the various parking lots. sider improving on street safety accounting for complete streets, and 3) consider • There are certain areas on streets of East Norwalk that have fences at the end engineering and wayfinding improvements near transit hubs to make them more to prevent vehicular cut-throughs. A gap for pedestrians would be beneficial. walkable and bikable. • The intersection of Washington and Route 136 is dangerous. The group would like to see better bicycle and pedestrian access to the Route 136 Alex stated that Norwalk has an ideal situation in that developers are attracted Bridge. to the city. When asked why Roton Middle School did not apply for Safe Routes • There is a bicycle and pedestrian desire line between Wall Street and Veter- to School (SRTS) funding, Alex stated that the state wanted the city to spend its ans Park. Strawberry Hill SRTS funds before it received additional funds. • The route around the cemetery is unsafe for bicyclists. • The sidewalk on the Yankee Doodle Bridge is poorly maintained and often Meeting #3: Bicycle and Pedestrian Advocates overgrown with vegetation. This bridge has direct access to the trail. • Bicycling on East Avenue is desirable but extremely dangerous because of Attendees: high vehicular speeds. • David stated that there is a multi-use trail through Norden Park. It is a great Ken Livingston - Fitzgerald & Halliday, Inc. (FHI) trail, but signed as “Do Not Enter”. It would be nice to see this trail open and Marcy Miller - FHI official because it provides safe access to the Saugatuck Rail Station. Francisco Gomes - FHI • Deborah also noted that people of the city could benefit if the city and prop- Phil Goff - Alta Planning + Design erty owners did a better job of maintaining the sidewalks already in place. Deborah Lewis - Sound Cyclists, Merritt Parkway Trail Alliance (MPTA) Many sidewalks are rooted and cracked, as well as covered in debris and Ray Rauth - Sound Cyclists glass. There should be a city-wide educational campaign on the responsibil- Dan Landau – NRVT ity of property owners to maintain their sidewalks David Marcus – Livable Norwalk Deborah stated that she frequently leads walking groups in Norwalk. She sup- Meeting Summary: ports the NorWalker effort, but finds that many are afraid to walk in Norwalk. There is not a whole lot of awareness of the maps out there. Thus, she supports Ray Rauth, of Sound Cyclists, stated that in this plan development, Norwalk must the expansion of programs first and then facilities. Deborah did state that there consider connectivity to surrounding communities as well as to its own town cen- is an anti-sidewalk contingent of residents that do not want the responsibility of ters, transit centers, recreational facilities, cultural facilities, and schools. Ray maintaining a new sidewalk adjacent to their property. stated that there needs to be viable bicycle routes that connect to these locations in Norwalk. Route 1 is a great east-west route, but has severe limitations. Route The group stated that there is a Facebook page for the Merritt Parkway Trail 7 / Main Street has potential as a north-south route and Route 136 has potential Alliance. Deborah stated that she did not know of any organized petitions to as an east–west route. Dan Landau, of NRVT, stated that the NRVT is proposed move the trail project forward. She is more familiar with the Route 7 interchange to be developed all the way north to Danbury. There are plans to connect Cran- project trail component. Finally, members of the group confirmed that there is a bury Park to the NRVT. bicycle rack in the parking garage at the South Norwalk Rail Station. Norwalk Pedestrian and Bikeway Transportation Plan 35 Meeting #4: Norwalk Department of Public Works / Bicycle and Pedestrian Ad- Mike suggested that West Rocks Road is a north south corridor that may be ap- vocates propriate for bicycle lanes. When asked, Mike was unsure whether a road diet could be appropriate for East Avenue. Attendees: Mike stated that the Department of Public Works currently has the funds to design Ken Livingston - Fitzgerald & Halliday, Inc. (FHI) the portion of bikeway from Union Park to New Canaan Avenue. Marcy Miller - FHI Francisco Gomes - FHI Phil Goff - Alta Planning + Design Meeting #5: Norwalk Development Agency Mike Yeosack – Norwalk Department of Public Works Lisa Joaquim - Walk Bike Fairfield County Attendees: Meeting Summary: Ken Livingston - Fitzgerald & Halliday, Inc. (FHI) Marcy Miller - FHI Mike Yeosack, of Norwalk Department of Public Works stated that the Norwalk Francisco Gomes - FHI Bikeway and Pedestrian Transportation Plan, because of its timing, would likely Phil Goff - Alta Planning + Design be complete before the Traffic Management Plan efforts begin. Thus, it is likely Munro Johnson – Norwalk Development Agency (NDA) that portions of this plan will be incorporated into the Traffic Management Plan, Susan Swietzer – NDA rather than there being a joint planning and coordination between the two plan- Tad Diesel – NDA ning efforts. Peter Libre – Connecticut Glaucoma Associates, LLC David Westmoreland Mike noted that there are a lot of areas in Norwalk that have great potential for walking and biking. He commented that finding the funds to support these im- Meeting Summary: provements, in particular the NRVT, have been difficult. Munro Johnson, of the Norwalk Redevelopment Agency (NDA), began the meet- When asked about the status of the Strawberry Hill SRTS plan, Mike noted that ing by saying that major routes in Norwalk need dedicated space for bicycles there was a delay because the state had requested improvements much greater and pedestrians. Making this happen is going to be difficult and controversial than the cost of the grant awarded. Things are beginning to move forward and because Norwalk is essentially built out. Norwalk, however, is changing. Munro the city should see the SRTS recommended improvements soon. These include a suggested a war pan to obtain right-of-way for bicycle and pedestrian facilities. crosswalk and signal at Tierney and Strawberry Hill. Peter Libre, of the Connecticut Glaucoma Associates, LLC and an avid cyclist, Mike noted that the city is considering striping a shoulder on Gregory Boulevard. provided examples and pictures of combined bicycling and walking lanes that The Department of Public Works supports complete streets and driveway access are used in Sweden. management where possible. Munro and Peter both suggested that bike lanes be placed on the right side of parallel parked cars. This would reduce the risk of bicyclists getting hit by open- Mike stated that there is a customer service roadway complaint database that is ing car doors, which is more common on the drivers’ (left) side of the vehicle. maintained by Connie Blair. It is likely possible to filter the complaints by bicycle and pedestrian for review. Mike stated that he does know of complaints from pe- Susan Swietzer, of NDA, stated that walking and bicycling work well in Rowayton. destrians on the Route 1 / East Avenue intersection. In addition, Mike stated the Though there are gaps in the sidewalks, there are also footpaths for pedestrian gaps in the sidewalk network on Route 1 force pedestrians to walk in the roadway, use. In general, destinations are accessible and close. The scale is small. which is dangerous. Mike also noted that the firm VHB completed a foot path layer may also be beneficial to FHI.

36 Norwalk Pedestrian and Bikeway Transportation Plan There are no crosswalks to lead to the City green. In fact, there are inadequate Kelly questioned how Stamford afforded its sidewalk network. She stated that the crosswalks in general in Norwalk. Munro noted that the Mill Hill Plan is in the focus in Norwalk should be walkability and bikability near schools and destina- final approval stages. In addition, the two greatest gaps in the bicycle network tion areas. She supports a bike lane on Strawberry Hill. Kelly suggested that the in Norwalk are: city conduct a walking and bicycling educational and safety campaign, in both 1. Traveling from the green to the lower part of East Norwalk. East Avenue English and Spanish. In addition, Kelly has had requests for sidewalks on Creep- could be a potential route for this, however, high speeds make this roadway very ing Hemlock and Broad River near the baseball fields. dangerous for bicyclists. 2. Traveling from Route 7 to Darien. When asked about her familiarity with the MPTA, Kelly stated that she was more familiar with the interchange project than with the overall trail proposal of the The group made the following additional suggestions: MPTA. She cautioned to NOT underestimate the potential lack of support / ob- • Narrow the city roadway travel lanes to 10-11 feet, jection of the neighboring residents to the proposed trail. It is possible that only • Make Calf Pasture two lanes and adding a bicycle lane, the advocates to voicing their opinions at this time on the matter. • Make Gregory Boulevard two lanes and adding a bicycle lane, • Change zoning regulations to require bicycle parking, and Wednesday, July 14, 2010 • Consider bicycle lanes on Seaview. Meeting #7: Norwalk Neighborhood Associations When asked, Munro noted that he has not seen business “buy-in” of the benefits of walking and bicycling amenities. Attendees:

Meeting #6: Norwalk Common Council Marcy Miller - FHI Francisco Gomes - FHI Attendees: Diane Lauricella Jackie Liljegren Ken Livingston - Fitzgerald & Halliday, Inc. (FHI) Marcy Miller - FHI Meeting Summary: Francisco Gomes - FHI Phil Goff - Alta Planning + Design Diane Lauricella introduced herself and described her various roles in Norwalk. Laurel Lindstrom – Norwalk Common Council She has lived in a number of neighborhoods in Norwalk and spoke about many Kelly Straniti – Norwalk Common Council of their issues related to walking and biking in these neighborhoods.

Meeting Summary: Diane stated that the Silvermine neighborhood has very few sidewalks and what sidewalks exist are typically located near schools. Even without an adequate net- Ken Livingston asked both Common Council members to describe their council work, Silvermine is a popular place to walk and ride bicycles. In the Cranberry areas in Norwalk. Laurel Lindstrom generally serves the south and central por- neighborhood, Newtown Avenue and Chestnut Hill Road are popular for bicy- tions of eastern Norwalk. Kelly Straniti generally serves the northernmost portion cling. These routes are the best way to get to East Norwalk, including the beach. of the city. These routes, however, could use improvements to the shoulder striping. The striping is not consistent, including on Gregory Lane or Calf Pasture Beach Road. Laurel began by stating that there needs to be better walkability in Norwalk. Nor- In addition, there are debris and sand at the edges of these roadways. Diane walk needs continuous and safe sidewalks. People often end up in dangerous stated that the train underpass in the area could use more space for bicyclists. situations when their sidewalk disappears on them. In addition, the sidewalks that The bike racks at Calf Pasture Beach could be more visible and there could be do exist are littered with debris, weeds, and snow in the winter months. Regarding more racks heading towards Shady Beach. the footpaths, both council members agreed that they are an asset to Norwalk. The city should begin a maintenance program for them as they are often very rough surfaces. Norwalk Pedestrian and Bikeway Transportation Plan 37 Jackie Liljegren stated that the high speeds on Flax Hill Road and Highland Road Meeting #8: Norwalk Public Schools make walking and bicycling difficult. Conditions are difficult, though the desire is there because of the four schools that are located on Highland Avenue. She Attendees: stated that there is a blind curve at Flax Hill Road and Keeler Avenue. There is also limited visibility at the Highland Avenue and Devils Garden Road/Soundview Marcy Miller - FHI Avenue intersection. Devils Garden Road and Soundview Avenue could use Francisco Gomes - FHI sidewalks. There is signage for a crosswalk (that does not exist) ahead of the Flax George Giannitti – Norwalk Public Schools Hill Road and Highland Avenue intersection. There should be crosswalks at this intersection. Finally, Jackie suggested that the bicycle and pedestrian survey go Meeting Summary: out to the city’s school email blast lists. George Gianniitti stated that about three years ago staff at Norwalk Public Diane suggested that the improvements to the East Harbor path should consider Schools coordinated with Tim Callahan at the Health Department to encour- environmental preservation when planning and constructing the future sections. age students to walk and bicycle to school. They discovered that the top issue This will enhance the experience for many users and assist in protecting the river. preventing students from walking and biking to school was security, in particular In addition, Diane noted that the crossing at the Yankee Doodle Bridge does not child predators. Many residents remember an incident at Ponus School where a have a crosswalk or a pedestrian signal, and could use both. Connectivity be- child was abducted. Another reason that children are not walking and biking to tween East Avenue and Veterans Park could be improved as well. school is route safety. Many parents and children complained of high speeds of traffic on the roads near schools. Both women agreed that everyone would benefit from citywide sidewalk maintenance enforcement. Both businesses and residents do not shovel the snow from George emailed each of the schools ahead of the meeting, asking the staff what their walkways in the winter months or keep the sidewalks free of debris through- their greatest bicycle and pedestrian needs are. He provided the responses to- out the year. date to Marcy and Francisco.

In summary, Diane stated that Norwalk should have two north-south commuter George stated that the sidewalk network is decent near the schools. He stated routes and two east west commuter routes. Her suggestions for the north-south that in Norwalk, Strawberry Hill Avenue and Highland Avenue should be the top routes east of the river should be Newtown Avenue, Chestnut Hill Road, East priorities for bicycle and pedestrian improvements. Both of these areas serve a Avenue, and Strawberry Hill Avenue. Diane’s suggestions for east-west routes large number of schools. George stated that the students walking and bicycling include the Merritt Parkway Trail, Route 1, and Martin Luther King Drive. to schools could also benefit from a police presence and enforcement at arrival and dismissal times. This presence would likely improve security and safety. Se- curity cameras on footpaths would also improve security.

George stated that Calf Pasture Beach Road and Gregory Boulevard could benefit from bike lanes. Bike lanes and improved sidewalks on Richards Avenue (from Connecticut Avenue to Norwalk Community College), Fox Run Road, and Ponus Avenue, could also benefit students in those areas. In addition, he noted that many kids walk on West Rocks Road.

38 Norwalk Pedestrian and Bikeway Transportation Plan Meeting #9: Norwalk Transit District Meeting #10: Norwalk Recreation and Parks Department

Attendees: Attendees:

Ken Livingston- FHI Ken Livingston- FHI Louis Schulman- Norwalk Transit District (NTD) Michael Mocciae- Director, Norwalk Recreation and Parks Department

Mr. Schulman began the meeting conveying his support and excitement for any Mr. Moccaie began the meeting stating his strong support for increasing bicycling opportunity to increase bicycling and walking in Norwalk. He discussed the fact and walking opportunities in Norwalk. He explained the current focus of the that almost every transit trip begins and end with a person walking or bicycling, Recreation and Parks Department is on maintaining existing park areas and the and transit improvements must be coupled with increases in amenities and con- limited programs that are currently offered. He believes there are significant op- nections for bicyclists and pedestrians to transit. Currently, all Norwalk Transit portunities to increase bicycle and pedestrian connections between parks, high- District buses have bicycle racks on the front of the bus. There has not been a light existing opportunities for walking and bicycling within the parks. He noted formal usage count of the bicycle racks, but Mr. Schulman expressed a belief that that currently there are many areas where sidewalks maintenance near parks there has been an on-going increase in the amount of riders utilizing the bicycle could be improved or sidewalks enhanced. He noted maintenance within parks racks. He expressed a willingness to help coordinate a more formal count of also could be enhanced, as the Department is currently operating at staffing bicycle rack usage in the coming months. He discussed there have not been any levels equal to 1988. specific issues with the bicycle rack usage on the buses, either from a maintenance or theft perspective. Overall, he believes there could be more promotion of opportunities within Nor- walk’s parks and overall recreational opportunities in Norwalk. Events such as Related to pedestrian access to bus stops, he discussed one area for potential im- the Bloomin Metric cycle ride attract participants from throughout the region provement to pedestrian connections is along Route 1, where drivers often times to Norwalk, with many taking the train from New York City to participate in the notice riders “dashing” across Route 1 to catch a bus or reach a bus stop. This event. Mr. Mocciae stated there is the potential to attract visitors for similar events is issue increases during the school year when many students utilize the Transit or simply to recreate in Norwalk. On this note, he stated the importance to docu- District buses, particularly after to school. ment the economic value of such recreation events and opportunities.

Mr. Schulman noted there is very little wayfinding for bus riders either to find bus Mr. Mocciae discussed that in the past the Recreation and Parks Department of- routes and stops or departing bus stops to nearby locations, specifically wayfind- fered bicycle education programs. Due to budget cuts, such programs have not ing for those riders continuing their trip by foot. been offered in many years. He expressed a willingness to establish partnerships or offer space for such programs in the future. Regarding overall service, Mr. Schulman stated there is not seasonal service to the beach or other seasonal locations, such as parks. There may be opportunities to pair such seasonal service with greater pedestrian and bicycle connections. At the same time, Mr. Schulman stated further increasing bicycle amenities, such as bicycle lanes, must be undertaken in connection and with an understanding of potential impacts to bus operations, particularly if lanes are narrowed. Mr. Schul- man stated a support for such options overall but want to ensure bus operations are not hindered.

Norwalk Pedestrian and Bikeway Transportation Plan 39 Appendix II Comments:

Bikeway and Pedestrian Transportation Plan Ken next opened up the meeting for pubic questions and comments. The follow- City of Norwalk ing questions and comments were raised at the meeting:

• The Hudson River Trail (referenced in Ken’s presentation) is not designed SUMMARY OF PUBLIC MEETING AND COMMENTS solely for bicycles, but it is a wonderful example of a non-motorized facility. Norwalk is dominated by winding roads. Bicycle and pedestrian improve- Norwalk City Hall, Community Room ments can be more expensive because of this. The City will have to consider July 14, 2010 sight lines while keeping costs in mind. • What about runners? Do they fit in with bicyclists or pedestrians? Ken stated Presentation Summary: that runners sometimes do not fit into any category, especially if they run fast rather than jog at a slower pace. Dori Wilson, of Norwalk Planning & Zoning, and Norwalk Mayor Richard Moc- • A member of the audience asked if there are attendees in the audience from cia welcomed the guests to the meeting and provided a general overview of the bicycle clubs. (A few people raised their hands.) This is good, as they need Pedestrian and Bikeway Plan schedule and process. to be a part of the discussion. • There was a question on who has the right of way on the roadway, bicyclists Ken Livingston, of Fitzgerald & Halliday, Inc. (FHI), began the presentation (see or motor vehicles. Ken answered that bicyclists are supposed to operate their attached) by providing an agenda for the presentation as well as the Plan devel- bicycles as they would a motor vehicles. The same laws apply. In addition, a opment overview. He discussed the public outreach that will occur for the Plan, motorist is required by law to provide at least three feet of space when pass- the project components and the work that has been completed to date. Finally, ing a bicyclist. Ken discussed the potential demand for walking and bicycling in Norwalk as well • A public service announcement is a good idea to educate users on shar- as example livability indicators that can be included in the Plan. ing the road. There could be links to bicycle shops and running stores in the area. In addition, more enforcement is needed to reprimand distracted Francisco Gomes, of FHI, next discussed examples of design and engineering drivers. tools that can be included in the Plan. Such tools discussed were road diets, bike • Crossing Route 1 is the biggest problem in Norwalk. The pedestrian button lanes, bike boxes, buffered bike lanes, sharrows, streetscape improvements, and at Stew Leonard’s does not work. One has to walk very far out of the way wayfinding improvements. He noted that some of the tools may be useful on just to cross Route 1. It is important to work with the Connecticut Department certain streets in Norwalk, while others may be determined to be less applicable of Transportation (CT DOT) on this issue as this is a state maintained route. in Norwalk. • Cyclists are required by law to ride in the road; however, children are stakeholders as well. We need to consider them. Marcy Miller, of FHI, explained that the study team crafted a draft vision based • A brief history discussing the construction of the 65 miles of footpaths was on the City Planning staffs’ guidance and initial insights provided during a series provided. Forty years ago, residents of Norwalk were “anti-sidewalk”. This of previously held focus group meetings. She request attendees review the draft may have changed a little since then. It is delightful to see that after 40 vision, distributed during the sign-in process, and let the team know if they are years, the City is taking a professional approach to planning walking and on target and what can be improved. Marcy stated that it is important for the bicycling. community to buy into the vision as it will drive the Plan forward over the next 10 • How close will the study team work with CT DOT to make sure recommenda- years. Marcy described potential priority areas that were highlighted in the focus tions are feasible and will work with their traffic standards? Ken answered group sessions as well as potential engineering and non-engineering (program) that the City and consultant team will work with CT DOT. Mike Greene, of recommendations that could be included in the Plan. Finally, Marcy reviewed Norwalk Planning & Zoning, said that the Plan can have two parts. The first the next steps in the process and asked everyone to fill out an online bicycle and component can include things that CT DOT can live with now, and the sec- pedestrian survey, which can be found on the City Planning & Zoning website. ond will be things that are more progressive, long-range items. 40 Norwalk Pedestrian and Bikeway Transportation Plan • Driver awareness and respect for bicyclists and pedestrians is a big problem. • Ken stated that the plan will consider all types of intersections for improve- Driver education is needed. ments. • It is important that there are bicycle accommodations on transit vehicles. It • How important are speed limit reductions? Ken state that the speed limit is good that more recently, things that do not involve cars are getting more matters less than the actual design speed on the road. This is why road diets of CT DOT’s attention. Ken added that the agencies should also consider and other mechanisms work well to slow traffic. good, high quality bicycle parking. • Bicycle amenities, such as showers, at the City Hall should be considered. • People will pay for good, safe bike parking. An example of this is lockers at Cooling stations are also nice amenities for bicyclists. train stations. • One attendee was happy with the bicycle and pedestrian planning effort at Written Comments: this time. Will paths be maintained in the winter? There are three areas that are dangerous for bicyclists: 1) Water Street by marina, 2) Washington The following written comments were submitted at the meeting: at Martin Luther King Drive, and 3) the intersection of Park Street, Hubbles Lane, East Wall Street, and East Avenue. • The crosswalks on Route 1 are terrible. I use the one at Stew Leonard’s, St. • There is a lack of connectivity and continuity at Veterans Park. This is true on Paul’s, Walgreens and Strawberry Hill. None of the lights stop all traffic and Calf Pasture Beach / Shady Beach as well. There are gaps in the network. there are not even pedestrian options at all corners. I find this very dangerous • All of these ideas are great. There are no sidewalks on Route 1 between for adults but even worse for teaching my children how to move safely and Wendy’s and Raymour and Flannigan. People do walk in this area with kids independently through town. Please address the crosswalk issue and make and it is very dangerous, especially in the winter when plowed snow drifts line sure that all walks are consistent and safe. (Especially the one at Strawberry the streets and pedestrians must use the street to walk. The state said they Hill and Route 1) there are many high school students crossing there. had no money to address this issue. • Congratulations! Keep up the good work. Sign me up for any volunteer • There are deficiencies in the bicycle and pedestrian network on East Rocks work to make it happen. Fix Route 136. Fix bike commutes to Stamford. Road. The roadway is not maintained near the curb and there are electrical • I think you guys are on to a very good idea. This kind of thing has already and telephone poles in the sidewalks. been dreamed up by friends of mine. • Is it possible to create a zoning law that prohibits putting utilities and other obstacles on sidewalks? Mike answered that utility companies are not sub- ject to zoning. • There should be one or two bicycle routes that travel north-south on-road on each side of the river. There should be two or three bicycle routes that travel east-west in Norwalk. • The City should incentivize walking and biking through tax breaks, etc. • The City should move the bike rack at city hall closer to the entrance. Cur- rently, it is closer to the dumpster than it is to the door. • The narrow railroad underpasses and railroad station bicycle parking are concerns. • The Plan should suggest starting a Bike-to-Work day, such as the one in Hartford. • Which is preferred in the Plan, roundabouts or signalized intersection? • Is there an opportunity to develop key bike routes in the Plan? Yes. This plan will be 10-year plan that includes a vision and goals.

Norwalk Pedestrian and Bikeway Transportation Plan 41 Appendix 3 Common answers to Question 8 include Rowayton Avenue, Roton Avenue, SURVEY RESULTS Highland Avenue, and Witch Lane. The charts on the following pages are the automated results from the online Question 17 - Please list up to five (5) good routes for bicycling in Norwalk: questionnaire, conducted in the summer of 2010. A number of the questions allowed the respondents to write in their own answers. Some of these open 65 people answered this question. The chart shows that: ended answers did not chart well automatically. Below is more information for • 65 respondents put an answer in the second space. the following, potentially confusing, open ended questions and their results: • 35 respondents put an answer in the second space. Question 5 - Please list up to five (5) good routes for walking in Norwalk: • 23 respondents put an answer in the third space. • 13 respondents put an answer in the fourth space. 114 people answered this question. The chart shows that: • 11 respondents put an answer in the fifth space. • 114 respondents put an answer in the second space. • 78 respondents put an answer in the second space. Approximately, • 52 respondents put an answer in the third space. • 30 respondents listed only one route. • 33 respondents put an answer in the fourth space. • 12 respondents listed two routes. • 14 respondents put an answer in the fifth space. • 10 respondents listed three routes. • 2 respondents listed four routes. Approximately, • 11 respondents listed five routes. • 36 respondents listed only one route. • 26 respondents listed two routes. Common answers to Question 17 include near Rowayton Beach, Calf Pasture • 19 respondents listed three routes. Beach, and Belle Island. • 19 respondents listed four routes. • 14 respondents listed five routes. Question 18 - Please list up to five (5) most dangerous routes for bicycling in Norwalk: Common answers to Question 5 include Rowayton Avenue, Belle Island, and Calf Pasture Beach areas. 88 people answered this question. The chart shows that: • 88 respondents put an answer in the second space. Question 8 - Please list five (5) locations that need to be improved to encour- • 63 respondents put an answer in the second space. age or support more walking in Norwalk: • 41 respondents put an answer in the third space. • 23 respondents put an answer in the fourth space. 130 people answered this question. The chart shows that: • 16 respondents put an answer in the fifth space. • 130 respondents put an answer in the second space. • 102 respondents put an answer in the second space. Approximately, • 71 respondents put an answer in the third space. • 25 respondents listed only one route. • 42 respondents put an answer in the fourth space. • 22 respondents listed two routes. • 25 respondents put an answer in the fifth space. • 18 respondents listed three routes. • 7 respondents listed four routes. Approximately, • 16 respondents listed five routes. • 28 respondents listed only one route. • 31 respondents listed two routes. Common answers to Question 18 include Route 1, Witch Lane, and Rowayton • 29 respondents listed three routes. Avenue. • 17 respondents listed four routes. • 25 respondents listed five routes.

42 Norwalk Pedestrian and Bikeway Transportation Plan Norwalk Bikeway and Pedestrian Plan

1. How often do you walk in Norwalk:

Response Response

Percent Count

Everyday 41.5% 71

Regularly (more than once per 45.0% 77 week)

Occasionally (a few times per 8.2% 14 month)

Rarely (a few times per year) 4.7% 8

Never 0.6% 1

answered question 171

skipped question 3

1 of 18 2. How frequently do you?

A few days a A few times a A few times a Rating Response Every day Never week month year Average Count

Walk to work/school 14.0% (19) 13.2% (18) 5.9% (8) 12.5% (17) 54.4% (74) 3.80 136

Walk to a bus stop 3.2% (4) 5.6% (7) 1.6% (2) 13.5% (17) 76.2% (96) 4.54 126

Walk to a train station 12.9% (18) 10.1% (14) 18.0% (25) 27.3% (38) 31.7% (44) 3.55 139

Walk for recreation or physical 37.6% (62) 46.1% (76) 9.1% (15) 4.2% (7) 3.0% (5) 1.89 165 health

Walk to stores/run errands 15.7% (24) 28.8% (44) 24.2% (37) 17.0% (26) 14.4% (22) 2.86 153

Walk for fun, simple enjoyment 34.4% (53) 40.9% (63) 14.3% (22) 6.5% (10) 3.9% (6) 2.05 154

Other reason (please specify) 27

answered question 170

skipped question 4

2 of 18 3. On what types facilities do you generally walk in Norwalk? (Select all that apply)

Response Response

Percent Count

Sidewalks 80.6% 137

Streets (shoulders) 84.1% 143

Off-street trails / footpaths 40.6% 69

Other 7.6% 13

answered question 170

skipped question 4

4. Please provide a general description of where you walk (i.e., around my local neighborhood, to shops on Route 1, or to the Calf Pasture Beach):

Response

Count

157

answered question 157

skipped question 17

3 of 18 5. Please list up to five (5) good routes for walking in Norwalk:

Response Response

Percent Count

Route 1: 100.0% 114

Route 2: 68.4% 78

Route 3: 45.6% 52

Route 4: 28.9% 33

Route 5: 12.3% 14

answered question 114

skipped question 60

6. Are there specific areas/roads you generally avoid walking?

Response

Count

128

answered question 128

skipped question 46

4 of 18 7. What factors prevent you from walking more in Norwalk:

Rating Response Very strong factor Strong factor Somewhat a factor Not a factor at all Average Count

Distance too great 10.1% (14) 16.5% (23) 23.0% (32) 50.4% (70) 3.14 139

Can’t carry things 7.9% (11) 11.4% (16) 37.1% (52) 43.6% (61) 3.16 140

Time constraints 6.4% (9) 21.4% (30) 40.0% (56) 32.1% (45) 2.98 140

Illness, injury or physically unable 0.0% (0) 3.0% (4) 7.4% (10) 89.6% (121) 3.87 135

Image or social status 0.0% (0) 1.5% (2) 1.5% (2) 97.1% (132) 3.96 136

Don’t want clothes to get sweaty or 0.7% (1) 2.2% (3) 20.6% (28) 76.5% (104) 3.73 136 dirty

Lack of sidewalks 47.8% (76) 25.2% (40) 19.5% (31) 7.5% (12) 1.87 159

Maintenance of sidewalks 45.9% (68) 25.0% (37) 16.9% (25) 12.2% (18) 1.95 148

Rain, cold, snow, ice 14.8% (21) 22.5% (32) 46.5% (66) 16.2% (23) 2.64 142

Need to carry passengers 5.8% (8) 12.3% (17) 26.8% (37) 55.1% (76) 3.31 138

Not interested 0.8% (1) 1.6% (2) 4.0% (5) 93.5% (116) 3.90 124

answered question 162

skipped question 12

5 of 18 8. Please list five (5) locations that need to be improved to encourage or support more walking in Norwalk:

Response Response

Percent Count

Location 1: 100.0% 130

Location 2: 78.5% 102

Location 3: 54.6% 71

Location 4: 32.3% 42

Location 5: 19.2% 25

answered question 130

skipped question 44

6 of 18 9. Rank the importance of the following improvements towards increasing walking in Norwalk?

Extremely Somewhat Rating Response Important Less important Least important important important Average Count

Fill in gaps in sidewalk network 68.8% (106) 13.6% (21) 11.0% (17) 4.5% (7) 1.9% (3) 1.57 154

Better maintain existing sidewalks 67.5% (106) 17.8% (28) 9.6% (15) 3.2% (5) 1.9% (3) 1.54 157 and footpaths

Build more shared multi-use paths 74.5% (108) 14.5% (21) 6.2% (9) 4.8% (7) 0.0% (0) 1.41 145

More or better crosswalks 55.2% (80) 20.7% (30) 14.5% (21) 9.0% (13) 0.7% (1) 1.79 145

Increase traffic enforcement 47.3% (70) 18.9% (28) 16.2% (24) 15.5% (23) 2.0% (3) 2.06 148

Better wayfinding/signage on where 36.6% (49) 20.1% (27) 12.7% (17) 20.9% (28) 9.7% (13) 2.47 134 to walk

Other (please specify) 27

answered question 161

skipped question 13

7 of 18 10. Are you familiar with the NorWALKER program?

Response Response

Percent Count

Yes 29.0% 47

No 71.0% 115

answered question 162

skipped question 12

11. If you are familiar with the NorWALKER program, which routes do you walk?

Response

Count

answered question 32

skipped question 142

8 of 18 12. How often do you bicycle in Norwalk:

Response Response

Percent Count

Everyday 4.3% 7

Regularly (more than once per 34.8% 57 week)

Occasionally (a few times per 24.4% 40 month)

Rarely (a few times per year) 17.1% 28

Never 19.5% 32

Other (please specify) 15

answered question 164

skipped question 10

9 of 18 13. How frequently do you:

A few days a A few times a A few times a Rating Response Every day Never week month year Average Count

Bicycle to work/school 5.3% (6) 8.8% (10) 10.6% (12) 18.6% (21) 56.6% (64) 4.12 113

Bicycle to a bus stop 0.0% (0) 0.9% (1) 1.9% (2) 4.7% (5) 92.5% (99) 4.89 107

Bicycle to a train station 0.9% (1) 5.5% (6) 13.6% (15) 19.1% (21) 60.9% (67) 4.34 110

Bicycle for recreation or physical 10.4% (13) 35.2% (44) 35.2% (44) 12.0% (15) 7.2% (9) 2.70 125 health

Bicycle to stores/run errands 5.0% (6) 23.1% (28) 22.3% (27) 24.0% (29) 25.6% (31) 3.42 121

Bicycle for fun, simple enjoyment 9.9% (12) 36.4% (44) 33.1% (40) 16.5% (20) 4.1% (5) 2.69 121

Other reason (please specify) 11

answered question 130

skipped question 44

10 of 18 14. Have you ever brought your bicycle on the train or utilized a bicycle rack on a bus?

Response Response

Percent Count

Yes, I bicycled to a bus stop and 8.7% 2 put my bicycle on the bus.

Yes, I bicycled to a train station 91.3% 21 and took my bicycle on the train.

answered question 23

skipped question 151

15. On what types facilities do you generally prefer to bicycle in Norwalk? (Select all that apply)

Response Response

Percent Count

Sidewalks 24.8% 32

Streets (shoulders) 88.4% 114

Off-street trails / paths 43.4% 56

Other 2.3% 3

answered question 129

skipped question 45

11 of 18 16. Please provide a general description of where you bicycle (i.e., around my local neighborhood, to shops on Route 1, or to the Calf Pasture Beach):

Response

Count

109

answered question 109

skipped question 65

17. Please list up to five (5) good routes for bicycling in Norwalk:

Response Response

Percent Count

Route 1: 100.0% 65

Route 2: 55.4% 36

Route 3: 35.4% 23

Route 4: 20.0% 13

Route 5: 16.9% 11

answered question 65

skipped question 109

12 of 18 18. Please list up to five (5) most dangerous routes for bicycling in Norwalk:

Response Response

Percent Count

Route 1: 100.0% 88

Route 2: 71.6% 63

Route 3: 46.6% 41

Route 4: 26.1% 23

Route 5: 18.2% 16

answered question 88

skipped question 86

13 of 18 19. What factors prevent you from bicycling more often in Norwalk?

Rating Response Very strong factor Strong factor Somewhat a factor Not a factor at all Average Count

Don’t own a bicycle 14.0% (19) 2.2% (3) 2.2% (3) 81.6% (111) 3.51 136

Don’t know how to ride a bicycle 2.3% (3) 0.0% (0) 2.3% (3) 95.4% (125) 3.91 131

Concerned about personal safety / 39.7% (56) 24.1% (34) 23.4% (33) 12.8% (18) 2.09 141 traffic

Concerned about bicycle theft 4.6% (6) 22.9% (30) 26.0% (34) 46.6% (61) 3.15 131

Distance too great 1.6% (2) 4.7% (6) 16.3% (21) 77.5% (100) 3.70 129

Can’t carry things 4.6% (6) 6.9% (9) 38.5% (50) 50.0% (65) 3.34 130

Time constraints 3.8% (5) 12.9% (17) 35.6% (47) 47.7% (63) 3.27 132

Illness, injury or physically unable 3.0% (4) 1.5% (2) 5.3% (7) 90.2% (120) 3.83 133

Image or social status 0.8% (1) 1.5% (2) 2.3% (3) 95.4% (124) 3.92 130

Don’t want clothes to get sweaty or 0.0% (0) 6.2% (8) 23.3% (30) 70.5% (91) 3.64 129 dirty

Lack of bicycle lanes / paths 53.2% (74) 24.5% (34) 15.1% (21) 7.2% (10) 1.76 139

Rain, cold, snow, ice 19.2% (25) 20.0% (26) 37.7% (49) 23.1% (30) 2.65 130

Need to carry passengers 6.9% (9) 10.0% (13) 23.8% (31) 59.2% (77) 3.35 130

Not interested in bicycling 3.2% (4) 1.6% (2) 6.3% (8) 88.9% (112) 3.81 126

answered question 154

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20. Which of the following improvements would most positively affect bicycle conditions in Norwalk? (rank in order of importance)

Somewhat Rating Response Most important Important Less important Least important important Average Count

Striped bicycle lanes on roads 66.0% (70) 18.9% (20) 7.5% (8) 4.7% (5) 2.8% (3) 1.59 106

Multiuse, off-road paths 20.4% (22) 29.6% (32) 25.9% (28) 15.7% (17) 8.3% (9) 2.62 108

Bicycle paths in recreation areas 10.0% (10) 11.0% (11) 34.0% (34) 36.0% (36) 9.0% (9) 3.23 100

Bikeways/planned routes on side 21.4% (24) 32.1% (36) 20.5% (23) 20.5% (23) 5.4% (6) 2.56 112 streets

More bicycle racks or storage 8.3% (10) 15.8% (19) 12.5% (15) 17.5% (21) 45.8% (55) 3.77 120 lockers

Is there another improvement not listed above you would like to suggest? 31

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15 of 18 21. Are there any additional comments/questions about bicycling and walking in Norwalk you would like to provide the Project Team?

Response

Count

answered question 70

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22. What is your home zip code:

Response

Count

157

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23. Do you work in Norwalk?

Response Response

Percent Count

Yes 48.1% 75

No 51.9% 81

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16 of 18 24. What is your gender?

Response Response

Percent Count

Male 34.8% 55

Female 65.2% 103

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25. What is your age?

Response Response

Percent Count

Less than 19 years old 0.6% 1

19 - 30 years old 6.3% 10

31 - 40 years old 28.9% 46

41 - 50 years old 25.8% 41

51 - 60 years old 20.8% 33

Over 60 years old 18.9% 30

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17 of 18 26. Do you own a car?

Response Response

Percent Count

Yes 96.2% 150

No 3.8% 6

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27. Please enter your email address here if you would like to receive updates on the Bikeway and Pedestrian Plan for Norwalk:

Response

Count

101

answered question 101

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