DRAFT Chippewa County Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan
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Chippewa County Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan County Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................ 2 Part 1: Overview of the Plan .................................................................................................. 5 1.1 Plan Background ............................................................................................................... 5 1.2 Planning Approach ........................................................................................................... 8 1.3 Vision, Goals, and Objectives for the Plan................................................................... 11 1.4 Terminology..................................................................................................................... 13 1.5 Key Themes ...................................................................................................................... 15 1.6 Key Recommendations and Strategies ......................................................................... 20 Part 2: Bicycle Route Network Plan .................................................................................... 27 2.1 Dunn County Background and Demographic Profile ............................................... 27 2.2 Overview of Relevant Plans and Policies .................................................................... 37 2.3 Crash Analysis ................................................................................................................. 54 2.4 Public Participation ......................................................................................................... 68 2.5 Bicycle Route Network Plan Development ................................................................. 70 2.6 Bicycle Network Plan Facility Improvements ............................................................ 79 2.7 Early Action Priority Corridors .................................................................................... 88 Part 3: Implementation Manual ......................................................................................... 93 3.1 Funding and Implementation Strategy ........................................................................ 93 3.2 Funding Sources ............................................................................................................ 106 3.3 Program Recommendations ........................................................................................ 112 3.4 Model Policies and Ordinances .................................................................................. 119 3.5 Recommendation Design Guidelines ......................................................................... 130 3.6 Linear Enhancements to Existing Bikeways ............................................................ 148 3.7 Amenities, Intersections, and Spot Treatments ........................................................ 160 3.8 Wayfinding Framework ............................................................................................... 175 Part 4: Regional Bicycle Network Plan ............................................................................ 180 County Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Appendix A Chippewa Falls Bicycle and Pedestrian Map ........................................... 191 Appendix B Bicycle Road Conditions and Recommendations .......................................... Appendix C Bicycle Projects .................................................................................................... Appendix D E-Newsletter Example ....................................................................................... County Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Part 1: Overview of the Plan As more communities are recognizing the benefits of walkability and bike- ability, Chippewa County is developing a vision to create a stronger multi-modal surface transportation network that emphases walking and bicycling throughout the entire county. In the past, a few municipalities and school districts in the county have focused on pedestrian and bicycle safety and infrastructure within their boundaries. The Chippewa County Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan furthers these efforts by formulating a comprehensive guide and strategy to connect current and planned bicycle and pedestrian facilities in and beyond the County as opportunities arise. The impetus for the Chippewa County Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan was the growing popularity of walkable and bike-able communities and bicycle tourism in the west central Wisconsin region from the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. Building on the momentum that was started with the bicycle and pedestrian planning process and infrastructure projects in St. Croix County, Chippewa County, along with Dunn and Eau Claire counties, envisioned a west central Wisconsin bicycle route system that would connect bikeways in the three counties as well as St. Croix County. A Transportation Alterative Program (TAP) planning grant application was submitted in 2015 and the planning process commenced in the fall of County Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan 2017 after the grant was awarded. With the average bicycle tourist cycling 40 to 60 miles per day, the cities of Menomonie, Eau Claire, and Chippewa Falls are within reach of the Twin Cities area, if suitable facilities exist and wayfinding and marketing strategies are employed. The opportunity to ride along the scenic rolling hills on safe, low-traffic roads in west central Wisconsin appeals to cyclists from other regions and can boost tourism revenues. A number of small businesses also are likely to benefit in the communities that dot the way, if they can succeed in welcoming bicyclists and accommodating them with amenities such as lockers and bike parking at restaurants and retail establishments, or by offering common bicycle parts in local stores. Benefits of Active Transportation Improving bicycle and pedestrian facilities has important benefits far beyond increased tourism. These improvements can benefit every resident living in the region. Bicycle and pedestrian facilities increase livability in communities by advancing safety, improving the environment, furthering community resiliency, decreasing household expenditures, enriching health, advancing economic development, and increasing real estate property values. It was found that every dollar invested in walking and bicycling programs and infrastructure is estimated to provide up to $11.80 in return benefits, such as reduced road maintenance or healthcare costs (Marino, 2017). Even those who do not consider themselves bicyclists or pedestrians can benefit from improvements through externalities. Safety: Communities that are not walk or bike friendly have fewer safe mobility options, especially for vulnerable and disadvantaged populations, such as children and the elderly. Increasing pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure-such as with specialized crosswalks, bike lanes, sidewalks, trails, or traffic calming techniques- alerts drivers to the presence of bicyclists and pedestrians and increases the safety of vulnerable road users. There are also more “eyes on the street” in walkable and bike-able neighborhoods and the increased presence County Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan reduces crime and increases safety. Environment: Walkable and bike-able communities foster fewer car trips, which minimizes air and noise pollution. With fewer motor vehicles on the roads, more roadway and parking space can be used for green space, which improves stormwater management and wildlife habitat. Economic: Injecting walkability and bike-ability elements into a struggling downtown can help resuscitate the district and produce economic vibrancy as there is more appeal in the area for residents and tourists. This is true even if shoppers choose to drive to the downtown and then continue to stores and restaurants by foot. Research shows that pedestrians spend approximately 65 percent more than drivers. Household Finances: After a house, vehicle purchases are usually the second most expensive purchase that a household makes. The average household spent $ 8,469 in 2017 to own and operate a car (AAA, 2017). This expense can be lessened in areas that are designed to reduce the number of trips made by car and increase trips on foot or bicycle. Increased Health: Simply designing for the comfort of pedestrians and bicyclists is a practical way to encourage people to be more physically active in their daily lives- essential to addressing obesity, diabetes, and heart disease and improving the general physical and mental health of our residents. Community Resiliency: As people leave their cars to walk or bike, there are more chances for social interaction and to build social capital and resiliency. Additionally, walking or bicycling through a neighborhood helps residents and visitors understand what is unique about their community and develop a “sense of place” or community identity. Real Estate Taxes: WalkScore, a program which measures the walkability of each address across the county, has shown that a one point increase in walkability for a home correlates to a $500 to $3,000 increase in value County Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan (Charron, 2017). In addition to making a community more appealing, walkability and trails can result in increased tax revenues. Purpose In recent years, there have been numerous bicycle and pedestrian planning efforts at the state and local levels, including the identification