WEC Analysis Committee/Enhance pedestrian and bikeways

This is one of eight integrated design issue clusters being developed by the WEC Analysis Committee starting mid-June, 2008.

Increasing pedestrian and bicycle travel and accessibility are a key component of the WEC solution. This cluster assembles all related ideas.

Gas prices are increasing significantly creating financial incentives for increased use of bicycle and pedestrian methods of transport
Providing safe and efficient facilities are important incentives for broader scale use of these transportation methods
Bicycle and pedestrian paths are excellent low impact ways to create connections to environmental and natural resources in the area
Human-powered mobility can provide substantial public health benefits as compared to motor vehicle mobility.
Seamless connection of bicycle, pedestrian, and transit options increase use of these alternative modes.
Development of efficient, safe, and accessible bike and pedestrian facilities are identified as policy priorities in local and regional transportation planning documents.
Bicycling and walking are relatively high use alternatives in the Eugene area compared to other communities of our size nationally.
The current bikeway system in West Eugene is fragmented in many places and difficult to traverse.
The current pedestrian system in West Eugene is fragmented in many places and difficult to traverse.
Sidewalks along West 11th, where they exist, feel like a hostile place to walk for any extended distance.
There are a variety of well-documented best-practice land use and street design approaches to support walkability and bicycle usage that are not currently being implemented in west Eugene. [Bicycle guidelines] [Walkability guidelines]

Any design proposal or recommendation should include excellent pedestrian and bicycle transportation facilities
West Eugene needs a system of paths designated as bike paths... Bring the system of bike paths within 100 feet of every building, and a bike rack near the main entrance of every building." [1] [Pattern Language Pattern 56 - BIKE PATHS AND RACKS]
Designs should maximize strategies for safe and efficient bicycle and pedestrian travel through and to destinations in West Eugene
Easy and efficient bicycle and pedestrian connections to rapid transit are important design considerations
Access to and through natural resource areas via bicycles and pedestrian paths are important considerations for developing an efficient network.
A multiway boulevard has potential to provide good bicycle and pedestrian access along the high-traffic West 11th corridor. (See Multiway Boulevard info)

Existing planning documents including TransPlan, the Eugene Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan, and the Eugene Pedestrian and Bicycle Strategic Plan should be used in considering any specific design recommendations.

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