ACTION REQUESTED:
title
Communication from the City Manager and Director of Public Works with a Request to ADOPT a BICYCLE WAYFINDING PLAN.
body
BACKGROUND:
The term “Complete Streets” describes a comprehensive and integrated transportation network that allows for safe travel for all users. For several years the City of Peoria has been designing new roadway projects with these ideals in mind. A Complete Streets Policy and a Citywide Master Bicycle Plan have both been adopted by City Council, showing a continued commitment by the City of Peoria to Complete Streets concepts, which include non-motorized transportation.
As we implement these plans additional bicycle facilities are added to our system every year and we anticipate a continued increase in bicycle traffic trips generated. These additional facilities will encourage bicycle use in the community by offering motorists the option of non-motorized travel. These additional trips will no longer be primarily recreational, but will also be for commuting to and from work and school, as well as shopping and dining. As the system grows more robust the use will grow.
To enhance the user experience of these facilities and promote access and trips to areas like downtown, shopping centers and the ballpark, as well as show users safe and convenient routes, a bicycle signage plan is desirable. In 2016 the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission had funds in its budget that they offered to PPUATS members to do Special Transportation Planning projects. Public Works staff submitted an application to develop a Bicycle Wayfinding Project for the City, at no cost to the City. Staff felt that bicycle wayfinding would be a way to continue the momentum of the Bicycle Master Plan and provide guidance for signage. This plan would include sign design for routing, wayfinding and distance to significant areas as well as suggested sign locations. This plan could then be implemented by the City of Peoria, where appropriate, as funds were available.
Tri-County Regional Planning Commission accepted the City’s request for funds and Alta Planning + Design was hired to develop the plan. Over the course of several months a steering committee worked with Alta Planning + Design to develop a sign pallet for Peoria. Additionally, public comment was gathered at the CityFest Warehouse Party on October 22, 2016, see attached public comments. The deliverable for this project is the Peoria Wayfinding Guidebook, attached, which contains recommended sign families for both off-street trails and on-street routes. This document will help City staff implement aesthetic and useful wayfinding signage to direct and guide non-motorized transportation in the City Peoria, as funding is available.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The development of the Wayfinding Plan is being funded through Tri-County planning funds and does not require City funds. Future implementation of the plan will require future funds.
NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS: A Bicycle Wayfinding Plan will benefit neighborhoods by promoting convenient and safe bicycle routes for non-motorized transportation, which will encourage healthy behavior for Peoria citizens and provide for better neighborhood connectivity.
IMPACT IF APPROVED: The City will have an approve Bicycle Wayfinding Plan, which it can use as appropriate and when funding is available.
IMPACT IF DENIED: The Bicycle Wayfinding Plan will not be approved.
ALTERNATIVES: NA
EEO CERTIFICATION NUMBER: NA
WHICH OF THE GOALS IDENTIFIED IN THE COUNCIL’S 2014 - 2029 STRATEGIC PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION ADVANCE?
1. Attractive Neighborhoods with Character: Safe and Livable
2. Financially Sound City Government, Effective City Organization
WHICH CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S) FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION IMPLEMENT?
1. Invest in our infrastructure and transportation.
2. Support sustainability.
DEPARTMENT: Public Works