City Announces Bicycle Master Plan To Identify Specific Transportation Infrastructure Improvements
~Online Survey Has Been Created to Identify Needs of the Public~
The City of Richmond announced today its continued plans to improve roadways and corridors that will help make bicycling a safe and convenient transportation option. The Bicycle Master Plan will develop specific recommendations for bike infrastructure improvements based on the preliminary plans from the City’s Strategic Multimodal Transportation Plan, called Richmond Connects. Richmond Connects has identified many roadways and corridors for bikeway improvements, and includes an assessment of existing and future conditions and needs. An online survey has been created to allow the public to assist the City in developing and prioritizing infrastructure improvements that will result in a network of bikeways that can be used for recreation or transportation. Click here to access the online survey. The survey will be open through the end of September.
“We have the goal of making Richmond one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the country,” commented Mayor Dwight C. Jones. “With the introduction of the Bicycle Master Plan, the public is able to work with the City to create a multimodal transportation system that supports Richmond’s growth in becoming a Tier One City.”
The Bicycle Master Plan process began in July 2013 and will take approximately six months to complete. Residents are encouraged to assist in the determination of the needs of bike infrastructure improvements by participating in upcoming public events and meetings. The public involvement stage will start on Saturday, August 17 at the Sports Backers Anthem Moonlight Ride. Members of the Mayor’s Pedestrian, Bicycling, and Trails Planning Commission will be present to answer any questions about the plan.
“Studies from around the United States, in cities big and small, indicate that many people are interested in using bicycling as a routine transportation option,” said Jakob Helmboldt, the City’s Pedestrian, Bicycle and Trails Coordinator. “Our aim in Richmond is to create a bicycle network that allows people of all ages to comfortably use bicycling as a means of healthy, affordable transportation and to create a more vibrant city.”
Mayor Jones created the Pedestrian, Bicycling, and Trails Planning Commission in 2010 to promote methods of active transportation and to support pedestrian and bicycle travel by becoming a community where walking and bicycling are integral parts of the city’s transportation system.
To view the Strategic Multi-Modal Transportation Plan, please visit: www.yesrichmondva.com. For more information on the City’s Pedestrian, Bicycle and Trails Commission, please visit: www.RichmondGov.com.