Explanation
Background: The Columbus Bicentennial Bikeways Plan is the first master plan for on-street bikeway development in the city of Columbus, completed February 1, 2008. The plan recommends a holistic approach to city-wide bikeway development, including the establishment of polices, goals, education programs, encouragement efforts, enforcement, a comprehensive bikeway network and infrastructure maintenance programs. The Columbus Bicentennial Bikeway Plan reflects a "complete streets" approach by providing additional mobility options to the traveling public.
The Columbus Bicentennial Bikeways Plan represents a twenty-year vision of the development of bicycle facilities over the following three phases:
Phase 1 (2008-2012) recommends the construction of 58 miles of bikeway facilities and the initial start-up of education and encouragement programs, and enforcement of bikeway safety laws.
Phase 2 (2013 - 2018) recommends the continued construction of an additional 200 miles of bikeway facilities along with growth in education, encouragement and enforcement program activities.
Phase 3 (2019 - 2028) completes the plan with the construction of an additional 280 miles of bikeway facilities with continued efforts in education, encouragement and enforcement activities.
When fully implemented, the Columbus Bicentennial Bikeway Plan will add 538 miles of on-street bikeway facilities to the existing system of 50 miles for a total of 588 miles of bikeway facilities city-wide. The on-street bikeway system complements and connects neighborhoods and business centers to the regional greenway and bike trail system being implemented by the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department and Franklin County Metro Parks District.
In developing the Columbus Bicentennial Bikeways Plan, extensive community outreach was made to gain public input and support. These outreach efforts included two public meetings, meetings with groups of stakeholders, local government leaders and bicycle advocacy groups, an interactive website, and coordinated efforts with local jurisdictions.
The Columbus Bicycle Advisory Committee reviewed the Columbus Bicentennial Bikeways Plan on April 16, 2008, and subsequently indicated support for its adoption. The Columbus Transportation and Pedestrian Commission was presented the Columbus Bicentennial Bikeways Plan on May 8, 2008, and voted unanimously to recommend its adoption by City Council.
Fiscal Impact: There is no immedate cost to the City of Columbus. Costs for the program will be addressed over time through the capital improvements budgetary process.
Title
To adopt the Columbus Bicentennial Bikeways Plan as a guide for making policy decisions affecting zoning, planning of future public bikeway facilities programs, and capital improvements.
Body
WHEREAS, the Columbus Bicentennial Bikeways Plan has been developed to foster city-wide development of bikeway polices, goals, education, encouragement, enforcement, and a bicycle network and infrastructure program; and
WHEREAS, the Columbus Bicentennial Bikeways Plan represents a twenty-year vision of the development of bicycle facilities and programs over three phases; and
WHEREAS, the Columbus Bicentennial Bikeways Plan reflects a "complete streets" approach by providing additional mobility options to the traveling public; and
WHEREAS, extensive public outreach was conducted to gain public input as the Columbus Bicentennial Bikeways Plan was developed; and
WHEREAS, the Columbus Bicentennial Bikeways Plan is intended to serve as a guide for the development and planning of future public infrastructure improvements and programs; and
WHEREAS, the Columbus Bicycle Advisory Committee was presented the Columbus Bicentennial Bikeways Plan on April 16, 2008, and has expressed its support for adoption of the plan; and
WHEREAS, the Columbus Transportation and Pedestrian Commission voted unanimously to recommend adoption of the Columbus Bicentennial Bikeways Plan at its meeting on May 8, 2008; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
Section 1. That the Columbus Bicentennial Bikeways Plan is hereby adopted as a guide for making policy decisions affecting zoning and related development approvals and the planning of future public bikeway facilities programs and capital improvements.
Section 2. That all city of Columbus departments and divisions are hereby authorized and directed to use the Columbus Bicentennial Bikeways Plan in initiating or reviewing plans, projects and programs citywide and require that such plans, projects and programs generally conform to the bikeways plan.
Section 3. That the Department of Public Service is directed to monitor the use of the Columbus Bicentennial Bikeways Plan, and to present to City Council any amendments necessary to keep the plan up-to-date.
Section 4. That copies of the Columbus Bicentennial Bikeways Plan shall be kept on file in the Department of Public Service, Transportation Division.
Section 5. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.