Resolution 4492 - Laserfiche WebLink

Appendix 1 Issues Related to Trail Planning in Everett GENERAL TRAIL ISSUES The Everett 2000 Vision process identifies the need for integrated pedestrian and bicycle trails within the City of Everett. Everett's transportation system consists of existing roadways and sidewalks. These elements will continue to comprise the major parts of the trail system even after the adoption of the comprehensive trail plan. The strategy is to improve the existing infrastructure to better accommodate bicycle and pedestrian traffic; while at the same time developing new bicycle/pedestrian trail systems through the planning process. To do so, several issues must be addressed: Integration with the comprehensive transportation plan,public perception of safety, maintenance, and accessibility. Education and monitoring are also important issues to discuss, as they will affect the way that the public receives the new trail policy. Comprehensive Transportation Planning The development of bicycle and pedestrian systems needs to be incorporated into the city's comprehensive transportation policy. Such coordination would allow agencies to facilitate each other's planning efforts by addressing common goals, and resolving conflicts. Coordination is needed to determine desirable transportation linkages, and identify possible utility rights-of way that might be available for use. Integrated planning also minimizes the potential of pairing divergent uses, and allows the agencies to learn from each other's mistakes. Overall, the continuity of the trail system depends upon integrated planning. Safety The provision and perception of safety is crucial if the trail system is to be used. Personal safety issues to be addressed range from harassment to siting trails away from potentially hazardous areas. Several concepts should be considered when designing safe trails: * Locate trails away from unsafe or potentially harmful situations. * Provide appropriate lighting at trail heads, or other areas which might be utilized in the evening hours (i.e. access trails from bus stops to neighborhood). * Avoid siting trails near attractive nuisances. * Design to minimize potential for vandalism. * Design in accordance with accepted standards to provide safe, accessible facilities. * Consider the use for monitoring programs involving park rangers or volunteer watch groups. W:\PLANNING\TRAILS\COMP96.DOC 25