Resolution 4492 - Laserfiche WebLink

INTRODUCTION The Comprehensive Non-motorized Transportation Plan is intended to provide policy and design guidance for trail development within the City of Everett. "Non-motorized"means transportation facilities for non-vehicular modes of transportation. Specifically, this means trails and walkways for pedestrians and bicyclists. When adopted, it will supplement the 1992-97 Everett Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan and the Transportation Element of the City's Comprehensive Plan. Growth anticipated in the Everett area will place greater demands upon the existing transportation system. A comprehensive non-motorized trail system enhances the quality of life by providing viable commuter routes to encourage alternative transportation. As Everett continues to grow there will be a corresponding increase in demand for right-of-ways, parks and trails. The plan emphasizes the balance needed between growth and the provision of trails. Many of the Everett's publicly owned rights-of-way and lands will be subject to increased multi-use, highlighting the need for responsible planning and design. At times, the goals of the transportation system will conflict with the goals of environmental protection. This plan seeks to resolve these conflicts through sensible policy, design guidelines, and program development. Many issues were addressed in the development of the trail system. These include: Agency Coordination--Comprehensive transportation planning requires the cooperation of all interested agencies, in order to develop an effective plan. Continuity--The trail network should provide logical linkages between common destinations such as schools, parks, bus stops, the Port Gardner Harborfront,the Snohomish River, and downtown Everett and other job centers. Accessibility--The development of barrier free trails is an essential element to make the trail system accessible to a wide variety of users wherever possible. Safety--Insure the personal safety of trail users by locating trails in well lit, well traveled areas. Maintenance--Improvements to existing infrastructure can be achieved through maintenance and redevelopment of roadways. Community Involvement--Trails provide a valuable means of establishing neighborhood cohesiveness and identity. Education--Interpretive trails provide valuable educational opportunities for trail users; trails also need to be publicized to ensure the broadest usage possible. Monitoring--Provides baseline data to evaluate impacts, success, and management of trails. Economics--The utility of trail systems need to be presented in economic terms, in order to compete for increasingly limited funding sources. Environmental Impacts--Placing trails in or adjacent to environmentally sensitive areas provides an opportunity for increased public awareness of the importance of such areas, but also necessitates avoidance and minimization of impacts to sensitive areas. W:\PLANNING\TRAILS\COMP96.DOC 3