HomeMy Public PortalAboutBike_existing conditionsINTRODUCTION12INVENTORYRECOMMENDATIONSFACILITIES GUIDEIMPLEMENTATIONOPERATIONS ANDMAINTENANCEExisting Conditions
INTRODUCTION
This chapter provides an outline of the discovery
phase of the master plan process where the existing
conditions and policies of the City were analyzed.
Specific tasks within this phase include:
• Existing Studies Review
• Community Survey
• Public Input Meetings
• Existing Conditions Inventory
EXISTING STUDIES REVIEW
The review of existing documents and studies was
conducted to gather information already gathered in
previous projects to inform the master plan process.
A summary of the key documents and how the
elements from these documents directly relate to the
Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan is included below.
City of Richmond Comprehensive Plan (2006)
The Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 2006. The
vision for the city included becoming recognized as
a premier Midwestern city destination supported by
its strong business environment, focus on education,
culture and historically rich neighborhoods. The City
of Richmond will reach its premier presence through
its dedication to sustainable, efficient, and logical
practices in land-planning, downtown development
and transportation.
Goals and objectives from the Comprehensive Plan
directly related to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master
Plan include:
• System-wide
- The city will develop a balanced
transportation system including a completed
motorized and non-motorized network.
- The network of public rights-of-way and
easements that create travel corridors are
the primary infrastructure for all modes and
will be managed and expanded in a manner
that preserves or improves the capacity and
efficiency of all modes.
• Safety
- Improve safety at locations where safety is
deficient, striving to design solutions that are
most consistent with Richmond’s city character.
- Provide and design for pedestrian safety, in the
form of well-defined crosswalks and safe,
identifiable access to trails and pathways.
- Develop traffic calming measures to reduce
speeding and discourage through traffic on
local streets.
• Integrated Design
- Design all transportation facilities to contribute
to a positive and attractive visual image and
the desired community character.
- Include streetscape designs that improve the
physical appearance of roadways within the
city.
- Develop and implement design standards that
require new development to provide sidewalks
and/or pedestrian and bicycle paths.
• Multimodal Strategies
- Create an interconnected street system that
facilitates safe travel throughout the city for
pedestrians, bicyclists and automobiles.
- Promote the greater use of alternatives to
single-occupancy automobile travel with the
objective of limiting the extent and duration of
congestion.
• Congestion Management
- The city will increase the efficiency of travel,
promote innovative strategies and implement
travel demand strategies to limit the increase
of congestion.
Unified Development Ordinance (2010)
The Unified Development Ordinance was developed
to help guide the growth and development of
the City in accordance with the City of Richmond
Comprehensive Plan. The UDO ensures that
improvements made within the City Limits adhere to a
level of standard to preserve the desired character
for the community. Policy standards directly related
to pedestrian transportation in the UDO include:
• Public Sidewalks
- Public sidewalks shall be required along the
edge of the right-of-way, except when the
Zoning Administrator determines the
development is agricultural in nature or the
nearest existing public sidewalk or trail is
greater than 500 feet from the subject site.
13CITY OF RICHMOND Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan
Cardinal Greenway Map
Depot District Railroad Station
• Streets and Sidewalks
- The intent of the City is to take ownership of
streets and sidewalks located within the rights-
of-way that have been constructed to meet
or exceed the City of Richmond’s Construction
Standards.
• Applicability
- Developments shall integrate an interior and
exterior pedestrian network comprised of
concrete sidewalks and/or asphalt side paths
for pedestrian transportation and recreation.
This network shall consist of sidewalks
along street frontages and side paths between
developments and public destinations (e.g.
schools, parks, hospitals), nearby trails, other
developments and undeveloped properties.
Cardinal Greenway
The 62 mile stretch of Cardinal Greenway passes
through Gas City and Muncie on its way from Marion
County to the terminus in Richmond. Approximately
4 miles of the Cardinal Greenway are located in
Richmond.The Cardinal Greenway is a heavily used
corridor and has been extremely successful as a rail
to trail conversion.
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places for Richmond
includes sixty-two buildings, forty-seven of which
are contributing to historic preservation. The City
of Richmond’s downtown proudly adds a significant
chapter to the historical records of Indiana. With a
ratio of 3:1 buildings incorporating themselves into
a preservation program along with the excellent
current condition of nearly all buildings, it is evident
that the City of Richmond takes pride in its historical
artifacts. Like many downtowns, the City of Richmond
historically housed many functions from specialty
stores, department stores, financial institutions, a
theater, hotel and homes of many influential figures
during the early Indiana days, especially involving
industry and invention.
Richmond Railroad Station Historic District
The Richmond Railroad Station Historic District
comprises four city blocks, plus the site of the 1902
railroad station, the freight office and four buildings
located in the Starr Historic District. The early success
of the Railroad district came from key investments
by stakeholders in the late 1800s which prepared
Richmond to keep pace with the booming railway
industry of the time. The Railroad Station District is
in excellent condition and just five blocks north of
historic Downtown Richmond.
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RICHMOND
GAS CITY
MARIONSweetser
Fairmount
Gaston
Blountsville
Losa ntville
Economy
Williamsburg
Webster
Matthews
Upland
Legend
Trailheads
Mile Markers
Cardinal Greenway
White River Greenway
Sweetser Switch Trail
On Road Segment 1
On Road Segment 2
Prairie Creek Horse Trails
Trailhead Amenities
Trail Parking
Restrooms
Water Fountain
Interpretive Display
The water fountain trailheads are
located at the depot (Muncie), Gaston,
and Losantville.
Ball State
University
1050
10th St
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850 N350 750 W850 W500600 E500 E950 E600 W900 EWheeling
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for Experienced Cyclists
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Historic Depot
Trailhead
WHITE RIVER GREENWAY ZOOM
RECOMMENDED ROUTES
FOR ON-ROAD SECTIONS
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Yorktown
MUNCIE 32
INTRODUCTION14INVENTORYRECOMMENDATIONSFACILITIES GUIDEIMPLEMENTATIONOPERATIONS ANDMAINTENANCEExisting Conditions
Richmond ADA Transition Plan
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition
Plan addresses accessibility issues within the City
of Richmond throughout its City buildings, parks
and major pedestrian routes to public facilities,
transportation nodes and commercial districts
within public right-of-ways. The Transition plan
provides ADA requirements that define the current
conditions as outdated and unacceptable and
provides information for standards and sanctions for
facilitating the City of Richmond’s accessibility.
7th Street Park Project
As a prime real-estate location, the 7th Street Park
design will convert the existing parking lot into a
joint venture retaining parking with improvements
while incorporating a Civic Center. The Civic Center
provides a space for local workers, shoppers and
community members a space to stop, relax and check
emails through free Wi-Fi. Internet. An adjacent
public library promotes the use of the Civic Center as
an outdoor classroom while weekly Farmer’s Markets
keep the site lively on the weekends. Improvements
within the new park will include a spray pad; a
recessed lawn which will convert into an ice skating
rink in the winter time; a building for restrooms and
concessions; a performance pad, light and sound
towers for events; playground; botanical space; and
a trailhead for the bicycle and pedestrian system.
Existing Parking Lot
to Remain
North A St.6th St.7th St.Service St.
0’10’20’40’
North
7th Street Park
Proposed Improvements - May 2014
RUNDELL
ERNSTBERGER
ASSOCIATES
URBAN DESIGN + LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE | www.reasite.com
Spray Pad
Recessed Lawn/Winter Ice Skating
Farmer’s Market
Restroom/Concessions
Performance Pad
Playground
Light/Sound Towers
Park Sign
Movable Site Furnishings
Vendor Space
Botanical Displays
Trail Head
7th Street Cycle Track
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7th Street Park Plan View Rendering
15CITY OF RICHMOND Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan
Richmond Stellar Streets
According to the Indiana Office of Community and
Rural Affairs, “The Stellar Communities program
is a multi-agency partnership designed to fund
comprehensive community development projects in
Indiana’s smaller communities. The Indiana Housing
and Community Development Authority, Indiana
Office of Community and Rural Affairs, and Indiana
Department of Transportation are participating in
this innovative program.”
The City of Richmond was selected in 2013 as one
of two Stellar Communities by OCRA. The Stellar
Communities projects include many projects to
improve the quality of life for residents of Richmond.
One of the goals of Positively Richmond is to create
a safe walkable and bike-able community to
encourage wellness, fitness and as another unique
asset that downtown living offers. Projects are
planned for the North 10th Street Corridor, the North
7th Street Corridor and portions of Main Street
to provide a complete streets design. This design
includes the addition of a cycle track within these
corridors to provide facilities for all modes of travel.10TH STREET STREETSCAPECity of Richmond, Indiana | Layout Plan: Option 1RUNDELL ERNSTBERGERASSOCIATESURBAN DESIGN + LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE | www.reasite.com0102040NORTHSCALE: 1:20 10th Street Plan View Rendering
Stellar Streets Project Map
INTRODUCTION16INVENTORYRECOMMENDATIONSFACILITIES GUIDEIMPLEMENTATIONOPERATIONS ANDMAINTENANCEExisting Conditions
COMMUNITY SURVEY
A community survey was conducted online to
ascertain the thoughts and perceptions of the
residents of Richmond. Although the community
survey is not a statistically significant survey it did
fulfill two purposes: 1) as a public participation
tool that allowed members of the community to
participate in the planning process, 2) to use the
results from the survey to reinforce findings from
public involvement activities and planning analyses.
The survey was developed in partnership with City
staff. The online survey was advertised through the
City’s website, social media, and through handouts
at community events. Three hundred seventy surveys
were completed. Although this represents just a
fraction of the population of Richmond, it is a very
high percentage of returns for a survey of this type
and represents the wishes and desires of those who
are most interested in the bicycle and pedestrian
network. This sort of data, although unscientific, can
help inform the master plan process with specific
ideas in terms of destinations and types of facilities
that are desired. In addition, this type of response
can be used as a catalyst for grant applications.
The full survey with results is included in the
appendix. A summary of the results includes:
• Over 75% responded in favor of creating more
bicycling and pedestrian facilities and gave this
task a mark of high importance.
• Over 70% of respondents currently walk multiple
times a week in fair weather and over 50% bike
in fair weather. These numbers drop significantly
in inclement weather.
• Over 85% said they would bike and walk more
if facilities were closer to their homes
• Most respondents bicycle and walk for recreation
and not for commuting.
• The majority of respondents would like to connect
neighborhoods with schools, the library, and
to the other greenway and trails. Shopping
and restaurants were also identified as highly
desired destinations to connect with bicycle and
pedestrian facilities.
• There was an almost equal response for
sidewalks, shared use and paved trails and bike
lanes as the most desired type of facility.
• Over 90% of respondents would utilize a
complete system for recreation and exercise.
• A lack of facilities close to neighborhoods, unsafe
intersections and pedestrian/bicycle unfriendly
facilities were identified as the key factors
discouraging bicycle and pedestrian use.
• Maintenance and upkeep of the existing facilities
along with the need for education for all users
in the system (bicyclist, walkers, and automobile
users) were common themes with the open ended
questions in the survey.
The survey results demonstrate the desire for many
residents to see the incorporation of the types of
facilities recommended within the master plan. There
was a consensus that people will use the facilities if
they are built. Many of the people responding to
the survey see the importance of implementing such a
system to provide the amenities needed to grow and
improve the City of Richmond.
76.76%284
14.59%54
8.65%32
Q1 How important to you is the goal of
creating more bicycle and pedestrian
facilities in Richmond?
Answered: 370 Skipped: 0
Total 370
Very important
Somewhat
important
Not important
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
Answer Choices Responses
Very important
Somewhat important
Not important
1 / 18
Richmond Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan SurveyMonkey
86.58%316
13.42%49
Q6 Would you walk/bike/run more often if
you were closer to bike and pedestrian
facilities (sidewalks, shared-use trails, bike
lanes)?
Answered: 365 Skipped: 5
Total 365
Yes
No
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
Answer Choices Responses
Yes
No
6 / 18
Richmond Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan SurveyMonkey
17CITY OF RICHMOND Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan
PUBLIC INPUT
In addition to the Community Survey, public meetings
were conducted to gather input from citizens. All
of the public meetings were well attended and
included a broad sample of residents from within the
community with different interests in the bicycle and
pedestrian network.
The first public meetings were held on February 11
of 2015 to present existing conditions to the public.
This open house style meeting incorporated multiple
opportunities for input from the public concerning
existing conditions and perceptions of the bicycle
and pedestrian system. Maps were utilized to allow
people to rate current facilities, list desired routes
and facilities and locate key destination points. Two
Open House meetings were held, one during the
work day and one in the evening to allow flexibility
and increase attendance.
The second round of public meetings were held
on March 11, 2015. These meetings were also
conducted in an open house format with one
occurring during the work day and one in the
evening. Map exercises were used to present
proposed routes to the public. Feedback included
rating the routes in terms of importance, identifying
missed destinations, and noting facilities that were not
as important in the short term. The input gathered
during these public meetings was valuable in not only
determining were the routes should go and what
type of facilities should be incorporated but also to
help determine the demand for facilities providing
priorities as determined by the community.
Advisory Committee meetings were also conducted
to better understand the current system and policies.
Recommendations were reviewed with the Committee
to gather specific input from a group of citizens
who have been active in the progress of the current
bicycle and pedestrian network.
The maps utilized during the Community Meetings
with the comments received during thsoe meetings
are included in Appendix B.
INTRODUCTION18INVENTORYRECOMMENDATIONSFACILITIES GUIDEIMPLEMENTATIONOPERATIONS ANDMAINTENANCEExisting Conditions
LAND USE
Not unlike many communities which have experienced
rapid growth in population in the past twenty
years, Richmond has land use patterns which do not
promote bicycling and walking from neighborhood
to neighborhood and to destinations. The general
nature of suburban development does not promote
connections between neighborhoods and in Richmond,
does not typically include the construction of
sidewalks or bike trails/paths. The rural land use
patterns reaching out into the areas of the county
further detract from the use of bikes and walking
for reaching destinations with narrow roads and
distances which make traveling by bicycle of foot
challenging for all but the most dedicated riders and
walkers.
The more dense land uses within the downtown and
the shopping corridors along Main Street, Chester
Boulevard, and US Route 40 are more conducive to
biking and walking as a means of travel to reach
destinations. These areas are primarily commercial
with residential areas directly adjacent to the
commercial areas. The location of schools within the
neighborhoods create short trips between homes and
schools, however, the facilities needed to get people
between these destinations are often absent. The
land use patterns within Richmond reflect the same
patterns seen across many towns and cities within the
region which were built around the automobile as the
only means of transportation.
EXISTING DESTINATIONS
The underlying purpose of the bicycle and pedestrian
network is to connect people to destinations. There
are many destinations that are desirable to travel
to on a daily basis. Typically, the starting point for
most trips is the home. Connections are made to
work, school, run errands, visit parks and places of
entertainment. The bicycle and pedestrian network is
designed to connect neighborhoods with all of these
key destinations.
There are numerous destinations within the study
area. These include: major retail areas, employment
centers, government center, schools, parks and
libraries. In addition, there are regional destinations
that must be considered for connections within the
system such as Cope Environmental Center and the
Cardinal Greenway.
Major Retail Areas: Major retail areas are found
within the downtown area and along US Route 40.
Additional retail areas and industrial land use are
located along 5th Street and Industrial Boulevard.
Employment Centers: The various retail
centers and industrial areas of Richmond serve
as employment centers for many residents. These
areas include industrial parks on Industries Road
and Industrial Boulevard. They also include
the commercial areas mentioned along Chester
Boulevard, Main Street and US 40. The employment
centers become key destinations for the bicycle and
pedestrian network to serve commuters.
Government Centers: The Government Center
is located on Main Street directly adjacent to the
downtown area of Richmond and with close proximity
to the Cardinal Greenway. The planned park at 7th
Street will further continue the civic efforts located
within the core of the downtown.
Schools: Richmond has six institutions of higher
learning including four colleges and two seminaries.
The colleges include: Indiana University East, Earlham
College, Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana and
Purdue University School of Technology. The two
seminaries include Earlham School of Religion and
Bethany Theological Seminary.
Richmond Community Schools includes Richmond
High School, three intermediate schools, and six
elementary schools. These schools as well as private
schools are shown on the Inventory Map, Figure 2.
Richmond High School includes the Richmond Art
Museum and the Civic Hall Performing Arts Center.
Tiernan Center, also located with the Richmond
High School campus is the 5th largest high school
gymnasium in the nation.
Parks: Parks and recreation facilities in Richmond
are managed by the Richmond Parks and Recreation
Department. The parks within the City are a great
source of pride for the community and are heavily
used throughout the year. Richmond has a well
developed parks system with many recreational
opportunities from organized events to hikes through
natural areas with wildlife and waterfalls. Glen
Miller Park is one of the most heavily used parks and
includes walking trails, playgrounds and picnic areas.
Many festivals and activities are programmed
throughout the year utilizing the existing parks
including the Egg Hunt at McBride, Family Earth
19CITY OF RICHMOND Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan
Day Celebration, Neighborhood Movies, Back to
School Splash Blast, Movies in the Glen, Halloween
Howl, and the Celebration of Lights to name a few.
In addition, many organized walks, runs and group
rides are programmed throughout the year by the
department.
Library: The Morrison-Reeves Library is located in
downtown on 6th Street. The library is an active
part of the community and includes several programs
which attract residents of all ages to the facility.
BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN FACILITY INVENTORY
The existing network of pedestrian and bicycle
facilities are shown on the Inventory Map, Figure 2.
The transportation system serves as the baseline for
bicycle and pedestrian travel in Richmond. Many of
the downtown streets include sidewalks on both sides
of the streets. The suburban development on the
edges of the city do not typically have sidewalks or
accommodations for bicyclists. Some of the slower
speeds of neighborhood streets lead to a general
feeling of comfort for most pedestrians and bicyclist
when traveling within the subdivisions but traveling
between neighborhoods or attempting to reach the
downtown and many of the shopping areas by bike
or foot is not currently bike and pedestrian friendly.
In the older parts of Richmond, mostly located near
the downtown area, some of the existing facilities
need improvements to upgrade to current standards.
Sidewalks are sometimes narrow and do not meet
ADA guidelines for minimum standards.
Richmond has made great strides with implementing
bicycle and pedestrian facilities. The Cardinal
Greenway has acted as a catalyst for the
development of additional greenways, bicycle
and pedestrian facilities. However, the lack of
connections between trails and greenways limit the
use of the trails. The gaps in the system require many
bicycle and pedestrian trips to begin with the use of
an automobile. Completing the system by connecting
these gaps will provide opportunities for residents to
reach their destinations without the use of a car.
Figure 2 - Inventory Map (See CD in back sleeve for detailed map)
INTRODUCTION20INVENTORYRECOMMENDATIONSFACILITIES GUIDEIMPLEMENTATIONOPERATIONS ANDMAINTENANCESim Hodgin Parkway
Chester Boulevard
SW 18th Street
Existing Conditions
INVENTORY NORTHWEST QUADRANT
The Northwest area of the study area is
characterized primarily by industrial and rural
land uses. There are waterways traveling across
the area which could provide some key north/south
connections. Development in this area is more sparse
and includes farms and industrial parks. The spread
out nature of development within this area can make
traveling to downtown and the shopping areas more
challenging. However, the natural quality of the
area provides many opportunities for smaller loops
within the system to connect key destinations within
this area.
Interstate 70 provides the northern border for this
quadrant. The Interstate is the main automobile
connection to Indianapolis and Ohio. The County
roads within this part of the city are fairly straight
but narrow. Many do not have developed shoulders
creating challenges for bicyclists and pedestrians to
safely use the roadway. Industries Road connects
the industrial park with the interstate interchange.
Although this is a heavily trafficked road, it does
have wide shoulders including on the bridges.
Industries Road provides an opportunity to connect
the more rural areas of this part of the city with
the shopping areas along US Route 27 near the
University campuses.
The rural nature of this quadrant provides the
opportunity for greenways along streams and more
scenic routes for on-road bike routes. The lower
traffic volumes on the county roads are often seen as
attractive for the bicyclist who is looking for a longer
trip and can achieve the mileage needed for those
types of rides.
The Cardinal Greenway connects to communities
to the north within this quadrant. The Cardinal
Greenway continues south adjacent to the Gorge
Park providing the opportunity to connect residents
in this area of the City to the downtown. Middlefork
Reservoir has many trails and environmental
opportunities which is destination for residents and
visitors to the city. The Cardinal Greenway is the
largest existing facility within this quadrant. There
are very few sidewalks or bicycle facilities that exist
in the area.
21CITY OF RICHMOND Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan
Figure 3 - Northwest Quadrant Inventory Map
MAP KEY
INTRODUCTION22INVENTORYRECOMMENDATIONSFACILITIES GUIDEIMPLEMENTATIONOPERATIONS ANDMAINTENANCEReid Hospital
Hayes Arboretum
Existing Conditions
INVENTORY NORTHEAST QUADRANT
The Northeast quadrant of the study area is
dominated by the college campuses and commercial
areas along Chester Boulevard. The East Fork of
the Whitewater River provides the opportunity for
a regional connection to neighboring communities
in Ohio. Current projects are planned to provide
a greenway along the East Fork. The East Fork
corridor provides a natural and scenic connection
between the university campuses and the hospital
campus and both Glen Miller Park as well as Hayes
Arboretum. The East Fork also creates a challenge
by dividing these two areas of town. The character
of this corridor make it much more of an asset than a
challenge.
Chester Boulevard is much like the East Fork of
the Whitewater River in that it presents both
opportunities and challenges. This roadway provides
a direct link between the north side of town and the
downtown which then connects with both the east
and west sides. However, the design of the roadway
encourages heavy traffic volumes at high rates of
speed creating a less than desirable environment
for bicyclists and pedestrians whether on or off
the road. In addition, there are grade challenges
associated with Chester Boulevard. However, the
direct link between these sections of the city cannot
be discounted.
Bicycle and pedestrian facilities within this quadrant
include many trails in Glen Miller Park and Hayes
Arboretum. There are many existing sidewalks
within the downtown areas and through the college
campuses.
Middlefork Reservoir
23CITY OF RICHMOND Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan
Figure 4 - Northeast Quadrant Inventory Map
MAP KEY
INTRODUCTION24INVENTORYRECOMMENDATIONSFACILITIES GUIDEIMPLEMENTATIONOPERATIONS ANDMAINTENANCEExisting Conditions
INVENTORY SOUTHWEST QUADRANT
The Southwest quadrant includes West Main Street
and the National Road. The Cardinal Greenway
continues to the south from the Northwest Quadrant
through Richmond. There are many schools, including
Earlham College, located within this quadrant. The
proximity of the schools to neighborhoods and to the
Cardinal Greenway can be seen in this quadrant.
With a more urban character this portion of the city
lends itself to more frequent and convenient trips
by foot and bike. The location of the schools within
the neighborhoods makes them conducive to allow
children and families to travel to the schools and
parks without the use of an automobile.
Clear Creek Park is located within this quadrant
and provides an opportunity to connect with
neighborhoods and the schools for additional
recreational use. The lack of connection between
the parks and the Cardinal Greenway are a missed
opportunity to further link the parks system. In
addition, gaps along the Cardinal Greenway have
kept the Greenway from reaching its full potential.
These connections are a large challenge for current
users of the bike and pedestrian system.
Although this portion of the city is located within close
proximity to the downtown, access to the downtown
for these residents is limited. The roadway bridges
that cross over the White River Gorge were not
built to accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians.
Modifications have been made to the bridges to
allow for travel across the bridges but it is not the
most comfortable experience with high rates of
speed and high volumes of vehicles. The facilities
provided for bicyclists and pedestrians are narrow
and do not accommodate many users at a time.
The Cope Environmental Center is located outside
of the city limits but is considered a key regional
destination for the city. Through partnerships with
adjacent jurisdictions a connection should be made
between Richmond and the Cope Environmental
Center. This would provide benefits to both the city
and the environmental center with increased visits
and awareness.
Clear Creek Park
West Main Sreet
Northwest L Sreet
25CITY OF RICHMOND Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan
Figure 5 - Southwest Quadrant Inventory Map
MAP KEY
INTRODUCTION26INVENTORYRECOMMENDATIONSFACILITIES GUIDEIMPLEMENTATIONOPERATIONS ANDMAINTENANCEExisting Conditions
INVENTORY SOUTHEAST QUADRANT
The Southeast area of the city is characterized by
both urban land use and suburban development.
The downtown area includes many historic and
well established neighborhoods. Many of these
neighborhoods have sidewalks on both sides of the
road. With parking on both sides of the street most
streets are relatively low speeds and do not usually
contain high volumes of traffic. The exception would
be US Route 40 which becomes Main Street. US
Route 40 is a heavily trafficked road and includes
many of the most dangerous intersections within
the city. Sidewalks do occur along parts of 40,
especially as you get closer to downtown but are
not present further out of town where the shopping
districts occur. With several neighborhoods located
just north or south of the commercial districts there
are many people that desire to, and do, walk
and bike from their homes to the shopping areas.
Footpaths are being worn along the roadway
showing the need for bike and pedestrian facilities
along 40.
Main Street provides an additional challenge in
the downtown area. Part of the character of the
downtown is its quaint Main Street shopping areas.
This character is created with brick sidewalks,
on-street parking and the narrow roadway. The
narrowness of the roadway and the volumes of
traffic going through downtown create challenges
for providing facilities which also accommodate
pedestrians. The character of downtown must be
maintained with any new improvements to this area
of the city.
In addition, many of the neighborhoods within
this quadrant do not include sidewalks within the
neighborhoods. Although walking and riding on some
neighborhood streets is comfortable for all skill levels
there are many streets that are used as cut-throughs
and many that the actual speeds are very fast. This
creates an environment within neighborhoods which
discourages any sort of travel by bike or foot for
safety reasons. These neighborhoods also have an
opportunity to create smaller loops for recreational
travel by connecting to each other. There are no
current facilities to make these connections.
The roadways and corridors within this quadrant
provide opportunities to create many regional
connections including with existing routes in the
neighboring state but also with planned routes which
will cross the nation.
Interstate 70 creates the eastern border to the
city limits and creates a challenge by providing a
barrier between Richmond and the adjacent areas.
However, the interstate can also provide some
opportunities with current roadway underpasses
which may be able to accommodate bicycle and
pedestrian facilities within the current road right-of-
way.
Glen Miller Park
South L Street
27CITY OF RICHMOND Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan
Figure 6 - Southeast Quadrant Inventory Map
MAP KEY