HomeMy Public PortalAboutBike_RecommendationsINTRODUCTION28INVENTORYRECOMMENDATIONSFACILITIES GUIDEIMPLEMENTATIONOPERATIONS ANDMAINTENANCERecommendations
GUIDING DESIGN CONCEPT
The Hub and Spoke Concept Map is a conceptual
exhibit illustrating key destinations and their
connections with neighborhoods. This Concept is
used in many transportation systems and represents
the wheel with a central hub and spokes radiating
out. This system is utilized for efficiencies within
transportation systems.
This concept is utilized during the development of the
preliminary route plan to determine where routes are
needed to serve the neighborhoods and destinations.
This ensures that every route has a purpose and is
not simply built with no connections or destinations in
mind.
THE HUBS
The conceptual plan includes two central hubs for the
City of Richmond including one at 7th Street Park
and one at Glen Miller Park. The hub is the center
of the system and will be the focus for bicycle and
pedestrian activities and amenities for the system.
The hubs might include infrastructure like bicycle
parking, lockers, drinking fountains and restrooms.
The facilities at each of these parks, both planned
and existing, include amenities which support the
hub and spoke concept. These include existing
parking, walking paths, water features, picnic areas
and playgrounds. These uses provide existing
momentum which will be utilized to extend the bicycle
and pedestrian system by creating awareness and
connections.
The hubs will also be the central location for
programs surrounding the bicycle and pedestrian
system. This includes activities such as bicycle rallies,
fun runs, education programs, and training specific
for use of the bicycle and pedestrian improvements.
THE SPOKES
The spokes, shown as red arrows, illustrate the
connections from neighborhoods to key destinations.
The destinations were identified through the
community survey and through the public input
process. Key destinations include schools, parks
and recreation centers, shopping centers and
employment centers. The beginning point of many
bicycle and pedestrian trips is most often the home.
Therefore, neighborhoods are also identified as a
major destination to connect with the central hub
of the system. Regional connections are shown
with an orange arrow and reflect the importance
of providing these larger connections to create a
complete and comprehensive system.
NEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTIONS
Another important component to the Hub and Spoke
Concept are the connections from neighborhood
to neighborhood. The green rings on the concept
map illustrate these connections. It is important to
remember that many of the users are the young and
families. Making connections between friends’ and
families’ homes will add to the success of the overall
system. The green rings represent connections to
neighborhoods not just at the ends of the radius but
all along the length of the conceptual connection.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Amenities
Morrison-Reeves Library
29CITY OF RICHMOND Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan
LOCAL DESTINATIONS
REGIONAL DESTINATIONS
NEIGHBORHOOD
CONNECTION
CITY HUBS
Figure 7 - Hub and Spoke Concept Map 7 (See CD in back sleeve for detailed map)
The Hub and Spoke Concept map illustrates the design concept utilized to develop priorities for the bicycle and pedestrian system.
The two hubs in the concept include the 7th Street Park Hub and the Glen Miller Park Hub. These hubs represent the most intense use
for bicycle and pedestrians within the network. The arrows represent connections to be made between the hubs and key destinations.
INTRODUCTION30INVENTORYRECOMMENDATIONSFACILITIES GUIDEIMPLEMENTATIONOPERATIONS ANDMAINTENANCERecommendations
INTRODUCTION
The current system of bike paths, greenways and
sidewalks has encouraged many residents of
Richmond to bike and walk for recreation and
exercise. However, this system is disjointed and
not connected in several areas. The system serves
local residents that happen to live close to the built
facilities. Providing a complete and comprehensive
system will provide opportunities for more residents
and visitors to Richmond to bike and walk around
the city. This will provide better quality of life in
addition to better health for those that utilize the
system. Also, a greater variety of people will be
able to use the system including for running errands
and traveling to work.
The network of facilities creates regional connections,
cross-town connections and local connections
and loops. This hierarchy of network loops and
connections creates opportunities for residents to
create smaller loops close to home by bicycle or
walking, create regional connections to parks and
work centers, and to create longer recreational trips
between home and parks and also from park to
park.
The hubs for the system are shown at 7th Street Park
and Glen Miller Park. Facilities radiate out from this
hub to connect with the destinations identified in the
Hub and Spoke Concept. A variety of facilities have
been provided to meet the needs of bicyclists and
walkers of different skill levels. Facilities included in
the system include:
• Multi-use paths
• Sidewalk
• Greenway
• Bike Lane
• Shared Lane Markings
The system of bicycle and pedestrian facilities
connects the neighborhoods where people live to the
places they work, shop, play, or go to school. An
emphasis is placed on regional bikeway connections
centered around the major activity centers located
at 7th Street Park and Glen Miller Park. This is done
through two main types of facilities, the pedestrian
network and the bicycle network.
PEDESTRIAN NETWORK
The major elements of the pedestrian network are
sidewalks, multi-use paths and street crossings. The
sidewalk is where people do most of their traveling
by foot and is the space where they should be able
to walk feeling safe and secure from vehicles. The
goal for the pedestrian network is to provide an
attractive walking environment while allowing for
streetscape amenities (benches, light poles and trash
cans) and utilities. Vehicular conflicts at driveways
should be minimized where possible. Street crossings
should improve pedestrian safety and comfort
through better design of intersections and pedestrian
signals. Providing adequate crossing opportunities
and minimizing delay at traffic signals will reduce
jaywalking and improve safety for all users of
the roadway. Sidewalks are considered a basic
requirement of Complete Streets and will be a high
priority throughout Richmond.
BICYCLE NETWORK
The major elements of the bicycle network are multi-
use paths, cycle tracks, bicycle lanes and shared
lane markings. The proposed bicycle network will
better accommodate bicyclists traveling in the City
of Richmond. The majority of bicyclists in Richmond
are currently younger and less comfortable with
riding on the roadways. For this reason, the largest
facility provided for bicyclists is the multi-use path.
However, future riders are also accommodated
through on-road bike facilities such as the bike lanes
and bike routes which include traffic calming and
shared lane markings. Regional connections are
provided for bikes with signed routes creating cross-
town connections. Intersection improvements are also
an integral part of the proposed bicycle network.
31CITY OF RICHMOND Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan
Figure 8 - Proposed Route Map (See CD in back sleeve for detailed map)
INTRODUCTION32INVENTORYRECOMMENDATIONSFACILITIES GUIDEIMPLEMENTATIONOPERATIONS ANDMAINTENANCERecommendations
NORTHWEST QUADRANT PROPOSED ROUTES
The focus of the Northwest Quadrant for the
proposed routes is to fill in gaps in the existing system
by connecting neighborhoods to downtown and the
north side of the city while also providing connections
for longer trips whether they are recreational or
utilized for commuting. This area of the study area
is more rural in nature with homes spread out and
farms dotting the landscape
The majority of facilities within this area are off-road
shared-use pathways. East-west routes are provided
along Industries Road, and Northwest L Street.
North-south routes are provided along Roundbarn
Road and Union Pike. The multi-use paths in this area
of the City will connect existing neighborhoods and
provide a recreational asset which may attract new
residential development within the Northwest area
of the City. In addition the multi-use path along
Northwest L Street will provide an off-road, family
friendly connection between downtown and the
soccer complex and fairgrounds.
Neighborhoods lacking sidewalks have been
identified as priorities for construction of sidewalks.
Sidewalks are considered one of the most basic
facilities for the bicycle and pedestrian network and
will be a priority for connecting the network. The
proposed sidewalks are recommended where they
will serve a greater number of residents.
The Cardinal Greenway provides a strong north-
south route through Richmond. The scenic quality of
the greenway through the Gorge provides a quiet
environment for bicyclists and pedestrians while
connecting the community to regional destinations to
the north. Facilities within this quadrant are provided
to connect to the Cardinal Greenway to further
increase use of this community asset. Connections
made to Cardinal Greenway also provide
connections to the trail system within the Gorge Park.
The proposed network provides a variety of facility
types to meet the needs of a variety of users with
different skill levels. The variety of facility types also
provide opportunities for a variety of experiences
from recreational to natural to connections for
commuters.
Monon Rail-Trail, Indianapolis
Cardinal Greenway
Gorge Trail, Richmond
33CITY OF RICHMOND Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan
Figure 9 - Northwest Quadrant Proposed Route Map
MAP KEY
INTRODUCTION34INVENTORYRECOMMENDATIONSFACILITIES GUIDEIMPLEMENTATIONOPERATIONS ANDMAINTENANCERecommendations
NORTHEAST QUADRANT PROPOSED ROUTES
The focus of the Northeast Quadrant, in addition to
connecting communities with destinations, is to provide
connections between the college campus of Indiana
University East and Ivy Tech to the downtown. The
planning process heard a strong demand for bicycle
and pedestrian connections between the campuses
and the downtown. Two main routes were provided
to create this connection.
The first route would include the addition of a multi-
use path running parallel with Chester Boulevard.
Although there are grade constraints and challenges
with many driveway curb cuts, this route was
identified over and again as the most desired route
for students to reach downtown. In addition, there
are many residential areas which lie adjacent to
Chester Boulevard who will be served by this multi-
use path. Although the current sidewalks provide
a facility for pedestrians the lack of facilities for
bicyclists has caused some conflicts on the sidewalk
between bicyclists and pedestrians. Intersection
improvements will be necessary along Chester
Boulevard and are key to the success of this facility.
The second route which would connect the campuses
and the north side of town would be a greenway
which would run from the east side of the Indiana
University East campus through Middlefork Reservoir
following the river down to Freeman Park and
connecting with a multi-use path that would connect
with downtown. Although this route is less direct it
is still an important route especially when thinking
about the health and recreational benefits that
the greenway would provide for students on the
campuses as well as a connection to Reid Memorial
Hospital.
An important east-west connection to the adjacent
county land and eventually to the State of Ohio is a
proposed greenway along the East Fork of the White
River. Although only a small portion of the greenway
lies within the city limits, constructing this portion of
the greenway could provide the catalyst needed to
spur construction of the greenway to the state line.
Building the greenway in this eastern direction will
also provide connections to both Glen Miller Park
and Hayes Arboretum on a more scenic route than
what you would find along US Route 40.
Glen Miller Park
Monon Rail-Trail
Indiana University East
35CITY OF RICHMOND Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan
Figure 10- Northeast Quadrant Proposed Route Map
MAP KEY
INTRODUCTION36INVENTORYRECOMMENDATIONSFACILITIES GUIDEIMPLEMENTATIONOPERATIONS ANDMAINTENANCERecommendations
SOUTHWEST QUADRANT PROPOSED ROUTES
The Southwest quadrant detail area includes the
downtown hub at 7th Street Park. There are many
routes radiating out from the hub to connect the other
areas of the project with this key destination. This
quadrant includes many land use types. Because of
this many types of bicycle and pedestrian facilities
are proposed for this area. These facilities include
bike lanes, shared-lane markings, sidewalks, cycle-
tracks and shared-use paths. This will create a
network providing facilities which can be utilized by
users of all skill and comfort levels.
There are a number east-west routes proposed for
this area of the City. These include a multi-use path
along West Main Street, a multi-use path along
West US 40 and a multi-use path along South Q
Street. Again, only a small portion of the route
along South Q Street lies within the City limits and
would be included as a project for the City, it is an
important connection between the City and the Cope
Environmental Center to the west. Coordination with
the adjoining county to complete construction of this
multi-use path along South Q Street will be benificial
to not only the City of Richmond but also to the Cope
Environmental Center.
North-south routes are provided in the Southwest
Quadrant through two proposed greenways. These
greenways would be provided in the floodway of
Lick Creek and Clear Creek. These routes not only
provide important noth-south connections but also
connect neighborhoods to Clear Creek park and the
aquatic facilities.
There are a number of infrastructure improvement
projects that are identified within this quadrant of
the City. These include intersection improvements at
Clear Creek Park on West Main Street and Peacock
Road. Two other infrastructure improvement projects
include the bridges over the Gorge. These bridges
currently provide minimal facilities for bicyclists
and pedestrians. Studies are necessary to design
improvements to the bridges to fully accommodate
both bicyclists and pedestrians along these routes.
These provide important and needed improvements
to fully connect the west side of the City with the east
side.
Mural in Depot District
Earlham College
Depot District
37CITY OF RICHMOND Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan
Figure 11 - Southwest Quadrant Proposed Route Map
MAP KEY
INTRODUCTION38INVENTORYRECOMMENDATIONSFACILITIES GUIDEIMPLEMENTATIONOPERATIONS ANDMAINTENANCERecommendations
SOUTHEAST QUADRANT PROPOSED ROUTES
The Southeast Quadrant includes the second hub
for the bicycle and pedestrian network at Glen
Miller Park. The existing parking, playground and
recreational facilities within the park create an
already existing hub of activity. Small modifications
can be made to create a more bicycle and
pedestrian focused hub within the park. The current
use of the park will provide established visits which
can be capitalized upon for momentum with bicycle
and pedestrian awareness and encouragement.
The Southeast Quadrant includes areas with high
demand for bicycle and pedestrian facilities to
connect existing neighorhoods to shopping areas
within the quadrant. In addition, many of these
neighborhoods would like to connect with the
downtown.
One of the highest priority facilities for this quadrant
include providing facilities along US 40 to connect
shopping areas. A multi-use path is proposed along
one side of US 40 with a sidewalk proposed on the
other side. US 40 has existing sidewalks when it gets
closer to downtown but is lacking in sidewalks further
to the east. Intersection improvements will be needed
to provide safe and convenient access between
shopping on the north and south side of the road.
Other east-west routes are provided along Hodgin
Road and Wernle Road. Wernle Road includes
identification of the potential to continue the route
eastward to the State Line. These routes connect the
east end neighborhoods with downtown.
North-south routes are provided along Industrial
Parkway, Garwood Road, Henley Road, and South
25th Street. More neighborhoods are located to
the south of US 40 within this quadrant creating a
greater demand for north-south routes to connect
with US 40.
Shared-lane markings are proposed within the
more urban areas of the Southeast Quadrant. These
facilities are located on lower volume, slower speed
roadways and include markings on the pavement and
signage to alert motorists and bicyclists to the routes
through this portion of the City.
Shared Lane Marking
Indianapolis Cultural Trail, Cycle Track
Glen Miller Park
39CITY OF RICHMOND Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan
Figure 12 - Southeast Quadrant Proposed Route Map
MAP KEY
INTRODUCTION40INVENTORYRECOMMENDATIONSFACILITIES GUIDEIMPLEMENTATIONOPERATIONS ANDMAINTENANCERecommendations
DOWNTOWN PROPOSED ROUTES
The Downtown Detail Map provides a more
detailed look at the proposed improvements for
the downtown area. The downtown will be the hub
of activity for the network. In addition, there are
many opportunities for Richmond to provide unique
facilities connecting destinations around downtown.
These improvements will build the bicycle and
pedestrian friendly character of the City.
One of the key features of the bicycle and
pedestrian network within the downtown area
includes a connected system of cycle-track. These
separated facilities will be located along North 7th
Street, North 10th Street and portions of East Main
Street. The cycle track is proposed to continue south
of East Main Street along South 7th Street and South
10th Street to connect with 10th Street Park.
East Main Street is narrow and constricted in the core
of the downtown between North 4th Street and North
16th Street. Due to these constraints, the main east-
west routes through the downtown will be located on
adjacent parallel streets including North C Street and
South A Street. Bicyclists are accommodated through
downtown with shared-lane markings on this portion
of East Main Street. Where conditions allow, the
cycle track continues on East and West Main Street.
Improvements within the downtown area include the
addition of bike lanes to provide both north-south
routes and east-west routes. Bike lanes are proposed
along Richmond Avenue, North E Street, Southwest
2nd Street and South 5th Street.
Shared-lane markings are proposed within the
downtown area to further connect the system.
Shared-lane markings include a bike sharrow symbol
on the pavement and bicycle signage. The shared-
lane markings routes are located on lower volume,
lower speed streets but do provide another facility
for bicyclists who are more comfortable on the
road. Shared-lane marking routes include Southwest
1st Street, South 13th Street, North 13th Street,
South16th Street, North 16th Street, and Sheridan
Street.
Indianapolis Cultural Trail, Cycle Track
41CITY OF RICHMOND Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan
Figure 13 - Downtown Proposed Route Map
MAP KEY