ATTACHMENT 1

Town of Chapel Hill,

Bicycle and Pedestrian Action Plan

Process & Schedule

September 8, 2003

Context:

The stated transportation goal of the Town of Chapel Hill Comprehensive Plan 2000 is to:

“Develop a balanced, multi-modal transportation system that will enhance mobility for all citizens, reduce automobile dependence, and preserve/enhance the character of Chapel Hill”. (p.97)

A key action as stated in Section 10A-2 of the Comprehensive Plan is to:

“Develop a comprehensive pedestrian and bicycle network”.

Goal:

The goal of the bicycle and pedestrian action plan is first to identify a potential network and then to identify methods of creating it. The action plan is a long range plan. Plan implementation could be incorporated in the Capital Improvements Program process. The network should be safe and convenient to facilitate bicycling and walking as a chosen mode of transportation.

Coverage:

The plan area matches the urban services boundary defined in the 2000 Comprehensive Plan. 

The plan will identify and encourage potential linkages to facilities in neighboring communities where possible. Work shall be coordinated with UNC, Carrboro, Orange County and Durham County to encourage regional connections.

Network Features:

The network should be designed to:

• Provide direct connections between neighborhoods and from neighborhoods to activity centers.
• Include sidewalks and bike lanes along streets and highways (the focus of this strategy).
• Provide off-street bicycle/pedestrian paths developed as part of the greenway network.

Documentation:

The final plan document itself will consist of a short text document illustrated with photographs, assorted images a proposals map (indicating route links to other communities) and inset maps to accompany descriptions of the improvements required for sections of the routes.

Plan Content

The items to be addressed in this plan include but are not limited to:

• Introduction
• Objectives and Action Items to achieve them

o Objective 1 Complete a network of bikeways and sidewalks that serves citizens' needs, especially for travel to employment centers, commercial districts, transit stops, institutions, and recreational destinations.

o Objective 2 Provide bikeway facilities that are appropriate to the street classification, traffic volume and speed on all rights-of-way.

o Objective 3 Maintain and improve the quality, operation, and integrity of bike and pedestrian network facilities.

• Current State of the Town of Chapel Hill  Bike and Pedestrian  Network
• North Carolina  Department of Transportation Highways
• UNC Facilities
• Town of Carrboro, Orange, Durham and Chatham County Facilities
•  Network Development
• Sidewalks
• Bicycle Lanes
• Off-Street Paths
• Signed Connections
• Streets Classification and Policy
•  Operations & Maintenance
• Traffic Signal Operations
• Railroad Crossings

Time Frame: The plan preparation process is targeted to deliver a draft plan to The Town Council by June 2004.

Provisional Schedule
Key Step	Date	Comments/Notes
Bicycle & Pedestrian Board	August 26, 2003	Reviewed Process & Schedule
Report To Council	Monday September 8, 2003	Process & Schedule For Action Plan. Referral to Advisory Boards.
Refer Boards & Commissions	September, 2003	Process & Invitation to Open House
Bicycle & Pedestrian Board	Tuesday September 30, 2003	Prepare for Open House. Review Plan Objectives
Festifall	Sunday October 5, 2003	Info table & display to engage citizen input for Plan
Kick Off Open House	Thursday October 9, 2003	At Library 6-9 p.m.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Board	Tuesday October 28, 2003	Discuss Open House Feedback. Review current network.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Board	Tuesday November 18, 2003	Review network development
Bicycle and Pedestrian Board	Tuesday December 9, 2003*	Complete working Draft
Open House	Wednesday Jan 14, 2004	At Library 6-9 p.m.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Board	January- April 2004	Refine Draft & Review Document.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Board	Tuesday May 25,2004	Complete Draft
Report Draft to Town Council	Monday June 21, 2004	Referral to Advisory Boards
Review by Boards/ Commissions	July-August, 2004	May include Joint Meeting Planning & Transportation Brd
Public Hearing	September 20, 2004
Council Work Session	September/October	If needed
Town Council Adoption	October, 2004

*Meeting proposed for rescheduled date due to Holidays.