Chapter Two: Creating Your Community Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan

Iowa's residents and visitors sometimes travel long distances to explore regional and state trails and enjoy bicycle touring. Bicycling and walking however, remain essentially local activities. Most people walk within one-half mile of their homes and bicycle less than two miles per trip. Local governments are primarily responsible for implementing most bicycle and pedestrian projects, whether on trails, streets or sidewalks. Regional and state policies and programming requirements provide direction and partial funding for many projects–but most projects are locally initiated and implemented.

The following steps describe the process for creating a local plan to accommodate the recreational and transportation needs of bicyclists and pedestrians while increasing their overall safety and enjoyment.

STEPS TO CREATING A BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN PLAN

Step 1: Evaluate Existing Conditions

Step 2: Seek Public Input

Step 3: Planning Considerations

Step 4: Create a Bicycle System Plan

Step 5: Pedestrian System Planning

Step 6: Develop Implementation Plan

Checklist for Local Communities