Memphis MPO Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan (Final Report)

Author(s):

Transportation Consultants, LLC

Organization:

RPM Transportation Consultants, LLC

Publisher/Date:

RPM Transportation Consultants, LLC; prepared for the Memphis Metropolitan Planning Organization, Brentwood, TN, 2005

Rating:

Useful

Abstract:

The MPO's vision seeks to take advantage of the benefits that bicycling and walking can offer to the region, such as greater mobility, lower transportation costs, safer streets, cleaner air, less traffic congestion, lower healthcare costs, and greater quality of life. The Memphis MPO Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan is intended to help turn this vision into reality.

This plan is intended to identify the opportunities for enhancing bicycle and pedestrian travel within the Memphis MPO region. The recommendations contained in this plan should be used as guides for taking advantage of these opportunities. The intent of the plan is not to secure funding for every project, but, instead, to identify the benefits and approximate costs of the opportunities that are available.

The Memphis MPO Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan will serve as the bicycle and pedestrian component of the MPO's Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). Therefore, the goals of this plan must be consistent with the goals of the LRTP. Comprehensive in scope, this plan addresses all aspects of bicycle and pedestrian planning and design. The goals of this plan are listed below, in no particular order, with the corresponding LRTP goal noted in parentheses.

• Goal 1: To provide well-designed, safe, comfortable, continuous, direct, and convenient bicycle and pedestrian facilities for all users of various skill levels and physical abilities (LRTP 1, 4, 7, 8, 9)
• Goal 2: To increase the nonmotorized mode split and reduce the region's reliance on automobiles (LRTP 1, 3, 4, 7, 9)
• Goal 3: To increase the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians (LRTP 8)
• Goal 4: To reduce the number of injuries and deaths in crashes involving motorists and bicyclists and in crashes involving motorists and pedestrians (LRTP 8)
• Goal 5: To maximize the multimodal capacity of existing roads (LRTP 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9)
• Goal 6: To provide improved bicycle and pedestrian connections to existing and future mass transit facilities (LRTP 1, 4, 7, 9)
• Goal 7: To facilitate and encourage government and public involvement in the region's bicycle and pedestrian planning and design endeavors (LRTP 2, 5, 6)
• Goal 8: To provide safe and convenient bicycle and pedestrian facilities that connect recreational spaces to neighborhoods (LRTP 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9)
• Goal 9: To provide regional bicycle and pedestrian facilities that connect to attractors and generators, such as schools, parks, employment centers, civic centers, and other activity centers (LRTP 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9)
• Goal 10: To ensure that the needs of bicyclists and pedestrians are considered in the planning and design of future developments and projects (1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9)
• Goal 11: To provide for a more balanced and more affordable transportation system (LRTP 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 9)
• Goal 12: To increase awareness of bicycle and pedestrian-related issues and needs (LRTP 1, 4, 7, 8, 9)

• Introduction
• Importance of Plan
• Existing Conditions
  1. Current Ordinances and Regulations
  2. Current Land Use Patterns
  3. Bicycle Facilities
  4. Pedestrian Facilities
  5. Roadway Network
  6. Attractors and Generators
• Analyses of Existing Conditions
  1. Peer Cities Review
  2. Bicycle Compatibility of the Existing Roadway Network
  3. Opportunities for and Constraints to Bicycle and Pedestrian Travel
  4. Commuter and Student Needs
  5. Recreational Needs
• Types of Facilities
• Recommended Improvement Program
  1. Bicycle Facilities Plan
  2. Pedestrian Plan
  3. End-of-Trip Facilities
  4. Recommended Changes to Current Ordinances and Regulations
  5. Education and Encouragement
  6. Enforcement Efforts
• Financial Plan
• Implementation Plan
• APPENDICES
  • Acronyms
  • Definitions
  • Available Data
  • Results of the Citizens' Bicycling and Walking Survey
  • Media Report
  • Bicycle Compatibility Index Results

Number of Pages:

95

Link:

Memphis MPO Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan (Final Report) (http://www.dpdgov.com/(0tkwet45xfspxh45af03ta55)/RS/RS_content.aspx?id=305)

Table of Contents?

Yes

Illustrations?

Yes

Material Type:

Report

Key Document?

No

Categories:

Regional policy, guidelines; Planning, Concept/schematic Design

Keywords:

Memphis - Local, Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety, Pedestrian and Bicycle Planning

Strengths:

• Well connected to the Long Range Transportation Plan
• Goal oriented
• Includes specific recommendations for changes to current ordinances and regulations
• Included a survey
• References the "Draft Guidelines for Accessible Public Rights-of-way" for ADA standards
• Uses best-practice design recommendations in its appendix on Pedestrian Facilities Design Guidelines.

Weaknesses:

ADA and universal access are not included specifically in any of the goals, rather at the end by stating, "While these qualities will benefit all users, accessibility is especially important for users who have sight or mobility impairments. Adherence to the design standards contained in this plan will ensure that new facilities meet the requirements of the American's with Disabilities Act (ADA) and that the facilities can be accessed and utilized by everyone.".

Record Last Updated:

July 2006