What is it? A comprehensive bicycle or pedestrian network plan allows a municipality to set a vision for bicycle or pedestrian transportation in their community, plan for a bicycle or pedestrian network, and identify priority bicycle or pedestrian projects. Creation of a bicycle or pedestrian network plan is likely to be the first step to implementation of bicycle and pedestrian projects and supports a more bicycle-friendly walk-friendly environment.
How is it helpful? Having a plan for a bicycle or pedestrian network and identified projects allows the municipality to better communicate and coordinate their active transportation needs with regional planning organizations and NCDOT during transportation planning and project development. A bicycle or pedestrian planning process also helps with review of existing land use policies to encourage consideration of potential changes to realign local development standards with desired walk-friendly and bicycle-friendly outcomes.
Who is it for? This type of plan is a good option for municipalities that do not have an existing bicycle or pedestrian plan, or their previous plan is at least five years old, and they would like to update it.