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2019 Pedestrian PlanCONTENTS 1 2 3 4 BOULDER’S PEDESTRIAN PLAN What is in this Plan? Why Does It Matter? What are the Immediate Priorities? What is the History of Walking in Boulder? How Boulder Walks Today Boulder’s Pedestrian Programs and Services How Was the Plan Developed? What Did We Hear? KEY FINDINGS Safety is a Top Priority Walkable Destinations are Lacking Comfortable Routes to Destinations are Missing Improved Sidewalk Maintenance is Needed Funding is Limited OUR PATH FORWARD Our Vision and Goals Best Practices & Guiding Principles 1. Culture of Walking 2. Pedestrian Planning 3. Pedestrian-Focused Design 4. Facility Implementation 5. Maintenance 6. Prioritized Places for People NEXT STEPS How We Fund Pedestrian Improvements How We Will Measure Success Taking Bold Steps Together Boulder’s Pedestrian Plan Click on the links below to navigate through the plan BOULDERPedestrian Plan2019 CONTENTS 1 2 3 4 BOULDER’S PEDESTRIAN PLAN What is in this Plan? Why Does It Matter? What are the Immediate Priorities? What is the History of Walking in Boulder? How Boulder Walks Today Boulder’s Pedestrian Programs and Services How Was the Plan Developed? What Did We Hear? KEY FINDINGS Safety is a Top Priority Walkable Destinations are Lacking Comfortable Routes to Destinations are Missing Improved Sidewalk Maintenance is Needed Funding is Limited OUR PATH FORWARD Our Vision and Goals Best Practices & Guiding Principles 1. Culture of Walking 2. Pedestrian Planning 3. Pedestrian-Focused Design 4. Facility Implementation 5. Maintenance 6. Prioritized Places for People NEXT STEPS How We Fund Pedestrian Improvements How We Will Measure Success Taking Bold Steps Together Adopted by Boulder City Council on September 17, 2019 Click on the links below to navigate through the plan ACKNOWLEDGMENTS COUNCIL Mayor Suzanne Jones Mayor Pro Tem Sam Weaver Aaron Brockett Bob Yates Cindy Carlisle Lisa Morzel Mary Young Mirabai Nagle Jill Adler Grano (former) TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY BOARD (TAB) Bill Rigler (chair) Jennifer Nicoll (former chair) Tila Duhaime Johnny Drozdek Mark McIntyre Alex Weinheimer PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE Tila Duhaime (TAB Liaison) Jennifer Nicoll/Alex Weinheimer (TAB Liaison) Hugh Bell Diane Denenberg Randi Grassgreen Alicia Halberg Brent Halsey Spenser Havlick James Krolick Robyn Kube Yoav Lurie Sarah Massey-Warren Amy McCormick Ann Moss Mark Rosenstein Nora Schlosser Craig Towler Paul Wallick Lisa White CITY STAFF Project Leads: • Amy Lewin, Senior Transportation Planner • Emily Kleinfelter, Transportation Planning Specialist Kathleen Bracke, GO Boulder Manager/Acting Co- Director of Public Works Bill Cowern, Principal Traffic Engineer/Acting Co- Director of Public Works Michael Sweeney, Transportation Engineer Gerrit Slatter, Principal Transportation Projects Engineer Chris Hagelin, Senior Transportation Planner David Kemp, Senior Transportation Planner Randall Rutsch, Senior Transportation Planner Jean Sanson, Senior Transportation Planner Ryan Noles, Planner II Jenny Godwin, Associate Planner Joseph Paulson, Transportation Engineer Mark Shisler, Transportation Engineer Allison Crump, Employee Transportation Coordinator Will Shepherd, GO Boulder Program Coordinator Reese Shaw, Transportation Planning Specialist Ted Harberg, Comprehensive Planning Intern Alex Haefling, GO Boulder Intern Frances Rasker, GO Boulder Program Specialist (former) Jessica Guitar, Administrative Specialist III Note: All images property of City of Boulder unless otherwise noted CONSULTANT SUPPORT Darcy Kitching, Walk2Connect Barbara Lewis, Catalyst Charlie Alexander, Fehr & Peers Carly Sieff, Fehr & Peers Melissa Balding, Fehr & Peers Brie Becker, Nelson\Nygaard Thomas Brennan, Nelson\Nygaard CONTENTS 1 2 3 4 BOULDER’S PEDESTRIAN PLAN What is in this Plan? Why Does It Matter? What are the Immediate Priorities? What is the History of Walking in Boulder? How Boulder Walks Today Boulder’s Pedestrian Programs and Services How Was the Plan Developed? What Did We Hear? KEY FINDINGS Safety is a Top Priority Walkable Destinations are Lacking Comfortable Routes to Destinations are Missing Improved Sidewalk Maintenance is Needed Funding is Limited OUR PATH FORWARD Our Vision and Goals Best Practices & Guiding Principles 1. Culture of Walking 2. Pedestrian Planning 3. Pedestrian-Focused Design 4. Facility Implementation 5. Maintenance 6. Prioritized Places for People NEXT STEPS How We Fund Pedestrian Improvements How We Will Measure Success Taking Bold Steps Together BOULDER Pedestrian Plan Boulder’s Pedestrian Plan 3 Click on the links below to navigate through the plan Our Vision is that everyone enjoys being a pedestrian in Boulder for all types of trips— walking is easy, safe and well-connected. BOULDER PUTS PEDESTRIANS FIRST BOULDER’S PEDESTRIAN PLAN The Boulder Pedestrian Plan is a bold vision to improve walking and rolling in Boulder for people of all ages and abilities. Although much has been accomplished since the 1996 Pedestrian Plan, many challenges for pedestrians still exist. There are still safety issues, a lack of destinations to walk to in some areas of town, missing sidewalks, and a lack of comfortable routes. We also face challenges maintaining clear pathways and funding all of the improvements we’d like to make. This is Boulder’s plan to improve walking throughout our community. 1 CONTENTS 1 2 3 4 BOULDER’S PEDESTRIAN PLAN What is in this Plan? Why Does It Matter? What are the Immediate Priorities? What is the History of Walking in Boulder? How Boulder Walks Today Boulder’s Pedestrian Programs and Services How Was the Plan Developed? What Did We Hear? KEY FINDINGS Safety is a Top Priority Walkable Destinations are Lacking Comfortable Routes to Destinations are Missing Improved Sidewalk Maintenance is Needed Funding is Limited OUR PATH FORWARD Our Vision and Goals Best Practices & Guiding Principles 1. Culture of Walking 2. Pedestrian Planning 3. Pedestrian-Focused Design 4. Facility Implementation 5. Maintenance 6. Prioritized Places for People NEXT STEPS How We Fund Pedestrian Improvements How We Will Measure Success Taking Bold Steps Together Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Transportation Master Plan Pedestrian Plan Bike Plan Transit Plan Airport Master Plan Boulder’s Climate Commitment MODAL PLANS: BOULDER PLANNING PROCESS BOULDER Pedestrian Plan Boulder’s Pedestrian Plan 4 Click on the links below to navigate through the plan WHAT IS IN THIS PLAN? The Boulder Pedestrian Plan sets the course to improve walking and rolling in Boulder. This Plan has been updated in concert with the community’s Transportation Master Plan Update, which emphasizes the desire to prioritize the pedestrian. Walking is a part of every trip! Our plan includes: • An overview of the history of walking, why it’s important and how Boulder walks today • A summary of our process and what we heard from the community • Key findings • Vision and goals • Best practices and guidance • Priority initiatives to improve walking in Boulder • A funding and performance measurement approach MENTAL COMMUNITY EMOTIONAL SPIRITUAL ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF WALKING PHYSICAL GREAT WALK CHECKLIST Attractive, Accessible Design Mixed-use buildings Landscaping Lighting Calm adjacent traffic Fresh Air The Pedestrian Plan is one of the Transportation Master Plan’s modal plans. Many topics that influence the pedestrian experience--such as parking, vehicle speeds, transit, vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and land use—are covered in more detail in the Transportation Master Plan (TMP). Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Boulder’s Climate Commitment Transportation Master Plan Transit PlanBike Plan Airport Master Plan CONTENTS 1 2 3 4 BOULDER’S PEDESTRIAN PLAN What is in this Plan? Why Does It Matter? What are the Immediate Priorities? What is the History of Walking in Boulder? How Boulder Walks Today Boulder’s Pedestrian Programs and Services How Was the Plan Developed? What Did We Hear? KEY FINDINGS Safety is a Top Priority Walkable Destinations are Lacking Comfortable Routes to Destinations are Missing Improved Sidewalk Maintenance is Needed Funding is Limited OUR PATH FORWARD Our Vision and Goals Best Practices & Guiding Principles 1. Culture of Walking 2. Pedestrian Planning 3. Pedestrian-Focused Design 4. Facility Implementation 5. Maintenance 6. Prioritized Places for People NEXT STEPS How We Fund Pedestrian Improvements How We Will Measure Success Taking Bold Steps Together Everyone is a pedestrian. There are many types of walking trips, some long and some short. BOULDER Pedestrian Plan Boulder’s Pedestrian Plan 5 Click on the links below to navigate through the plan We walk for fun We walk to transit We walk to a B-cycle We walk to our cars We walk to the grocery store Groceries WHY DOES IT MATTER? Walking is fundamental - it contributes to our health, happiness, social connections, and sense of community Walking is part of every trip and connects people to places and to each other Walking connects us to other modes of travel Walking supports our Climate Commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions When we design places that are great to walk, we create comfortable, safe environments 1 2 3 4 5 WHAT ARE THE IMMEDIATE PRIORITIES? Below are a list of actions we’ll prioritize in 2019 to improve walking in Boulder. A complete list of actions is included in Section 3. 2A. Implement the 2019 Vision Zero Action Plan to improve pedestrian safety. 2B. Develop a program to make walking more comfortable (“low-stress”) to daily destinations (promoting 15-minute walkable neighborhoods in planning, implementing Pedestrian Improvement Areas, implementing Neighborhood GreenStreets). 5B. Evaluate and refine/enhance snow removal on pedestrian facilities to improve access to transit stops, prioritize crosswalk clearing, and generally improve conditions after snow events. 4C. Complete and implement the Accessible Boulder: ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan. 4D. Update Pedestrian crossing Treatment Installation Guidelines per industry best practices, local experiences, and assessment of effectiveness of crossing treatments. THE PEDESTRIAN PLAN AT A GLANCE 1C. Establish baselines and targets for the performance measures described in the How We Will Measure Success section and use in the 2020 Transportation Report on Progress 1G. Reapply for Walk Friendly Community designation that incorporates a comprehensive assessment of walking conditions in Boulder. 1H. Develop community- based committee to support implementation of the Pedestrian Plan and the ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan. CONTENTS 1 2 3 4 BOULDER’S PEDESTRIAN PLAN What is in this Plan? Why Does It Matter? What are the Immediate Priorities? What is the History of Walking in Boulder? How Boulder Walks Today Boulder’s Pedestrian Programs and Services How Was the Plan Developed? What Did We Hear? KEY FINDINGS Safety is a Top Priority Walkable Destinations are Lacking Comfortable Routes to Destinations are Missing Improved Sidewalk Maintenance is Needed Funding is Limited OUR PATH FORWARD Our Vision and Goals Best Practices & Guiding Principles 1. Culture of Walking 2. Pedestrian Planning 3. Pedestrian-Focused Design 4. Facility Implementation 5. Maintenance 6. Prioritized Places for People NEXT STEPS How We Fund Pedestrian Improvements How We Will Measure Success Taking Bold Steps Together 6 Click on the links below to navigate through the plan 1860 1880 1900 1920 https://bouldercolorado.gov/transportation/the-history-of-transportation WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF WALKING IN BOULDER? 1871 1st wooden sidewalks constructed on Pearl St 1886 Wooden sidewalks replaced with stone flagging; kerosene streetlights installed 1890 Boulder Wheel Club was established 1899 Opening of the Boulder Street Railway, a streetcar line 1908 Denver and Interurban train started service to Boulder on June 23 1917 Pearl Street was finally paved 1931 First fleet of four Mack buses were purchased for Boulder’s transit system B C D A B A 1940 1960 1980 2000 2020 1960 Planner Trafton Bean produced Boulder’s first comprehensive traffic, transportation, and parking study. 1977 Pearl Street Mall constructed 1980 First Pedestrian Conference occurred 1987 Boulder Creek Path opened 1988 Downtown Transit Center opened 1989 City’s first Transportation Master Plan and Greenways Master Plan developed 1992 College Avenue Underpass between University of Colorado and The Hill constructed 1993 Multimodal Broadway Path completed 1996 TMP updated with establishment of the pedestrian as the primary mode of travel in Boulder; first Pedestrian Plan Boulder’s first event street and a new “Civic Plaza” on 13th between Arapahoe and Canyon constructed 1997 Over 40 underpasses had been constructed in Boulder 2015 Opening of Boulder Junction transit center 2006 29th Street Mall redevelopment opened 2017 80th underpass constructed (Baseline east of Broadway) 2005 Safe Routes to Schools Program began E F G H I C D E F I G H CONTENTS 1 2 3 4 BOULDER’S PEDESTRIAN PLAN What is in this Plan? Why Does It Matter? What are the Immediate Priorities? What is the History of Walking in Boulder? How Boulder Walks Today Boulder’s Pedestrian Programs and Services How Was the Plan Developed? What Did We Hear? KEY FINDINGS Safety is a Top Priority Walkable Destinations are Lacking Comfortable Routes to Destinations are Missing Improved Sidewalk Maintenance is Needed Funding is Limited OUR PATH FORWARD Our Vision and Goals Best Practices & Guiding Principles 1. Culture of Walking 2. Pedestrian Planning 3. Pedestrian-Focused Design 4. Facility Implementation 5. Maintenance 6. Prioritized Places for People NEXT STEPS How We Fund Pedestrian Improvements How We Will Measure Success Taking Bold Steps Together BOULDER Pedestrian Plan Boulder’s Pedestrian Plan 7 Click on the links below to navigate through the plan HOW BOULDER WALKS TODAY Boulder residents are more active than most: we make one out of every five trips on foot. And we walk for a variety of reasons. We walk to visit with family or friends, to spend time with a canine companion, to shop or grab a bite to eat, to catch a bus or hop on a B-Cycle, or to get to work. In fact, about 11% of Boulder residents walk to work — over three times the national average! 15% of work commute trips by Boulder residents re on foot 20% of ll trips by Boulder residents re on foot of work commute trips by Boulder residents re on foot A B Why do people walk? TOP REASONS INCLUDE: The AVERAGE WALKING TRIP is: To/from Work For Social Activity For Recreation For Personal Business/Errands To/from School 1 mile long 19 minutes 1 2 3 4 5 Source: Modal Shift in the Boulder Valley (1990-2018) BOULDER’S PEDESTRIAN PROGRAMS AND SERVICES The city builds and maintains pedestrian facilities. . . • Missing Links Program: builds sidewalks where missing. • Multi-Use Paths (Greenways Program): builds and maintains multi-use paths along the city’s tributaries. • Pedestrian Crossing Treatment Program: builds and maintains crossings for pedestrians. • Pavement Management Program: when making pavement repairs, also upgrades curb ramps to meet ADA standards. • Sidewalk Repair Program: repairs broken and damaged sidewalks. • Snow and Ice Removal Program: clears 50 percent of streets and 98 percent of multi-use paths. The city also offers programs that encourage safe walking. . . • Vision Zero: community’s goal to reduce the number of traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries to zero. • Heads Up Boulder|Mind the Crosswalk: enhances crosswalk safety through education and enforcement for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. • Lighten Up Boulder: provides free bike and pedestrian lights. • The Way of the Path: promotes a series of rules designed to encourage proper etiquette and safety for all path users. • Boulder Walks: organized community group walks to celebrate and encourage walking as a travel choice for residents and employees. • Safe Routes to School: enables, encourages and empowers students by addressing barriers that make it difficult or unsafe to walk and bike to school. • Walk + Bike Month: celebrates and encourages walking and biking through the month of June. • Walk with a Doc: partnership between Boulder Community Health and the City of Boulder with free monthly walks and talks on different health topics. CONTENTS 1 2 3 4 BOULDER’S PEDESTRIAN PLAN What is in this Plan? Why Does It Matter? What are the Immediate Priorities? What is the History of Walking in Boulder? How Boulder Walks Today Boulder’s Pedestrian Programs and Services How Was the Plan Developed? What Did We Hear? KEY FINDINGS Safety is a Top Priority Walkable Destinations are Lacking Comfortable Routes to Destinations are Missing Improved Sidewalk Maintenance is Needed Funding is Limited OUR PATH FORWARD Our Vision and Goals Best Practices & Guiding Principles 1. Culture of Walking 2. Pedestrian Planning 3. Pedestrian-Focused Design 4. Facility Implementation 5. Maintenance 6. Prioritized Places for People NEXT STEPS How We Fund Pedestrian Improvements How We Will Measure Success Taking Bold Steps Together BOULDER Pedestrian Plan Boulder’s Pedestrian Plan 8 Click on the links below to navigate through the plan https://bouldercolorado.gov/transportation/pedestrian-crossing-treatmentshttps://bouldercolorado.gov/transportation/pedestrian-crossing-treatmentshttps://bouldercolorado.gov/transportation/pedestrian-crossing-treatments https://bouldercolorado.gov/transportation/pedestrian-crossing-treatmentshttps://bouldercolorado.gov/transportation/pedestrian-crossing-treatmentshttps://bouldercolorado.gov/transportation/pedestrian-crossing-treatmentshttps://bouldercolorado.gov/transportation/pedestrian-crossing-treatmentshttps://bouldercolorado.gov/transportation/pedestrian-crossing-treatments https://bouldercolorado.gov/transportation/missing-sidewalk-links-program https://bouldercolorado.gov/transportation/missing-sidewalk-links-program https://bouldercolorado.gov/transportation/missing-sidewalk-links-program https://bouldercolorado.gov/transportation/missing-sidewalk-links-program https://bouldercolorado.gov/transportation/missing-sidewalk-links-program https://bouldercolorado.gov/transportation/missing-sidewalk-links-program https://bouldercolorado.gov/transportation/missing-sidewalk-links-program https://bouldercolorado.gov/transportation/sidewalk-and-path-maintenancehttps://bouldercolorado.gov/transportation/sidewalk-and-path-maintenance https://bouldercolorado.gov/transportation/sidewalk-and-path-maintenancehttps://bouldercolorado.gov/transportation/sidewalk-and-path-maintenancehttps://bouldercolorado.gov/transportation/sidewalk-and-path-maintenancehttps://bouldercolorado.gov/transportation/sidewalk-and-path-maintenancehttps://bouldercolorado.gov/transportation/sidewalk-and-path-maintenancehttps://bouldercolorado.gov/transportation/sidewalk-and-path-maintenance Elements of the Pedestrian Environment 1. Missing Sidewalk 2. Bus Stop 5. Underpass 6. Sidewalk Maintenance (snow, ice, vegetation, and tripping hazards) 8. Enhanced Crosswalk (with yellow blinking lights) 7. Detached Sidewalk (separated from roadway) 4. Attached Sidewalk (next to roadway) 9. Multi-use Path Missing sidewalks are connections that are missing entirely along stretches of roadway. Attached sidewalks are next to the roadway. Detached sidewalk are separated from the roadway. Sidewalk maintenance removes snow, ice, vegetation, and tripping hazards. Bus stops provide a clean, comfortable place for people to wait for the bus; they can vary in level of amenities and may include bus shelters with bike parking, trash receptacles, and lighting. Signalized intersections help to inform pedestrians when they can safely proceed through the intersection. Underpasses and overpasses are facilities that are completely separated from car traffic by elevation. Enhanced crosswalks provide pavement markings and highly visible treatments to improve safety such as Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs). Multi-use paths provide low- stress travel areas separate from motorized traffic for walkers and rollers. 1 4 7 6 2 3 5 8 9 3. Signalized Intersection CONTENTS 1 2 3 4 BOULDER’S PEDESTRIAN PLAN What is in this Plan? Why Does It Matter? What are the Immediate Priorities? What is the History of Walking in Boulder? How Boulder Walks Today Boulder’s Pedestrian Programs and Services How Was the Plan Developed? What Did We Hear? KEY FINDINGS Safety is a Top Priority Walkable Destinations are Lacking Comfortable Routes to Destinations are Missing Improved Sidewalk Maintenance is Needed Funding is Limited OUR PATH FORWARD Our Vision and Goals Best Practices & Guiding Principles 1. Culture of Walking 2. Pedestrian Planning 3. Pedestrian-Focused Design 4. Facility Implementation 5. Maintenance 6. Prioritized Places for People NEXT STEPS How We Fund Pedestrian Improvements How We Will Measure Success Taking Bold Steps Together BOULDER Pedestrian Plan Boulder’s Pedestrian Plan 9 Click on the links below to navigate through the plan HOW WAS THE PLAN DEVELOPED? We reached out in a variety of ways to have conversations about walking and rolling in Boulder: • Online input via Be Heard Boulder »Surveys »Question of the Month »Walking stories • In-person events • Pedestrian Advisory Committee (PAC) PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE (PAC) The Pedestrian Advisory Committee comprises community members who guided the development of the Pedestrian Plan. Members provided input on all aspects of the plan throughout the process and served as ambassadors to the larger community to share information and gather feedback. By the numbers: • 18 members • 6 meetings • Over 7 walkabouts • 2 webinars CONTENTS 1 2 3 4 BOULDER’S PEDESTRIAN PLAN What is in this Plan? Why Does It Matter? What are the Immediate Priorities? What is the History of Walking in Boulder? How Boulder Walks Today Boulder’s Pedestrian Programs and Services How Was the Plan Developed? What Did We Hear? KEY FINDINGS Safety is a Top Priority Walkable Destinations are Lacking Comfortable Routes to Destinations are Missing Improved Sidewalk Maintenance is Needed Funding is Limited OUR PATH FORWARD Our Vision and Goals Best Practices & Guiding Principles 1. Culture of Walking 2. Pedestrian Planning 3. Pedestrian-Focused Design 4. Facility Implementation 5. Maintenance 6. Prioritized Places for People NEXT STEPS How We Fund Pedestrian Improvements How We Will Measure Success Taking Bold Steps Together Source: Input from the community via Be Heard Boulder Click on the links below to navigate through the plan WHAT DID WE HEAR? We asked people in Boulder about what they enjoy about walking, what would make it easier for them to walk, and their hopes and concerns. Here’s what we heard: • Prioritize the pedestrian, provide more space for people • Make it easy to walk to daily needs/destinations • Provide more separation from vehicles and cyclists • Slow vehicle speeds • Create a culture of walking; through design, show that pedestrians belong and are prioritized on our streets • Make getting around accessible for all ages and abilities • Improve snow removal WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT WALKING? Health Easy Nature Community Access to Places “Much less stressful than driving and having to park” “It is great exercise and gets me outdoors” “In Boulder, there are many great paths and trails with fantastic views” “I enjoy how you can walk to almost any destination that you desire in and around Boulder” “(..) allows me to see the city at a di erent pace and from a di erent perspective” WHAT WOULD MAKE IT EASIER FOR YOU TO WALK? Fewer/slower cars ”I [dislike] walking along or crossing all these 4-lane streets” Fewer bike conflicts “More protected bike lanes so there are fewer cyclists on the sidewalk”Walkable destinations “Places to walk that are near to current neighborhoods” Safer Crossings “Cars [that] stop at intersections for pedestrians without me having to be assertive” Sidewalk maintenance “When they plow the main streets they leave huge mountains in front of the bus stop” WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES AND CONCERNS ABOUT WALKING IN BOULDER IN THE FUTURE? Fewer people driving Bike/Ped separation Safer pedestrian environment Prioritizing pedestrians Walkable destinations “It would be nice to feel safer to walk alone after dark” “More police enforcement for cars disregarding walk signals and crosswalks” “I am concerned that the city won’t be aggressive enough in their decisions. We need to continue to be the leaders of the world and push for a more sustainable future” “Moving people other than their personal vehicles” “Get bicycles o of sidewalks” “That we will have truly walkable neighborhoods – mixed use where I can walk from my house to a destination” “That we won’t be bold enough. That we won’t take a big picture view of land use and transportation as an integrated problem” “That walkability can incentivize people to leave their cars behind” What do you enjoy about walking? What would make it easier for you to walk? What are your hopes and concerns about walking in the future? 10 11 CONTENTS 1 2 3 4 BOULDER’S PEDESTRIAN PLAN What is in this Plan? Why Does It Matter? What are the Immediate Priorities? What is the History of Walking in Boulder? How Boulder Walks Today Boulder’s Pedestrian Programs and Services How Was the Plan Developed? What Did We Hear? KEY FINDINGS Safety is a Top Priority Walkable Destinations are Lacking Comfortable Routes to Destinations are Missing Improved Sidewalk Maintenance is Needed Funding is Limited OUR PATH FORWARD Our Vision and Goals Best Practices & Guiding Principles 1. Culture of Walking 2. Pedestrian Planning 3. Pedestrian-Focused Design 4. Facility Implementation 5. Maintenance 6. Prioritized Places for People NEXT STEPS How We Fund Pedestrian Improvements How We Will Measure Success Taking Bold Steps Together Click on the links below to navigate through the plan KEY FINDINGS Challenges to our pedestrian system are multifaceted. Safety is paramount, and pedestrians are still being seriously injured—and in rare cases, killed—on our roadways. Some community members don’t walk as much as they’d like—particularly for daily needs— because they don’t feel safe walking. Sometimes this lack of comfort is due to missing/narrow sidewalks, snow or other obstructions due to poor maintenance, or the need to cross wide streets with uncomfortable traffic speeds. Many facilities are not easily accessible, posing additional safety concerns for people in wheelchairs or other mobility devices. Funding is also limited. Some areas of the city also make it challenging to walk because they were developed solely with residential uses and lack desired destinations within walking distance. 2 BOULDER Pedestrian Plan Key Findings 12 CONTENTS 1 2 3 4 BOULDER’S PEDESTRIAN PLAN What is in this Plan? Why Does It Matter? What are the Immediate Priorities? What is the History of Walking in Boulder? How Boulder Walks Today Boulder’s Pedestrian Programs and Services How Was the Plan Developed? What Did We Hear? KEY FINDINGS Safety is a Top Priority Walkable Destinations are Lacking Comfortable Routes to Destinations are Missing Improved Sidewalk Maintenance is Needed Funding is Limited OUR PATH FORWARD Our Vision and Goals Best Practices & Guiding Principles 1. Culture of Walking 2. Pedestrian Planning 3. Pedestrian-Focused Design 4. Facility Implementation 5. Maintenance 6. Prioritized Places for People NEXT STEPS How We Fund Pedestrian Improvements How We Will Measure Success Taking Bold Steps Together Click on the links below to navigate through the plan CHALLENGE Pedestrians are still being seriously injured and in rare cases, killed, on our roadways —and when pedestrians get hit, they get hurt. Over half of pedestrian-related crashes occurred within crosswalks (e.g., intersections, driveways, marked mid-block crossings), and just over a quarter occurred at other roadway locations. OPPORTUNITY The 2019 Safe Streets Report included a detailed analysis of pedestrian safety and offered specific action items in support of Vision Zero—the overarching commitment that no one should die or be seriously injured on our roadways. Improving travel safety is based on a holistic combination of the four E’s — Engineering, Education, Enforcement, Evaluation — and relies upon our community to keep people safe. To achieve Vision Zero, the four E’s approach helps ensure we are addressing travel safety from all angles. For instance, dangerous travel behaviors, such as impaired or distracted travel, can be countered through enforcement efforts and safety education outreach, while engineering treatments can help prevent intersection conflicts. Applying all four E’s is the most comprehensive way to help prevent crashes. See Initiative 1, Initiative 2 and Initiative 4 for more information on priority strategies and actions. SAFETY IS A TOP PRIORITY Key Finding 1 11 !( !( !(!( !( !(!( !( !( !( !( !(!(!( !(!( !(!( !(!( !(!(!(!( !( !( !( !( !( !(!( !( !( !( !( !( !(!( !( !( !(!(!( !(!(!(!(!(!( !(!(!(!( !(!(!(!(!(!( !(!(!(!(!(!( !(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!( !(!(!(!(!(!(!(!( !(!( !(!( !( !(!(!(!(!(!( !(!(!( !(!(!( !( !(!( !( !( !( !( !( Number of Crashes 1 - 2 3 - 4 5 - 6 City of Boulder Limits Number of Serious and Fatal Crashes 1 2 5 Iris Ave Kalmia Ave Violet Ave Yarmouth Ave Lee H i l l D r Jay Rd Balsam Ave Mapleton Ave University Ave College Ave BroadwayBr o a d w a y Mo o r h e a d A v e Canyon Blvd Arapahoe Ave Arapahoe Ave Valmont Rd Colorado Ave Regent Dr Baseline Rd South Boulder RdTable Mesa Dr Lehigh StGreenbriar BlvdBaseline Rd F o o t h i l l s P k w yPearl Pkwy Pine St Pearl St Pearl St Canyon Blvd Walnut StBroadway Cherryvale Rd55th StFoothills Pkwy28th St28th St30th St33rd St30th St61st StFolsom St26th st19th stFolsom St19th St20th St9th St9th St6th St13th St36 36 36 NMiles00.5 1 2 Gunbarrel Inset 63rd St75th StJay RdDiagonal HwyLookout Rd Spine RdPedestrian Crashes (2015-17) WORK COMMUTE TRIPS • WALKING (2013-17) Boulder 11 .3% Denver Metro 2 .1% United States 2 .7% Source: ACS 5-year (2013-17) THIS MAP shows the locations of pedestrian crashes, with the larger and darker dots representing a higher number of crashes. Locations with the highest numbers of pedestrian-related crashes include:  Broadway & North St  15th St & Canyon Blvd  Folsom St & Canyon Blvd  Baseline Rd & Broadway Rings show locations with severe crashes (e.g., Broadway & North St and Baseline Rd & Broadway). Key approaches to achieving the Vision Zero goals for pedestrians include:  Pedestrian Head Starts (e.g., implemented at Broadway & North St)  “No Right-Turn on Red” restrictions (e.g., implemented for the southbound right-turn at Folsom St & Arapahoe Ave)  Left-turn protected phasing (see p. 16) (e.g., implemented for all left-turn movements at Foothills Pkwy & Arapahoe Ave)  Education for motorists and pedestrians (e.g., educating pedestrian of the danger of jaywalking or trying to dart between traffic) The three most common—and more harmful—types of crashes involving pedestrians include: 1 2 3Left-turning vehicles hitting pedestrians 24% of all pedestrian crashes, with one out of five severe. Pedestrians dashing out into the street and being hit by a vehicle 14% of all pedestrian crashes, with one out of four severe. Motorists failing to yield to pedestrians in an intersection 10% of all pedestrian crashes, with one out of five severe. Source: 2019 Vision Zero Boulder: Safe Streets Report. BOULDER Pedestrian Plan Key Findings 13 CONTENTS 1 2 3 4 BOULDER’S PEDESTRIAN PLAN What is in this Plan? Why Does It Matter? What are the Immediate Priorities? What is the History of Walking in Boulder? How Boulder Walks Today Boulder’s Pedestrian Programs and Services How Was the Plan Developed? What Did We Hear? KEY FINDINGS Safety is a Top Priority Walkable Destinations are Lacking Comfortable Routes to Destinations are Missing Improved Sidewalk Maintenance is Needed Funding is Limited OUR PATH FORWARD Our Vision and Goals Best Practices & Guiding Principles 1. Culture of Walking 2. Pedestrian Planning 3. Pedestrian-Focused Design 4. Facility Implementation 5. Maintenance 6. Prioritized Places for People NEXT STEPS How We Fund Pedestrian Improvements How We Will Measure Success Taking Bold Steps Together Click on the links below to navigate through the plan CHALLENGE Many areas of the city were developed solely with residential uses - no destinations such as grocery stores, restaurants, or bus stops are within walking distance. Current zoning doesn’t allow the introduction of new uses. OPPORTUNITY There is an ongoing effort to bring the Land Use Code’s “Use Standards” more in alignment with the desired development and community outcomes identified in the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan (BVCP). One of the key initiatives is to support 15-minute walkable neighborhoods where daily goods, services, and transit are within a 15-minute walk from where people live or work. Commercial uses should be located on the ground floor of buildings to create a strong street presence that engages with the sidewalk and public areas. In addition, the city is embarking on a set of subarea planning efforts to take a more detailed look at key areas. One ongoing effort is the East Boulder Subcommunity Plan. Future Subcommunity Plans currently on the horizon include Palo Park and Central Boulder. See Initiative 2, Initiative 3 and Initiative 6 for more information on priority strategies and actions. WALKABLE DESTINATIONS ARE LACKING Key Finding 2 Foothills Pkwy61st St63rd StSpine RdFo o t h i l l s P k w y Baseline RdBaseline Rd Table Mesa Dr Dartmouth Ave S Boulder Rd Colorado Ave Arapahoe Ave Arapahoe Ave Kalmia Ave Valmont Rd Airport Rd Valmont Rd Jay Rd Canyon Blvd University Ave Iris Ave Balsam Ave Violet Ave Yarmouth Ave 28th S t Linden Ave Mapleton Ave Pearl St Lee Hil l D r 30th St30th StLehigh StGi l l a s p i e D r28th St28th St26th StFolsom St55th StCherryvale Rd19th StBroadwayBroa d w a y US 36 S Bro a d w a y9th St9th StAreas with Few Destinations within a 15-Min Walk Gunbarrel Inset Lookout Rd 63rd StSH 119Walk Access Score Low (3-4) Very Low (1-2) We asked the community which destinations you wanted to walk to. The top choices were: 1. Grocery Stores 2. Cafes/Coffee Shops 3. Parks/Neighborhood Gardens 4. Restaurants/Pubs/Bars 5. Bus Stops 6. Trailheads 7. City Recreation Centers/ Other fitness centers 8. Libraries 9. Schools CITY OF BOULDER Low-Stress Walk and Bike Network Plan 14 Figure 11. Existing Low-Stress Walk Network ��69% residentil streets 15% minor rterils/ collectors 9% freewys/ expresswys 6% principl rterils 1% privte streets BOULDER Pedestrian Plan Key Findings 14 CONTENTS 1 2 3 4 BOULDER’S PEDESTRIAN PLAN What is in this Plan? Why Does It Matter? What are the Immediate Priorities? What is the History of Walking in Boulder? How Boulder Walks Today Boulder’s Pedestrian Programs and Services How Was the Plan Developed? What Did We Hear? KEY FINDINGS Safety is a Top Priority Walkable Destinations are Lacking Comfortable Routes to Destinations are Missing Improved Sidewalk Maintenance is Needed Funding is Limited OUR PATH FORWARD Our Vision and Goals Best Practices & Guiding Principles 1. Culture of Walking 2. Pedestrian Planning 3. Pedestrian-Focused Design 4. Facility Implementation 5. Maintenance 6. Prioritized Places for People NEXT STEPS How We Fund Pedestrian Improvements How We Will Measure Success Taking Bold Steps Together Click on the links below to navigate through the plan CHALLENGE Several areas do have desired destinations that would be within a comfortable 15-minute walk if there weren’t uncomfortable crossings, missing sidewalks and other barriers. Areas with heavy traffic also influence pedestrian comfort due to air and noise pollustion. OPPORTUNITY Taking both safety and comfort into account when planning for pedestrians can make the difference between a person choosing to walk or not—especially for a “functional” trip, like walking to a store. “Pedestrian Improvement Areas,” identified at right, will be further studied to identify opportunities for new sidewalks, upgrades to sidewalks and ramps to meet ADA standards, new pedestrian crossings or enhancements to existing crossings, lighting and other amenities, and wayfinding. These “Pedestrian Improvement Areas” already have a number of great destinations reasonably close to homes, and with small changes to make walking safer and more pleasant, more people would likely choose to walk instead of drive there. See Initiative 2, Initiative 3, Initiative 4, and Initiative 6 for more information on priority strategies and actions. COMFORTABLE ROUTES TO DESTINATIONS ARE MISSING Key Finding 3 Using GIS data, transportation staff assessed each pedestrian facility as low- or high-stress and calculated low-stress access to key destinations deemed important by the community. This allowed staff to identify specific “Pedestrian Improvement Areas,” that were then validated with the help of the Pedestrian Advisory Committee. 49 miles of sidewalks are missing throughout the city – particularly in our residential neighborhoods. WHERE ARE SIDEWALKS MISSING? PEDESTRIAN LEVEL OF STRESS BOULDER Pedestrian Plan Key Findings 15 CONTENTS 1 2 3 4 BOULDER’S PEDESTRIAN PLAN What is in this Plan? Why Does It Matter? What are the Immediate Priorities? What is the History of Walking in Boulder? How Boulder Walks Today Boulder’s Pedestrian Programs and Services How Was the Plan Developed? What Did We Hear? KEY FINDINGS Safety is a Top Priority Walkable Destinations are Lacking Comfortable Routes to Destinations are Missing Improved Sidewalk Maintenance is Needed Funding is Limited OUR PATH FORWARD Our Vision and Goals Best Practices & Guiding Principles 1. Culture of Walking 2. Pedestrian Planning 3. Pedestrian-Focused Design 4. Facility Implementation 5. Maintenance 6. Prioritized Places for People NEXT STEPS How We Fund Pedestrian Improvements How We Will Measure Success Taking Bold Steps Together Click on the links below to navigate through the plan CHALLENGE There are many challenges to maintaining sidewalks so that they are clear and free of tripping hazards. As time passes, tree roots and drainage can cause sidewalks to buckle and/or crack and need repair, snow events require sidewalks to be cleared, and untended vegetation impedes the sidewalks. Other sidewalk blockages can occur from parked vehicles (on-street or in private lots). Often property owners and residents don’t know their responsibilities when it comes to keeping sidewalks clear in front of their homes and businesses. OPPORTUNITY Partnerships between the city and property owners are key to understanding roles and responsibilities to keep sidewalks well maintained and clear. The city maintains pedestrian facilities with sidewalk repair cost sharing programs and some snow removal on select facilities. Property owners also play a role by keeping vegetation cut back and removing snow and ice along their frontages as well as reporting tripping hazards and vegetation encroachments. Efforts to build awareness of the need and benefits of keeping sidewalks clear of snow, ice, and overgrown vegetation will help to address this challenge. See Initiative 5 for more information on priority strategies and actions. IMPROVED SIDEWALK MAINTENANCE IS NEEDED Key Finding 4 Sidewalk with vegetation obstruction Sidewalk with vegetation obstructionSnow-covered crossings are particularly difficult for wheelchair users Sidewalk blocked by parked cars Unplowed sidewalks are challenging for wheelchair users and pedestrians BOULDER Pedestrian Plan Key Findings 16 CONTENTS 1 2 3 4 BOULDER’S PEDESTRIAN PLAN What is in this Plan? Why Does It Matter? What are the Immediate Priorities? What is the History of Walking in Boulder? How Boulder Walks Today Boulder’s Pedestrian Programs and Services How Was the Plan Developed? What Did We Hear? KEY FINDINGS Safety is a Top Priority Walkable Destinations are Lacking Comfortable Routes to Destinations are Missing Improved Sidewalk Maintenance is Needed Funding is Limited OUR PATH FORWARD Our Vision and Goals Best Practices & Guiding Principles 1. Culture of Walking 2. Pedestrian Planning 3. Pedestrian-Focused Design 4. Facility Implementation 5. Maintenance 6. Prioritized Places for People NEXT STEPS How We Fund Pedestrian Improvements How We Will Measure Success Taking Bold Steps Together Click on the links below to navigate through the plan CHALLENGE As with many infrastructure and programmatic needs, available funding is not enough to cover everything we want to do. Improvements are made through stand-alone transportation projects as well as annual programs for repairs and enhancements. Similar to the overall transportation budget, of the $1M in annual pedestrian-related budgets, 90% is dedicated to repair, maintenance, and ADA upgrades for sidewalks and curb ramps. Only 10% is available for new sidewalks and crossing treatments. OPPORTUNITY It will be important to use funds effectively and focus on the areas and improvements that are most likely to encourage people to walk more. The Neighborhood GreenStreets corridors (part of the Low Stress Walk and Bike Network Plan) also offer the opportunity to provide improvements both for pedestrians and cyclists. To meet our vision and goals and truly enhance the pedestrian experience for everyone, we need additional funds for pedestrian-related projects. See Initiative 5 for more information on priority strategies and actions. FUNDING IS LIMITED Key Finding 5 Example Installation Costs Costs of an RRFB crossing improvement at Broadway/Poplar (~$41k total) *Some ramps and street lights already existed at this crossing; costs for installation at other locations may vary. RRFB ($29,000) Street Lighting ($2,250)* Median ($4,300) Striping ($600) Ramps ($3,200)*Signs ($300) Example Installation Costs Example Installation Costs for the Enhanced Pedestrian Crossing (including Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB)) at Broadway/Poplar (approx $40,000 total). Infrastructure is more complex - and more costly - than meets the eye. BOULDER Pedestrian Plan Our Path Forward 17 CONTENTS 1 2 3 4 BOULDER’S PEDESTRIAN PLAN What is in this Plan? Why Does It Matter? What are the Immediate Priorities? What is the History of Walking in Boulder? How Boulder Walks Today Boulder’s Pedestrian Programs and Services How Was the Plan Developed? What Did We Hear? KEY FINDINGS Safety is a Top Priority Walkable Destinations are Lacking Comfortable Routes to Destinations are Missing Improved Sidewalk Maintenance is Needed Funding is Limited OUR PATH FORWARD Our Vision and Goals Best Practices & Guiding Principles 1. Culture of Walking 2. Pedestrian Planning 3. Pedestrian-Focused Design 4. Facility Implementation 5. Maintenance 6. Prioritized Places for People NEXT STEPS How We Fund Pedestrian Improvements How We Will Measure Success Taking Bold Steps Together Click on the links below to navigate through the plan OUR PATH FORWARD This section includes our vision and goals, best practices and guidance, and key initiatives to improve walking in Boulder. Each key initiative provides an overview of the strategies and next steps, including anticipated timeframes: • Ongoing • Near-Term (2019-2024) • Long-Term (2025-2030) “Hot Topics” are also provided for some of the key initiatives to provide more context into the programs and planning efforts required to implement the plan. 3 BOULDER Pedestrian Plan Our Path Forward 18 CONTENTS 1 2 3 4 BOULDER’S PEDESTRIAN PLAN What is in this Plan? Why Does It Matter? What are the Immediate Priorities? What is the History of Walking in Boulder? How Boulder Walks Today Boulder’s Pedestrian Programs and Services How Was the Plan Developed? What Did We Hear? KEY FINDINGS Safety is a Top Priority Walkable Destinations are Lacking Comfortable Routes to Destinations are Missing Improved Sidewalk Maintenance is Needed Funding is Limited OUR PATH FORWARD Our Vision and Goals Best Practices & Guiding Principles 1. Culture of Walking 2. Pedestrian Planning 3. Pedestrian-Focused Design 4. Facility Implementation 5. Maintenance 6. Prioritized Places for People NEXT STEPS How We Fund Pedestrian Improvements How We Will Measure Success Taking Bold Steps Together Click on the links below to navigate through the plan OUR VISION AND GOALS Boulder puts pedestrians first by creating a creating an experience that is: Safe and comfortable: Walking in Boulder is safe, secure and comfortable for everyone, in support of Boulder’s Vision Zero goals. Equitable and inclusive: Boulder is walkable and accessible for all, no matter who you are or where you live. Vibrant and inviting: Public spaces and pedestrian facilities are vibrant and inviting, and walking is the preferred way to get around. Healthy for people and the environment: Walking for transportation and recreation in Boulder is used to achieve improved health outcomes, social connectedness, and a sustainable and resilient environment. Connected and barrier-free: Access to destinations and other modes of travel is direct, efficient, barrier-free and integrates new technologies and innovation. A B Our Vision is that everyone enjoys being a pedestrian in Boulder for all types of trips— walking is easy, safe and well-connected. BOULDER Pedestrian Plan Our Path Forward 19 CONTENTS 1 2 3 4 BOULDER’S PEDESTRIAN PLAN What is in this Plan? Why Does It Matter? What are the Immediate Priorities? What is the History of Walking in Boulder? How Boulder Walks Today Boulder’s Pedestrian Programs and Services How Was the Plan Developed? What Did We Hear? KEY FINDINGS Safety is a Top Priority Walkable Destinations are Lacking Comfortable Routes to Destinations are Missing Improved Sidewalk Maintenance is Needed Funding is Limited OUR PATH FORWARD Our Vision and Goals Best Practices & Guiding Principles 1. Culture of Walking 2. Pedestrian Planning 3. Pedestrian-Focused Design 4. Facility Implementation 5. Maintenance 6. Prioritized Places for People NEXT STEPS How We Fund Pedestrian Improvements How We Will Measure Success Taking Bold Steps Together Click on the links below to navigate through the plan BEST PRACTICES & GUIDING PRINCIPLES Best practices from around the world helped to inform how to improve walking in Boulder. We asked our PAC members to provide examples of pedestrian-related improvements in other cities and how they could potentially be applied in Boulder. Here’s what inspired us. Ljubljana, Slovenia removed cars from the city center and pedestrianized the entire area. PAC Member Suggested Application in Boulder: Extend Pearl Street New York City uses curb bulb-outs to protect pedestrians and influence vehicles to move more slowly. PAC Member Suggested Application in Boulder: East of Pearl on 16th through 18th Portland, Oregon’s Depave Program transforms over-paved places (schoolyards, shopping areas, etc.) into greener areas to reconnect the community to nature. PAC Member Suggested Application in Boulder: Over-paved places such as Alpine/Balsam and Diagonal Plaza Seattle, Washington took out curbs, leveled the pavement, added street furniture, and removed car lanes—creating places where people can gather around food trucks, gardens, and play equipment. Street furniture, including bollards, benches, planters, and bicycle parking, help define a shared space, subtly delineating the traveled way from the pedestrian-only space. PAC Member Suggested Application in Boulder: Pearl Street past the mall could transition to a shared street St. Paul, Minnesota distributed door hangers throughout the city prior to snow season to remind neighbors to clear sidewalks. PAC Member Suggested Application in Boulder: Boulder could do a similar program citywide Seattle Department of TransportationCITY OF SEATTLEPEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN June 2017 BOULDER Pedestrian Plan Our Path Forward 20 CONTENTS 1 2 3 4 BOULDER’S PEDESTRIAN PLAN What is in this Plan? Why Does It Matter? What are the Immediate Priorities? What is the History of Walking in Boulder? How Boulder Walks Today Boulder’s Pedestrian Programs and Services How Was the Plan Developed? What Did We Hear? KEY FINDINGS Safety is a Top Priority Walkable Destinations are Lacking Comfortable Routes to Destinations are Missing Improved Sidewalk Maintenance is Needed Funding is Limited OUR PATH FORWARD Our Vision and Goals Best Practices & Guiding Principles 1. Culture of Walking 2. Pedestrian Planning 3. Pedestrian-Focused Design 4. Facility Implementation 5. Maintenance 6. Prioritized Places for People NEXT STEPS How We Fund Pedestrian Improvements How We Will Measure Success Taking Bold Steps Together Click on the links below to navigate through the plan Source: Institute for Transportation and Development Policy’s Guidance on Pedestrian Planning Institute for Transportation and Development Policy’s Guidance on Pedestrian Planning City of Seattle’s Guidance on Pedestrian Planning Walkable, accessible cities share common elements: • A safe and connected pedestrian network that helps ensure a high quality of life for residents and visitors • Direct connections to transit and the destinations it serves • An age-friendly network of safe and barrier- free sidewalks, paths, walkways, and pedestrian crossings that provide essential connections for people of all ages and abilities • Clear and inviting spaces to move along every street Source: City of Seattle Pedestrian Master Plan BOULDER Pedestrian Plan Our Path Forward 21 CONTENTS 1 2 3 4 BOULDER’S PEDESTRIAN PLAN What is in this Plan? Why Does It Matter? What are the Immediate Priorities? What is the History of Walking in Boulder? How Boulder Walks Today Boulder’s Pedestrian Programs and Services How Was the Plan Developed? What Did We Hear? KEY FINDINGS Safety is a Top Priority Walkable Destinations are Lacking Comfortable Routes to Destinations are Missing Improved Sidewalk Maintenance is Needed Funding is Limited OUR PATH FORWARD Our Vision and Goals Best Practices & Guiding Principles 1. Culture of Walking 2. Pedestrian Planning 3. Pedestrian-Focused Design 4. Facility Implementation 5. Maintenance 6. Prioritized Places for People NEXT STEPS How We Fund Pedestrian Improvements How We Will Measure Success Taking Bold Steps Together Click on the links below to navigate through the plan INTERSECTIONS Continue to assess the effectiveness of intersection/signal timing practices that facilitate pedestrian movement (e.g., pedestrian head starts, protected left-turns, No Right Turns on Red) and implement where appropriate OFF-STREET Site design—Make developments, including parking lots/structures, more pedestrian-friendly by providing clear paths, creating visually active frontages, providing amenities (e.g., shade, shelter), and making pedestrian access prominent and easy CROSSING THE STREET Crossings—Construct for all ages and abilities at locations that facilitate access to key destinations; make enhancements for comfort and safety SITE DESIGN Make developments, including parking lots/structures, more pedestrian-friendly by providing clear paths, creating visually active frontages, providing amenities (e.g., shade, shelter), and making pedestrian access prominent and easy BOULDER’S PEDESTRIAN PLAN POLICIES AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES The following will guide the implementation of the Pedestrian Plan: CROSSINGS Construct for all ages and abilities at locations that facilitate access to key destinations; make enhancements for comfort and safety SIGNAL TIMING Continue to assess the effectiveness of intersection/signal timing practices that facilitate pedestrian movement (e.g., Pedestrian Head Starts, protected left turns, No Right Turns on Red) and implement where appropriate PEDESTRIAN- FOCUSED DESIGN Provide buffers, lighting and illumination, and clean walkways to make walking in Boulder more safe and comfortable PEDESTRIAN- FOCUSED DESIGN Provide buffers, lighting and illumination, and clear walkways to make walking in Boulder more safe and comfortable DRIVEWAYS Consolidate where possible and design to be more pedestrian-friendly (e.g., slower vehicle speeds, consistent level for sidewalk surface, reduce conflict points between cyclists and pedestrians) OFF-STREET MULTI-USE PATHS Build out the Greenways system for natural and transportation functions to seamlessly connect to the rest of the pedestrian network- existing well SIDEWALKS/MULTI-USE PATHS Construct for all ages and abilities with separation from vehicles and bicycles, where possible; keep clear of obstructions OFF-STREET MULTI-USE PATHS Build out Greenways system to seamlessly connect to the rest of the pedestrian network and to support pedestrians and other users co-existing well SIDEWALKS/MULTI-USE PATHS Construct for all ages and abilities with separation from vehicles and bicycles, where possible; keep clear of obstructions DRIVEWAYS Consolidate where possible and design to be more pedestrian-friendly (e.g., slower vehicle speeds, consistent level for sidewalk surface, reduce conflict points between cyclists and pedestrians) INTERSECTIONS Design for shorter crossing distances, slower vehicle speeds, and separation from cyclists and pedestrians INTERSECTIONS Design for shorter crossing distances, slower vehicle speeds, and separation from cyclists and pedestrians BOULDER Pedestrian Plan Our Path Forward 22 CONTENTS 1 2 3 4 BOULDER’S PEDESTRIAN PLAN What is in this Plan? Why Does It Matter? What are the Immediate Priorities? What is the History of Walking in Boulder? How Boulder Walks Today Boulder’s Pedestrian Programs and Services How Was the Plan Developed? What Did We Hear? KEY FINDINGS Safety is a Top Priority Walkable Destinations are Lacking Comfortable Routes to Destinations are Missing Improved Sidewalk Maintenance is Needed Funding is Limited OUR PATH FORWARD Our Vision and Goals Best Practices & Guiding Principles 1. Culture of Walking 2. Pedestrian Planning 3. Pedestrian-Focused Design 4. Facility Implementation 5. Maintenance 6. Prioritized Places for People NEXT STEPS How We Fund Pedestrian Improvements How We Will Measure Success Taking Bold Steps Together Click on the links below to navigate through the plan CULTURE OF WALKING STRATEGY Normalize walking and strengthen community identity and belonging through pedestrian-focused programs. NEW ACTIONS 1A. Education/Encouragement: • Expand education on rules of the road and safe travel behavior by all transportation users. (near) • Raise awareness about the benefits of and opportunities for walking, including collaborations with other departments and community organizations. (near) • Expand walking programs and event offerings through the Boulder Walks Program. (ongoing) • In collaboration with local and regional partner, host a Pedestrian Conference to promote information sharing, best practices, and innovation. (long) • Establish walking routes around the city (e.g., Halifax Common Link loops). (near) Initiative 1 1B. Enforcement: Work with the Police Department through the Heads Up Program to identify key locations and types of behavior for strategic enforcement. (near) 1C. Evaluation: Establish baselines and targets for the performance measures described in the How We Will Measure Success section and use in the 2020 Transportation Report on Progress. (near/2019) 1D. Wayfinding: Develop coordinated pedestrian wayfinding system: »In high pedestrian activity areas such as downtown, University Hill, and Boulder Junction (long) »As part of the Neighborhood GreenStreets program and multi-use path system (near and long) 1E. Safe Routes to School (SRTS): Continue to partner with BVSD to support walking to/from school. (ongoing) 1F. Innovation: Employ new technologies that support safety, access, and an understanding of pedestrian behavior (e.g., automatic detection of pedestrians). (near) 1G. Walk Friendly Community: Reapply for Walk Friendly Community designation that incorporates a comprehensive assessment of walking conditions in Boulder. (near/2019) 1H. Community-Based Committee: Develop community-based committee to support implementation of the Pedestrian Plan and the ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan. (near/2019) Potential color-coded navigation for multi-use path system Source: Thomas Dimperio 23 HOT TOPICCONTENTS 1 2 3 4 BOULDER’S PEDESTRIAN PLAN What is in this Plan? Why Does It Matter? What are the Immediate Priorities? What is the History of Walking in Boulder? How Boulder Walks Today Boulder’s Pedestrian Programs and Services How Was the Plan Developed? What Did We Hear? KEY FINDINGS Safety is a Top Priority Walkable Destinations are Lacking Comfortable Routes to Destinations are Missing Improved Sidewalk Maintenance is Needed Funding is Limited OUR PATH FORWARD Our Vision and Goals Best Practices & Guiding Principles 1. Culture of Walking 2. Pedestrian Planning 3. Pedestrian-Focused Design 4. Facility Implementation 5. Maintenance 6. Prioritized Places for People NEXT STEPS How We Fund Pedestrian Improvements How We Will Measure Success Taking Bold Steps Together Click on the links below to navigate through the plan Action 1A. Education/ Encouragement Programs The City of Boulder works with local organizations to create programs that inspire, educate and encourage residents to walk, taking full advantage of our existing sidewalk and path infrastructure. Throughout the Pedestrian Plan Update process, we heard from residents about the need for more comfortable everyday walking routes, as well as clear and useful information about how to access desired destinations when walking or using a wheelchair. Three local programs focus on connecting Boulder residents with resources to help them integrate more walking and rolling into daily trips. The Boulder Walks program orients residents to great places to walk, provides low-stress walking routes for people of all ages and abilities, and offers creative walking events to engage residents in discussions about current transportation planning projects. Boulder Walks began as a series of neighborhood walkabouts in 2013, designed to engage community members in the 2012-2014 Transportation Master Plan Update. In June 2015, GO Boulder began working with a local coordinator from the Walk2Connect Cooperative to create walking events and invitations for people throughout the city. Boulder Walks now hosts monthly walkabouts, as well as special events for Winter Walk and Bike Week, Walk and Bike Month and focused outreach throughout the year, including walks with city council members and walk audits of city planning project areas. Look for opportunities to join community-based walking events on the Boulder Walks website - boulderwalks.org - or the Boulder Walks Facebook page. Lifelong Boulderite Graham Hill started Shared Paths Boulder in 2016 to share his love of the city’s extensive multi-use path system. Hill and his team of neighbors, bicyclists, artists and volunteer path stewards work with GO Boulder to produce pop-up events accessible from the paths during Walk and Bike Month and to educate people on “The Way of the Path,” ensuring the multi-use paths stay clean and safe for all. Purple-vested Shared Paths volunteers bike or walk along prescribed path routes during weekly shifts to create a presence and provide assistance where needed. Shared Paths aims to encourage more Boulder residents to use the paths for commuting and exercise and to build community ownership of the multi-use path network. Find information about upcoming events and how to volunteer on sharedpathsboulder.org. 24 HOT TOPICCONTENTS 1 2 3 4 BOULDER’S PEDESTRIAN PLAN What is in this Plan? Why Does It Matter? What are the Immediate Priorities? What is the History of Walking in Boulder? How Boulder Walks Today Boulder’s Pedestrian Programs and Services How Was the Plan Developed? What Did We Hear? KEY FINDINGS Safety is a Top Priority Walkable Destinations are Lacking Comfortable Routes to Destinations are Missing Improved Sidewalk Maintenance is Needed Funding is Limited OUR PATH FORWARD Our Vision and Goals Best Practices & Guiding Principles 1. Culture of Walking 2. Pedestrian Planning 3. Pedestrian-Focused Design 4. Facility Implementation 5. Maintenance 6. Prioritized Places for People NEXT STEPS How We Fund Pedestrian Improvements How We Will Measure Success Taking Bold Steps Together Click on the links below to navigate through the plan The city and the Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) work together to encourage students and families to choose active transportation modes to get to and from school through the federally funded Safe Routes to School program. This nationwide education and encouragement program is locally administered by school districts in partnership with municipalities. Here in Boulder, BVSD develops events for Walk to School Day and Bike Week/ Bike to School Day, creates encouragement and reward programs such as Trip Tracker, and works with the city to create more walk- and bike-friendly infrastructure for students. These past two years, GO Boulder worked with three elementary schools—Mesa, Whittier and University Hill—to create additional education programs about bicycle safety and safe use of crosswalks, and to identify potential infrastructure improvements to create a safer bike and pedestrian environment around the schools. By encouraging students to walk or bike to school, the BVSD’s Safe Routes to School program aims to reduce car traffic and air pollution, increase student health and readiness to learn, and grow community support for active transportation choices. Expanding and enhancing these education and encouragement programs to reflect all of the key initiatives identified in this Pedestrian Plan will be key to meeting the vision and goals. This will ultimately provide community engagement that builds relationships and makes active transportation choices more feasible for residents of all ages and abilities. Action 1F. Innovation Two of the key areas of innovation are related to automated detection and counting of pedestrians. Automated detection can make it easier for pedestrians to cross the street, and counters help us know how much pedestrian activity there is in a certain area. Boulder has already implemented this technology in a few locations, and will look for additional opportunities. LEFT: At Lee Hill and 5th Street a sensor automatically detects pedestrians and cyclists to turn on the yellow blinking lights for crossing. ABOVE: An automated counter on the Boulder Creek Path counts both pedestrians and cyclists continuously. Automated sensors count pedestrians as they walk into a zone. 25 HOT TOPICCONTENTS 1 2 3 4 BOULDER’S PEDESTRIAN PLAN What is in this Plan? Why Does It Matter? What are the Immediate Priorities? What is the History of Walking in Boulder? How Boulder Walks Today Boulder’s Pedestrian Programs and Services How Was the Plan Developed? What Did We Hear? KEY FINDINGS Safety is a Top Priority Walkable Destinations are Lacking Comfortable Routes to Destinations are Missing Improved Sidewalk Maintenance is Needed Funding is Limited OUR PATH FORWARD Our Vision and Goals Best Practices & Guiding Principles 1. Culture of Walking 2. Pedestrian Planning 3. Pedestrian-Focused Design 4. Facility Implementation 5. Maintenance 6. Prioritized Places for People NEXT STEPS How We Fund Pedestrian Improvements How We Will Measure Success Taking Bold Steps Together Click on the links below to navigate through the plan STRATEGY Adopt a pedestrian-focused approach in transportation and land use planning and implementation. NEW ACTIONS 2A. Vision Zero: Implement the 2019 Vison Zero Action Plan to improve pedestrian safety. (near/2019) 2B. Walking Comfort: Develop a program to make walking more comfortable (“low-stress”) to daily destinations. (near/2019) • Promote and support walking and 15-min neighborhoods in citywide and subcommunity planning. (ongoing) • Implement Pedestrian Improvement Areas. (near and long) • Implement Neighborhood GreenStreets. (near and long) PEDESTRIAN PLANNING Initiative 2 Action 2A. Safe Streets Report/Vision Zero Action Plan The 2019 Safe Streets Report and Vision Zero Action Plan prioritize a few key elements to improve pedestrian safety in Boulder: • Pedestrian Head Starts allow pedestrians to walk into a signalized intersection before cars have the green light to improve awareness of pedestrians crossing the intersection. • “No Right Turn On Red” restrictions reduce potential conflicts between cars and pedestrians by limiting right turns when the signal is red. • Left-turn protected phasing provides left-turn signals for cars. • Education for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians ensure that everyone understands the rules of the road to improve safety. ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! 0 0.4 0.80.2 Miles Pedestrian Head Start Locations Iris Ave 30th StCanyon Blvd Balsam Av 17th StFolsom StSpruce St15th St University Av Pearl St 30th StFolsom St28th StDiagonal Hwy 30th StBroadway9th St9th StBroadway47th StDiagonal Hwy28th St28th StValmont Rd Foothills PkwyF o o t h i l l s P kw y 55th StBro a d w a y Bro adw a y US H w y 3 6 S B r o a dw a y Table Mesa Dr Table Mesa D r US H w y 3 6 South Boulder RdFoothills PkwyBaseline Rd Arapahoe A v 9th StValmont Rd Pearl PkwyArapahoe Ave Colorado Ave PEDESTRIAN HEAD START LOCATIONS AS OF AUGUST 2019 HOT TOPIC 26 HOT TOPICCONTENTS 1 2 3 4 BOULDER’S PEDESTRIAN PLAN What is in this Plan? Why Does It Matter? What are the Immediate Priorities? What is the History of Walking in Boulder? How Boulder Walks Today Boulder’s Pedestrian Programs and Services How Was the Plan Developed? What Did We Hear? KEY FINDINGS Safety is a Top Priority Walkable Destinations are Lacking Comfortable Routes to Destinations are Missing Improved Sidewalk Maintenance is Needed Funding is Limited OUR PATH FORWARD Our Vision and Goals Best Practices & Guiding Principles 1. Culture of Walking 2. Pedestrian Planning 3. Pedestrian-Focused Design 4. Facility Implementation 5. Maintenance 6. Prioritized Places for People NEXT STEPS How We Fund Pedestrian Improvements How We Will Measure Success Taking Bold Steps Together Click on the links below to navigate through the plan Action 2B. Making Walking More Comfortable For Daily Destinations To support walking more for all trips, we explored the concept of 15-minute neighborhoods — places where Boulder residents can access basic needs (food, parks, schools, etc.) within a 15-minute walk. This means there are both destinations nearby and comfortable facilities on which to walk there. This map shows the degree to which different areas currently provide low-stress walking access to key destinations. CITY OF BOULDER Low-Stress Walk and Bike Network Plan 16 Figure 13. 15-Minute Neighborhood Assessment, Low-Stress Facilities Only 15-MINUTE NEIGHBORHOOD WALK ACCESS SCORE (LOW-STRESS FACILITIES) The Pedestrian Plan identifies areas and corridors in which to focus future improvements. The areas have been denoted as Pedestrian Improvement Areas (PIAs), and the corridors are called Neighborhood GreenStreets. Subsequent to the plan each area will be studied in detail and improvements recommended. These could include building new sidewalk, upgrading existing sidewalks and curb ramps to meet ADA requirements, new pedestrian crossings and/or enhancements to existing crossings, lighting, other amenities, and wayfinding. While the structure of each study will be similar, the identified improvements will be specific to each area and developed working with the community. It is the intent to study and implement improvements in all 13 PIAs by 2030. CITY OF BOULDER Low-Stress Walk and Bike Network Plan 5 Figure 3. Low-Stress Walk Network PlanLOW-STRESS WALK NETWORK PLAN In addition to these areas, Neighborhood GreenStreet corridors have been identified through the Low Stress Walk and Bike Network Plan as streets with lower traffic volumes and speeds on which we will focus low-cost, high-impact improvements specifically for comfort and safety for people walking and biking. Similar to the PIAs, corridors will be studied and improvements identified and implemented by 2030. BOULDER Pedestrian Plan Our Path Forward 27 CONTENTS 1 2 3 4 BOULDER’S PEDESTRIAN PLAN What is in this Plan? Why Does It Matter? What are the Immediate Priorities? What is the History of Walking in Boulder? How Boulder Walks Today Boulder’s Pedestrian Programs and Services How Was the Plan Developed? What Did We Hear? KEY FINDINGS Safety is a Top Priority Walkable Destinations are Lacking Comfortable Routes to Destinations are Missing Improved Sidewalk Maintenance is Needed Funding is Limited OUR PATH FORWARD Our Vision and Goals Best Practices & Guiding Principles 1. Culture of Walking 2. Pedestrian Planning 3. Pedestrian-Focused Design 4. Facility Implementation 5. Maintenance 6. Prioritized Places for People NEXT STEPS How We Fund Pedestrian Improvements How We Will Measure Success Taking Bold Steps Together Click on the links below to navigate through the plan STRATEGY Provide pedestrian-focused design elements through corridor plans through corridor plans, access to transit, interdepartmental projects, and other opportunities (ongoing): NEW ACTIONS 3A. Integrating into Existing Processes: Integrate Ped Plan policies and pedestrian-focused design treatments in development review, capital projects, corridor plans, subcommunity plans, and other opportunities such as demonstration projects. (ongoing) 3B. Art: Collaborate to provide more public art through transportation projects (e.g., Paint the Pavement, Art in Public Places, etc.). (ongoing) PEDESTRIAN-FOCUSED DESIGN Initiative 3 28 HOT TOPICCONTENTS 1 2 3 4 BOULDER’S PEDESTRIAN PLAN What is in this Plan? Why Does It Matter? What are the Immediate Priorities? What is the History of Walking in Boulder? How Boulder Walks Today Boulder’s Pedestrian Programs and Services How Was the Plan Developed? What Did We Hear? KEY FINDINGS Safety is a Top Priority Walkable Destinations are Lacking Comfortable Routes to Destinations are Missing Improved Sidewalk Maintenance is Needed Funding is Limited OUR PATH FORWARD Our Vision and Goals Best Practices & Guiding Principles 1. Culture of Walking 2. Pedestrian Planning 3. Pedestrian-Focused Design 4. Facility Implementation 5. Maintenance 6. Prioritized Places for People NEXT STEPS How We Fund Pedestrian Improvements How We Will Measure Success Taking Bold Steps Together Click on the links below to navigate through the plan STRATEGY Make sidewalks, multi-use paths, crossings, ramps, and other facilities more pedestrian-friendly for all ages and abilities. NEW ACTIONS 4A. Missing Links Program: Refresh the city’s Missing Links Program for new sidewalks to include the most recent comprehensive GIS data and low stress pedestrian network results and revisit the approach to implementing improvements. (near) 4B. Design and Construction Standards: Update the city’s Design and Construction Standards (DCS) to reflect best practices for new sidewalks and multi-use paths adjacent to streets, parking lots/ structures, and pedestrian streets. (near) 4C. ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan: Complete and implement the Accessible Boulder: ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan, facilitated through community engagement and inventory of our transportation infrastructure to identify barriers and opportunities to improve accessibility of the city’s transportation system for all mobility levels. (near/2019) FACILITY IMPLEMENTATION 4D. Pedestrian Crossing Treatment Installation Guidelines: Update Pedestrian Crossing Treatment Installation Guidelines per industry best practices, local experiences, and assessment of effectiveness of crossing treatments. (near/2019) 4E. Multi-use Path Safety and Security: IImplement the Way of the Path program through education, signing, striping and lighting to enhance safety and security and reduce conflicts between pedestrians, cyclists, and other users of the off-street multi-use paths. (near) 4F. Alley Enhancements: • Implement the Hill Alley Enhancement Final Plan. (near) • Develop and implement an alley enhancement program to improve the comfort and use of select alleys as direct connections for pedestrians. (long)Source: Getty ImagesInitiative 4 Action 4B. Update DCS to Enable Pedestrian Friendly Building and Parking Design The design of buildings and parking lots is critical to supporting walkable neighborhoods. Pedestrian-oriented buildings are built out to the sidewalk and not set back behind parking lots or significant landscaping that act as a pedestrian barrier between the building and the sidewalk. They have active frontages, such as retail, rather than blank walls or garage entrances facing the main street. They are, above all, welcoming to people. The same goes for parking lots, which should have clear wayfinding for pedestrians and well-marked pathways for people to walk safely through. Surface and parking lots should have clear wayfinding for pedestrians and well-marked pathways for people to walk safely through the lot. PEDESTRIAN ORIENTED: A building built out to the sidewalk NOT PEDESTRIAN ORIENTED: A building behind a parking lot SOMEWHAT PEDESTRIAN ORIENTED: A building behind a parking lot that has been retrofitted to include an accessible path HOT TOPIC 29 HOT TOPICCONTENTS 1 2 3 4 BOULDER’S PEDESTRIAN PLAN What is in this Plan? Why Does It Matter? What are the Immediate Priorities? What is the History of Walking in Boulder? How Boulder Walks Today Boulder’s Pedestrian Programs and Services How Was the Plan Developed? What Did We Hear? KEY FINDINGS Safety is a Top Priority Walkable Destinations are Lacking Comfortable Routes to Destinations are Missing Improved Sidewalk Maintenance is Needed Funding is Limited OUR PATH FORWARD Our Vision and Goals Best Practices & Guiding Principles 1. Culture of Walking 2. Pedestrian Planning 3. Pedestrian-Focused Design 4. Facility Implementation 5. Maintenance 6. Prioritized Places for People NEXT STEPS How We Fund Pedestrian Improvements How We Will Measure Success Taking Bold Steps Together Click on the links below to navigate through the plan Action 4B. Pedestrian Streets Pedestrian streets can serve many different purposes – from a place for people to visit and connect to a commercial street where people can meet their daily needs 5 TYPES OF PEDESTRIAN STREETS Type 1: Bustling Commercial Streets are lively pedestrian zones that support businesses by making storefronts easy to see and providing a pleasant, safe area for mingling and shopping. Type 2: Neighborhood Green Streets transform spaces dedicated to cars into community living rooms. Type 3: People-Powered Streets dedicate safe road segments for people to get around by walking, biking, and rolling. They are important parts of the broader transportation network and connect people to places. Type 4: Stay and Play Streets provide spaces for lively activities, including kid- friendly events, concerts, festivals, and celebrations. Type 5: Market Streets host a dynamic mix of performers and merchants, including food carts, farm stands, coffee carts, craft booths, or other merchants. Source: Living Streets Central City: A pathway toward inclusive, equitable, and accessible pedestrian streets (Portland, Oregon 2019) 28 LIVING STREETS CENTRAL CITY Type 4: Street to Stay and Play TREES ALLOW SUNLIGHT + VIEWS PERFORMANCE SPACE FOOD CARTS MIX OF RESIDENTIAL + COMMERCIAL PEDESTRIAN-FRIENDLY BUILDINGS + STOREFRONTS CHAPTER II TYPES OF PEDESTRIAN STREETS 29 LOCALLY-OWNED BUSINESSES PEDESTRIAN-SCALE LIGHTING FAMILY ACTIVITIES VENDORS CONNECTED TO THE TRANSIT NETWORK ACCESSIBLE DESIGN Action 4C. ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan The Accessible Boulder: ADA Self- Evaluation & Transition Plan is a project to ensure the accessibility of the city’s transportation system for all mobility levels. The plan includes the development of a two-fold, future-thinking document. The ADA Self-Evaluation portion of the plan assesses how well the city’s transportation system— such as sidewalks, curb ramps, pedestrian signals and crossings, and transit stops— complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Self-Evaluation will look at existing policies and programs related to accessibility, engage with the public and assess our transportation services, infrastructure, and programs to identify barriers and opportunities for improvement. The ADA Transition portion of the plan will prioritize, plan and draft a schedule to make the improvements identified in the Self-Evaluation. 30 HOT TOPICCONTENTS 1 2 3 4 BOULDER’S PEDESTRIAN PLAN What is in this Plan? Why Does It Matter? What are the Immediate Priorities? What is the History of Walking in Boulder? How Boulder Walks Today Boulder’s Pedestrian Programs and Services How Was the Plan Developed? What Did We Hear? KEY FINDINGS Safety is a Top Priority Walkable Destinations are Lacking Comfortable Routes to Destinations are Missing Improved Sidewalk Maintenance is Needed Funding is Limited OUR PATH FORWARD Our Vision and Goals Best Practices & Guiding Principles 1. Culture of Walking 2. Pedestrian Planning 3. Pedestrian-Focused Design 4. Facility Implementation 5. Maintenance 6. Prioritized Places for People NEXT STEPS How We Fund Pedestrian Improvements How We Will Measure Success Taking Bold Steps Together Click on the links below to navigate through the plan Action 4D. Pedestrian Crossing Treatment Installation Guidelines The Pedestrian Crossing Treatment Installation Guidelines (PCTIG) are used to help determine whether crossing improvements are needed and what type of treatments are most appropriate for the conditions. They cover everything from where to use striped and signed crosswalks to Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs/yellow blinking lights) to underpasses. The first version of the guidelines was released in 1998, and they have been updated twice since then, in 2005 and 2011. Another update will begin in late 2019; ideas to be explored in the update based on both individual, staff, and community input include: • Literature/peer review/ staff interviews—understand industry best practices and current experience by Boulder staff implementing crossing improvements • Effectiveness of existing crossings—understand how well crossings are working today, based on both individual experiences from community members and compliance and crash data • Update of current guidelines— review and potentially refine the types of data used as thresholds (currently roadway volumes, number of pedestrians crossing, number of lanes, and speed limits), how much data needs to be collected, the appropriate spacing of crossings, and the potential to expand the use of RRFBs/yellow blinking lights • Detailed documentation of the various treatments—including key elements, feasibility considerations, and costs • Prioritization process— document these in the guidelines and address how to prioritize both new crossings and enhancements to existing crossings • Integrated planning—review how crossing improvements are integrated into development review and corridor plans Action 4F. Alleys Alleys are sometimes forgotten spaces in the urban environment, although they hold great potential. Some of the problems we see in alleys include: a lack of quality public space, an abundance of garbage containers, little to no lighting, and a focus on the automobile. But with some creative thinking, alleys can be transformed into quality public spaces that provide improved health and safety to the community. Alleys can provide direct connections for pedestrians and can be utilized for stormwater management, business storefronts, community events, and more. Strategies to achieve a successful activated alley can include adequate lighting, green infrastructure, pervious pavement, outdoor furniture, and public art. Potential alley improvement locations to be considered include downtown and University Hill. Hi – I’m a neighbor who relies on sidewalks being clear of snow and ice so that myself and others can get around safely and easily. Our city requires that snow be removed from sidewalks within 24 hou rs after a snow fall . Not clearing walks can cost you s ee the o ther side of this card for helpful tips and resources. 2 4 HOURS T O SHOVEL SIDE WALKS A F riendly R e minde r : St. Paul Ord. No. 17187, 11-27-84 Tu rn o v er f or impor tant info rmati o n 1. Print this page in color or B&W 2. Cut along the dotted line to sepa- rate this instruction panel 3. Fold the square panel in half 4. Seal the long edge with tape 5. Flip & cut along the dotted square Steps to create a doorhanger Who Needs to Shovel? Owners and occupants with b usines ses or pr opertie s bordering public sidewalks. When to Shovel S n o w and i ce need to be cleared from sidewalks within 2 4 hours a f ter a sno wfal l . Where to Shovel Clear the fu l l wid th of the sidewalk. Salt or sand icy spots and remove snow from sidewalk corners and curb ramps. Consider helping out by clearing around bus stops What Happens If I Don’t Shovel? You may receive a notice from the city If you don’t comply, you could be charged for snow removal services and Need Help? If you don't have the ability to shovel, call the number below to see if there is a Senior Chore Program in your neighborhood. Questions? Call the City of St. Paul Information 651-266-8989 Or visit smart-trips.org/sidewalks BOULDER Pedestrian Plan Our Path Forward 31 CONTENTS 1 2 3 4 BOULDER’S PEDESTRIAN PLAN What is in this Plan? Why Does It Matter? What are the Immediate Priorities? What is the History of Walking in Boulder? How Boulder Walks Today Boulder’s Pedestrian Programs and Services How Was the Plan Developed? What Did We Hear? KEY FINDINGS Safety is a Top Priority Walkable Destinations are Lacking Comfortable Routes to Destinations are Missing Improved Sidewalk Maintenance is Needed Funding is Limited OUR PATH FORWARD Our Vision and Goals Best Practices & Guiding Principles 1. Culture of Walking 2. Pedestrian Planning 3. Pedestrian-Focused Design 4. Facility Implementation 5. Maintenance 6. Prioritized Places for People NEXT STEPS How We Fund Pedestrian Improvements How We Will Measure Success Taking Bold Steps Together Click on the links below to navigate through the plan MAINTENANCE STRATEGY Repair and maintain pedestrian facilities to provide a safe and comfortable pedestrian system. NEW ACTIONS 5A. Sidewalk Repair Program: Explore opportunities to coordinate the Sidewalk Repair Program and new Pedestrian Improvement Areas and Neighborhood GreenStreets programs. (near) 5B. Snow and Ice Removal: Evaluate and refine/enhance snow and ice removal on pedestrian facilities to improve access to transit stops, prioritize crosswalk clearing and generally improve conditions after snow events. (near/2019) 5C. Obstruction Clearance: Conduct periodic outreach campaigns to property owners to ensure pedestrian facilities are clear of obstructions such as overgrown vegetation and parked cars. (near) 5D. Community Programs: Explore additional community-based responsibility programs (e.g., shared responsibility for maintenance such as snow removal). (near)Source: Getty ImagesInitiative 5 Example community-based responsibility program from St. Paul, Minnesota “I love the fact that I can walk to shopping, bars, restaurants and so many other cool places. I want to make sure that we replicate that opportunity all around Boulder for people who love walking." - Bill Rigler (TAB Chair) Potential concept to transform the parking lot on the side of the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMoCA) into a space for people to gather and enjoy the outdoors and contemporary art. 32 CONTENTS 1 2 3 4 BOULDER’S PEDESTRIAN PLAN What is in this Plan? Why Does It Matter? What are the Immediate Priorities? What is the History of Walking in Boulder? How Boulder Walks Today Boulder’s Pedestrian Programs and Services How Was the Plan Developed? What Did We Hear? KEY FINDINGS Safety is a Top Priority Walkable Destinations are Lacking Comfortable Routes to Destinations are Missing Improved Sidewalk Maintenance is Needed Funding is Limited OUR PATH FORWARD Our Vision and Goals Best Practices & Guiding Principles 1. Culture of Walking 2. Pedestrian Planning 3. Pedestrian-Focused Design 4. Facility Implementation 5. Maintenance 6. Prioritized Places for People NEXT STEPS How We Fund Pedestrian Improvements How We Will Measure Success Taking Bold Steps Together Click on the links below to navigate through the plan PRIORITIZED PLACES FOR PEOPLE STRATEGY Offer more public space on a temporary or permanent basis to prioritize people walking by investing in pedestrian improvements and restricting motor vehicle access. NEW ACTIONS 6A. Play streets: Establish a Play Street Pilot Program. (near) 6B. Car-free areas: Identify opportunities for additional car-free areas (e.g., plazas, pedestrian malls, parklets, playgrounds, and pedestrian streets). Some initial specific locations to consider include: extending the Pearl Street Mall, 13th Street between Canyon and Arapahoe. (near) Initiative 6 Drawing by Jerry Shapins 33 HOT TOPICCONTENTS 1 2 3 4 BOULDER’S PEDESTRIAN PLAN What is in this Plan? Why Does It Matter? What are the Immediate Priorities? What is the History of Walking in Boulder? How Boulder Walks Today Boulder’s Pedestrian Programs and Services How Was the Plan Developed? What Did We Hear? KEY FINDINGS Safety is a Top Priority Walkable Destinations are Lacking Comfortable Routes to Destinations are Missing Improved Sidewalk Maintenance is Needed Funding is Limited OUR PATH FORWARD Our Vision and Goals Best Practices & Guiding Principles 1. Culture of Walking 2. Pedestrian Planning 3. Pedestrian-Focused Design 4. Facility Implementation 5. Maintenance 6. Prioritized Places for People NEXT STEPS How We Fund Pedestrian Improvements How We Will Measure Success Taking Bold Steps Together Click on the links below to navigate through the plan Action 6A. Play streets As part of creating a vibrant and inviting environment for residents of all ages and abilities, the Pedestrian Advisory Committee recommended bringing play streets to Boulder. Many cities around the country and around the world have embraced the practice of temporarily or permanently closing non-arterial neighborhood streets to cars, creating safe public places to gather, socialize and play right outside families’ front doors. Play streets transform throughways into inviting eddies of activity. They create convenient places to connect and build community, using the public right-of-way to give kids and adults more room for movement and easy opportunities to get to know one another. City programs that facilitate play streets offer the tools neighbors need to stop traffic flow for a few hours on a one-time or regular basis. The Seattle, Washington, Department of Transportation started its Play Streets program in 2014. The program issues permits allowing residents who live on streets with low traffic volumes to close one block at a time, up to three times per week. Play streets can be hosted by groups of neighbors, schools, or community organizations. The Seattle Play Streets Program Handbook notes the importance of communities working together to create successful programs, with hosts getting buy- in from neighbors. Unlike block parties, play streets programs emphasize creating space for active play, not just socializing or sharing information. Play streets can complement city block party programs, however, and may provide a simple and welcome add-on to Boulder’s already thriving Neighborhood Block Party program. Benefits of Play Streets: • Provide flexible space for recreation and activity right where kids live • Build a sense of community and get to know neighbors • Encourage activity for physical and mental health • Offer accessible year-round community events that are open and free for all • Enhance accessibility for public art and placemaking opportunities, especially in isolated neighborhoods BOULDER Pedestrian Plan Next Steps 34 CONTENTS 1 2 3 4 BOULDER’S PEDESTRIAN PLAN What is in this Plan? Why Does It Matter? What are the Immediate Priorities? What is the History of Walking in Boulder? How Boulder Walks Today Boulder’s Pedestrian Programs and Services How Was the Plan Developed? What Did We Hear? KEY FINDINGS Safety is a Top Priority Walkable Destinations are Lacking Comfortable Routes to Destinations are Missing Improved Sidewalk Maintenance is Needed Funding is Limited OUR PATH FORWARD Our Vision and Goals Best Practices & Guiding Principles 1. Culture of Walking 2. Pedestrian Planning 3. Pedestrian-Focused Design 4. Facility Implementation 5. Maintenance 6. Prioritized Places for People NEXT STEPS How We Fund Pedestrian Improvements How We Will Measure Success Taking Bold Steps Together Click on the links below to navigate through the plan NEXT STEPS With this Pedestrian Plan Update, our city takes a big step forward toward our vision of Boulder as a place where everyone enjoys walking and rolling for all types of trips. This section outlines our next steps, including how we’ll fund improvements and measure our success. 4 BOULDER Pedestrian Plan Next Steps 35 CONTENTS 1 2 3 4 BOULDER’S PEDESTRIAN PLAN What is in this Plan? Why Does It Matter? What are the Immediate Priorities? What is the History of Walking in Boulder? How Boulder Walks Today Boulder’s Pedestrian Programs and Services How Was the Plan Developed? What Did We Hear? KEY FINDINGS Safety is a Top Priority Walkable Destinations are Lacking Comfortable Routes to Destinations are Missing Improved Sidewalk Maintenance is Needed Funding is Limited OUR PATH FORWARD Our Vision and Goals Best Practices & Guiding Principles 1. Culture of Walking 2. Pedestrian Planning 3. Pedestrian-Focused Design 4. Facility Implementation 5. Maintenance 6. Prioritized Places for People NEXT STEPS How We Fund Pedestrian Improvements How We Will Measure Success Taking Bold Steps Together Click on the links below to navigate through the plan HOW WE FUND PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS Pedestrian-related improvements are typically made in one of three ways: • With private development/redevelopment • Through ongoing pedestrian facility programs such as the Missing Links Program or Sidewalk Repair Program (funded through the General Fund) • As part of larger capital projects The majority of the pedestrian facility program budget goes toward repair, maintenance, and ADA upgrades for sidewalks and curb ramps, so implementing enhancements such as the Pedestrian Improvement Areas and Neighborhood GreenStreets will require additional funding. The Transportation Master Plan is looking at a variety of new mechanisms to fund transportation improvements. HOW WE WILL MEASURE SUCCESS Monitoring performance is important to understand our progress and the effectiveness of actions, share our track record with the community and make adjustments as needed. Action 1.C makes it an immediate priority to establish baselines and targets. 90% 10% MAINTENANCE ENHANCEMENTS TMP OBJECTIVE 04. SAFETY Eliminate fatal and serious injury crashes and continuously improve safety for all modes of travel. 01. Safe Experience for All People walking are among the most vulnerable users of Boulder’s transportation network. Although pedestrians were involved in only 2% of all crashes from 2015 to 2017 (about 60 per year or one per week), they were involved in 24% of all severe crashes in that timeframe. Metrics: • Number of annual pedestrian fatalities (every year) (from Safe Streets Report) • Number of serious injury collisions involving pedestrians (every year) (from Safe Streets Report) Source: • Safe Streets Report crash data from the Boulder Police Department (both) 02. Connected and Inclusive A connected, safe and comfortable pedestrian transportation network ensures all people have equitable access and opportunity to contribute in a vibrant and healthy city. Metrics: • Ease of walking from the community-wide Community Survey (every two years) • Total number of miles of sidewalk and multi-use paths (every year) • Neighborhood 15-Minute Walk Access Score (every year) Sources: • Commmunity Survey results • GIS data updated with completed pedestrian projects • 15-minute neighborhood model 03. Mode Share Investments in pedestrian projects and programs should be reflected in the number of people walking in the city. As walkability improves, the ratio of trips made on foot to total trips should increase. Metrics: • Percentage of trips made on foot compared to other modes (residents, employees, all trip purposes and work trips) (every year) (TMP) • Percent of children walking and biking to school (every year) (TMP) Sources: • Boulder Household Travel Survey • Employee Travel Survey • American Community Survey’s five-year estimates • BVSD School Travel Tallies TMP OBJECTIVE 08. WALKABLE NEIGHBORHOODS Increase the share of residents living in walkable (15-minute) neighborhoods to 80 percent. TMP OBJECTIVE 02. MODE SHARE Increase walking, biking, and transit to 80 percent of all trips for residents and to 40 percent of work trips for non-residents. BOULDER Pedestrian Plan Next Steps 36 CONTENTS 1 2 3 4 BOULDER’S PEDESTRIAN PLAN What is in this Plan? Why Does It Matter? What are the Immediate Priorities? What is the History of Walking in Boulder? How Boulder Walks Today Boulder’s Pedestrian Programs and Services How Was the Plan Developed? What Did We Hear? KEY FINDINGS Safety is a Top Priority Walkable Destinations are Lacking Comfortable Routes to Destinations are Missing Improved Sidewalk Maintenance is Needed Funding is Limited OUR PATH FORWARD Our Vision and Goals Best Practices & Guiding Principles 1. Culture of Walking 2. Pedestrian Planning 3. Pedestrian-Focused Design 4. Facility Implementation 5. Maintenance 6. Prioritized Places for People NEXT STEPS How We Fund Pedestrian Improvements How We Will Measure Success Taking Bold Steps Together Click on the links below to navigate through the plan 04. Pedestrian Activity It is important to identify high-pedestrian traffic areas to understand where people are walking and why in order to improve access to and within these destinations to encourage more use. Metrics: • Pedestrian counts (to be expanded to new locations over time) • Vibrancy index scores • Pedestrian perceptions of the walking environment in designated areas or corridors that are obtained by intercept surveys. Sources: • Automated and volunteer counts • Intercept surveys 05. Follow-Through Completed projects are important in measuring progress—ensuring that this plan is actively being used and implemented and is not just sitting on a shelf. Metrics: • Number of Pedestrian Improvement Area plans completed/projects implemented • Number of Neighborhood GreenStreets corridors completed/projects implemented Sources: Staff monitoring/reporting (both metrics) TAKING BOLD STEPS TOGETHER We’ve come a long way since our first Pedestrian Plan was written in 1996. With twice as many underpasses and 12,000 more residents than we had back then, our landscape has changed, demanding that we think creatively to develop a pedestrian network that truly works for all. This plan reflects a collaborative, community-wide effort to do just that, including ideas from the stories and experiences of a wide range of residents, members of our city’s advisory boards, the Pedestrian Advisory Committee, and more. Together, we envisioned how to create a walking environment that is more safe and comfortable, equitable and inclusive, vibrant and inviting, health-promoting, connected and barrier-free for every person in our city. By implementing the strategies and actions in this plan over the coming years, we will bolster our economy, reduce our carbon footprint and increase the health and well-being of our residents. We invite you to walk alongside us through this process and help make Boulder the best place to walk and roll in the region! Pedestrian Plan Actions are summarized in the table below. Actions are designated as Ongoing, Near-Term (2019-2024), or Long-Term (2025-2030). Initiative Action Timeframe Initiative #1: Culture of Walking 1A. Education and Encouragement Ongoing 1B. Enforcement Near 1C. Evaluation Near/2019 1D. Wayfinding Long 1E. Safe Routes to School Ongoing 1F. Innovation Near 1G. Walk Friendly Community Near/2019 1H. Community-Based Committee Near/2019 Initiative #2: Pedestrian Planning 2A. Vision Zero Near/2019 2B. Walking Comfort Near/2019 Initiative #3: Pedestrian- Focused Design 3A. Integrating into Existing Processes Ongoing 3B. Art Initiative #4: Facility Implementation 4A. Missing Links Program Near 4B. Design and Construction Standards Near 4C. ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan Near/2019 4D. Pedestrian Crossing Treatment Installation Guidelines Near/2019 4F. Multi-use Path Safety and Security Near Initiative #5: Maintenance 5A. Sidewalk Repair Program Near 5B. Snow and ice removal Near/2019 5C. Obstruction Clearance Near 5D. Community Programs Near Initiative #6: Prioritized Places for People 6A. Play Streets Near 6B. Car-free areas Near SUMMARY OF PEDESTRIAN PLAN ACTIONS BOULDER Pedestrian Plan Next Steps 37 CONTENTS 1 2 3 4 BOULDER’S PEDESTRIAN PLAN What is in this Plan? Why Does It Matter? What are the Immediate Priorities? What is the History of Walking in Boulder? How Boulder Walks Today Boulder’s Pedestrian Programs and Services How Was the Plan Developed? What Did We Hear? KEY FINDINGS Safety is a Top Priority Walkable Destinations are Lacking Comfortable Routes to Destinations are Missing Improved Sidewalk Maintenance is Needed Funding is Limited OUR PATH FORWARD Our Vision and Goals Best Practices & Guiding Principles 1. Culture of Walking 2. Pedestrian Planning 3. Pedestrian-Focused Design 4. Facility Implementation 5. Maintenance 6. Prioritized Places for People NEXT STEPS How We Fund Pedestrian Improvements How We Will Measure Success Taking Bold Steps Together Click on the links below to navigate through the plan