Sioux Falls, SD Bicycle Plan
Type: Policy
Status: Introduced in draft form in 2007
Source File: http://www.siouxfalls.org/Planning/transportation/bicycle_planning/docs/draft_plan_2007.aspx
Description:
(Note: The entire draft document is a 57 page report. Below we have copied page 1 only. Please refer to the source file for the whole enchilada.)
I. Introduction
Bicycling is an important mode of transportation in the Sioux Falls area that is available to people of all ages and socioeconomic levels. Bicycling is a particularly efficient and convenient form of transportation in urban areas. Like the automobile, bicycling provides a high degree of independence, flexibility, and freedom of choice relative to schedule and destination. Recreational bicycling also continues to be very popular. Bicycling is a particularly efficient and convenient form of transportation in urban areas. Door-to-door travel times for short trips of up to five miles are comparable to driving. Although bicycling levels are much higher during warmer weather months, the development of hybrid and mountain bicycles and the availability of lightweight, waterproof clothing have increased wet and cold weather bicycling.
Bicycle Plan Purpose
This plan serves to update and supersede the 2001 Bicycle Transportation Plan for Sioux Falls. The plan follows the recommended comprehensive approach to bicycle transportation planning with the following purposes:
- Refine the Bicycle Plan Element of the adopted 2025 Sioux Falls MPO Long-Range Transportation, which provides the overall policy framework for development and transportation improvements within the Sioux Falls MPO area.
- Serve as a blueprint for continuing to improve bicycling conditions and safety and increase bicycling levels.
- Identify desirable bicycle routes within the city of Sioux Falls and Minnehaha and Lincoln Counties, including routes into and out of the Sioux Falls area and connections between other cities in Minnehaha and Lincoln Counties, such as Brandon, Tea, and Harrisburg.
- Serve as a framework for cooperation between state agencies, counties, and local governments in planning for and developing bicycle facilities.
- Educate citizens and policy makers on bicycle transportation and the needs of bicyclists.
- Provide guidelines for planning, designing, and maintaining bicycle facilities.