Following is the draft Bike/Pedestrian chapter of the Long Range
Transportation Plan being developed by South Western Regional Planning
Agency (SWRPA). It includes a lot of good recommendations for Greenwich,
Stamford and Norwalk; can you think of more? Ray Rauth is collecting
comments from cyclists and pedestrians to pass on to SWRPA.

David Bedell

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BICYCLING AND WALKING

The region’s vision for bicycling and walking echoes the state’s vision and
goals at a regional level: ‘To enhance the bicycle and walking environment
throughout the South Western Region (Connecticut) by providing for the safe,
convenient and enjoyable use of these modes of transportation in an effort
to meet the publics’ demand for improved mobility and a better quality of
life.’ (ConnDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, 1999). Safe and connected
pedestrian and bicycle facilities are essential elements of the
comprehensive multi-modal transportation system envisioned for the South
Western Region. These modes provide personal transportation choices that
are alternatives to the single occupant vehicle. They are
environmentally-friendly and benefit air quality and reduce energy use and
traffic congestion. They can be relatively low cost, and contribute to a
better quality of life. The challenge is to develop a ‘bicycle and
pedestrian friendly’ region and state.

The issues and impediments are varied, ranging from regressive state
policies that prevent or restrict access to available funding for sidewalk
projects and enhancements, to lack of knowledge about the ‘rules of the
road’ by both motorists and bicyclists, to the lack of routine road
maintenance to clear debris off road so that cyclists may travel safely.
Other issues include: funding for new projects; maintenance of new
facilities; design standards for bicycle and pedestrian facilities;
adequate, secure bicycle storage at key intermodal facilities and public and
private activity centers; safety and education; and, involvement of
stakeholders in the planning process.

The response is to develop a more detailed regional bicycle and pedestrian
plan, to include the regional bicycle and pedestrian advisory group in the
transportation planning process, to continue to seek a change in the
Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) sidewalk policy so that
new sidewalks are possible and bicycle and pedestrian projects are funded
through all eligible federal programs and provided state funding, and to
work cooperatively with ConnDOT’s bicycle and pedestrian advisory group.

Developing a regional plan for bicycling and walking is an essential
building block. Previous requests for funding for a discrete plan have not
met with success. This plan proposes development of a regional transit
strategies plan, which would include bicycle and pedestrian modes. Until the
regional transit strategies plan is funded, SWRPA will work with
municipalities, the state, and bicycling advocates to inventory current
facilities, policies, practices and funding. This in-house SWRPA effort
will develop a framework for bicycle and pedestrian systems and projects,
and build a coalition that will work to gain recognition and funding to
implement selected projects.

A number of the bicycle and pedestrian projects identified in the 2004 long
range transportation plan have been implemented or are underway, including:
the Stamford Washington Boulevard pedestrian improvements; Safe Routes to
Schools programs in Greenwich, Stamford and Norwalk; and, bike racks on CT
Transit and Coastal Link buses. The initial phases of the Norwalk/Route 7
and Stamford Mill River trails are in design or rights of way phases. Future
extensions of both the Norwalk River and Mill River trails are proposed.
Funding for the next phases was requested in November 2000.

The most ambitious multimodal project for the region, the Stamford Urban
Transitway, includes sidewalks and a dedicated bicycle lane, along with bus
and road improvements. Construction has begun on the first phase between the
Stamford Transportation Center and Elm Street. The next phase of the
Stamford Urban Transitway will extend the project east from Elm Street to
Route 1/East Main along Myrtle Avenue.

Stamford continues to develop and implement comprehensive bicycling, walking
and traffic calming plans and programs. The Stamford Master Plan 2000
Traffic and Transit Report (2002) reinforces the Stamford Bicycle Plan
(2001) goal to maximize a full range of bicycle and pedestrian improvements.
Wherever possible, major capital projects are to include bicycling and
walking elements. In 2006, Stamford completed the initial phase of the Mill
River multi-use Trail between Tresser Boulevard and Broad Street. This
project is a unique collaboration of public (Stamford and USDOT Surface
Transportation Program Enhancement funding), private, and non-profit
efforts. The first phase of the Washington Boulevard Pedestrian Safety
Improvement Plan (Tresser Boulevard to Broad Street) was completed in 2005.
Funding has been requested to extend the improvements south from Tresser
Boulevard to Division Street. Improvements in the North State Street
pedestrian crossing the Stamford Transportation Center to the “Rail Trail”
to the east of Washington Boulevard are planned. Additional improvements
have been identified in the Stamford Multimodal Services Study (2004), and
the Stamford Long Range Transportation Plan (2004).

Norwalk continues to expand its bicycle and pedestrian improvements. The
Norwalk Heritage Trail linking the Maritime area with Matthew’s Park was
opened in 2000. The Norwalk River (Route 7) Multimodal Trail will connect
with the Heritage Trail at Mathews Park and extend north to Route 123. This
project, also funded through USDOT Surface Transportation Program
Enhancement funding is in design, with construction expected in 2005.

Greenwich has installed count-down pedestrian signal heads and audible
pedestrian-activated traffic signals at downtown locations. Cross-walk
striping has been enhanced at key locations to calm traffic and support
pedestrian movements. An established sidewalk program enables sidewalk
improvements, most recently on Hamilton Avenue. In 2001, Greenwich
completed its Bicycle Master Plan, which recommends developing a network of
bicycle routes with specific construction treatments for bicycles. New
Canaan’s 2003 Plan of Conservation and Development recommends a number of
pedestrian and bicycle improvements including the requirement for sidewalks
in the downtown, town assumption of responsibility for downtown sidewalk
maintenance and repair, and preparation of an overall concept plan for a
bicycle route system in the town.

In addition to the proposed Route 7 linear trail, which is being implemented
in phases by the City of Norwalk, there are two proposals for multi-use
trails along the Merritt Parkway (Route 15).
A demonstration project on the south side of the Merritt between High Ridge
Road (Route 137) at Exit 35, east approximately a mile to Newfield Avenue
was proposed in 2001 by the Regional Plan Association. A joint application
for STP-Enhancement funding was developed by the City of Stamford and
Regional Plan Association in 2002, and awaits ConnDOT decisions on
STP-Enhancement program priorities. The Merritt Parkway Trail is the
proposed routing for the East Coast Greenway through the region. Completed
sections of the East Coast Greenway can be found in other parts of the state
around New Haven, Hartford, and Willimantic.

Safe Routes to Schools is an increasingly important element of the region’s
non-motorized transportation system. Safe Routes plans have been developed
for a number of primary schools in Greenwich, Norwalk, and Stamford. In
2006, Norwalk and Stamford were each awarded grant funds from ConnDOT’s Safe
Routes to School Infrastructure Program to make improvements to pedestrian
and bicycle facilities in the vicinity of schools. These improvements will
encourage more students to walk or bike to school by improving the safety
and quality of bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Greenwich, which has five
schools with Safe Routes plans, is actively seeking funding for its
improvements though the Surface Transportation Program.

The USDOT Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Recreational Trails program
provides grant funds for construction of new motorized and non-motorized
trails, maintenance and restoration of existing recreational trails, access
to trails by persons with disabilities, purchase of equipment to construct
of maintenance trails, acquisition of land or easements for a trail or rail
corridor, and funding for promotion, education, and interpretation. Funding
for the program is approximately $500,000 a year, beginning with FFY2003.
In 2005, Stamford was awarded grant funds that will be used towards the
completion of the Mill River multi-use pathway. In 2006. Stamford was
awarded grant funds that will assist in the Barrett Park pedestrian trail
establishment project.

Because the South Western Region has been incorporated into the
Bridgeport-Stamford Urbanized area, FTA Enhancement funds are now available
for transit enhancement projects. Through the FTA enhancement program, bike
racks will be installed on Route 7 Link buses (Norwalk Transit District and
Housatonic Area Transit), and bike racks will be added to Glenbrook and
Springdale rail stations in Stamford as well as the East Norwalk and South
Norwalk rail stations in Norwalk. Additional bicycle and pedestrian projects
are being developed for future use of this funding source.

Recommended Strategies

Near Term
• Recognize that bicycling and walking are essential modes in the
transportation system and that they are viable transportation options for
many travelers.
• Build bicycle and pedestrian elements into transportation and community
facilities and develop bicycle and pedestrian systems and intermodal
connections.
• Promote bicycle and pedestrian safety and education programs targeted at
vulnerable groups such as seniors and youth.
• Construct and maintain secure bicycle storage at intermodal and community
facilities.
• Develop safe walking and bicycling routes to schools (Safe Route to
Schools).
• Promote bicycling and walking as ways to improve health.
• Secure funding for selected bicycle and pedestrian improvements identified
in the Stamford Multimodal Services Study (2004).
• Advocate for revision of the ConnDOT sidewalk policy so that new sidewalks
are possible and bicycle and pedestrian projects are funded through all
eligible federal programs and provided state funding.
• Support ConnDOT’s statewide bicycle and pedestrian advisory group
• Enact appropriate legislation that requires consideration of bicycle and
pedestrian supporting elements in all USDOT and state funded projects and as
a part of State Traffic Commission review of major traffic generators.
• Provide technical assistance to municipalities and advocacy groups
regarding bicycle and pedestrian issues, projects, programs and plans.
• Meet regularly with the regional bicycle and pedestrian working group and
encourage them to participate in the regional transportation planning
process.
• Advocate for and secure funding for additional bicycle and pedestrian
improvements that are consistent with the vision, goals and objectives of
the regional transportation plan.
• Support recreational trails projects developed to use USDOT Recreational
Trails Program funding and administered by the CT Department of
Environmental Protection.
• Determine the feasibility of the March 2001 Regional Plan Association and
City of Stamford proposal for the ‘Merritt Parkway Trail Demonstration
Project’ along the Merritt Parkway between High Ridge Road (Exit 35) and
Newfield Avenue, Stamford.

Recommended Projects

Near Term
• Develop a South Western Region Bicycling and Pedestrian Plan as a SWRPA
staff effort.
• Include bicycling and walking as components of the Regional Transit
Strategies Plan.
• Implement the current phases of the Norwalk River Valley Linear Trail
• Continue to support and promote bicycle racks on buses (near term, FTA
Enhancement funding, and in-house support from involved agencies and
organizations).
• Install secure bicycle storage at train stations, community and government
facilities, and institutions. Specific projects are identified in the
Stamford 2004 Long Range Transportation Plan project listing.
• Complete the second phase of the Washington Boulevard Pedestrian
Improvements (Tresser Boulevard to Division Street)

Longer Term
• Seek funding for future phases of the Norwalk River Valley Linear Trail
through Norwalk and Wilton.
• Implement the Stamford Mill River Multi-use Trail Phase 2 (near term,
$1,950,000).
• Seek funding for future phases of the Stamford Mill River Multi-use Trail.
• Implement the Stamford Harbor Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan
• Continue Washington Boulevard Pedestrian Improvements to extend
improvements beyond the first two phases (Broad Street – Tresser Boulevard,
Tresser Boulevard –Division Street.)
• Install secure bicycle storage at rail stations, community facilities, and
major institutions.

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