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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-1473 w. & Bl"j. companm, Mobww Plm 0, ORDINANCE NO J001 - %" y ' AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE DENTON PLAN 1999- 2020 BY ADOPTING A PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE COMPONENT OF THE DENTON MOBILITY PLAN FOR THE CITY OF DENTON, PROVIDING A SAVINGS AND A REPEALING CLAUSE, AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE WHEREAS, on December 7, 1999, the City of Denton adopted the Denton Plan, 1999- 2020, and WHEREAS, the City of Denton Engineering and Transportation Department recommends the adoption of a Pedestrian and Bicycle Linkages Component to the Denton Mobility Plan of the Denton Plan, 1999-2020 as particularly described in Exhibit "A" which is attached hereto and made a part hereof by reference (the "Pedestrian and Bicycle Component'), and WHEREAS, on April 3 , 2001, the Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing and recommended approval of the Pedestrian and Bicycle Component, and WHEREAS, the City Council, after a public hearing on April 3 , 2001, finds that the recommended Pedestrian and Bicycle Component is in the best interests of the health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of the City of Denton, Texas, NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DENTON HEREBY ORDAINS SECTION 1 The City Council has reviewed the Pedestrian and Bicycle Component and hereby adopts such Pedestrian and Bicycle Component as a component to the Mobility Plan of the Denton Plan, 1999-2020 SECTION 2 All ordinances or parts of ordinances in force when the provisions of this ordinance became effective which are inconsistent or in conflict with the terms or provisions contained in this ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent of any such conflict only The non - conflicting sections, sentences, paragraphs, and phrases shall remain in full force and effect SSECTION 3 A copy of this ordinance shall be attached to the Denton Plan, 1999-2020 showing the amendment herein approved SECTION 4 This ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its passage and approval PASSED AND APPROVED this the" day of 12001 ck— EULINE BROCK, MAYOR ATTEST JENNIFER WALTERS, CITY SECRETARY BY APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM HERBERT L PRO Y, CITY ATTORNEY BY PAGE St ar UooummltlAplpanuaWltP[daWank BkyulaC ponnm Mobility Plan onto Denton Mobility Plan --Pedestrian & Bicycle Linkages Component Purpose The purpose of the pedestrian and bicycle linkages component of the City of Denton Mobility Plan is to establish guidelines to facilitate pedestrian mobility and the use of non- motorized vehicles The Mobility Plan — Pedestrian & Bicycle Unkaaes There is recognition by many that more attention should be paid to bike and pedestrian facilities within our community Much attention has been paid in the past to ensuring the effective movement of motorized vehicles, however, there has been significant input by various individuals and groups of a need for better coordination and implementation of non-motonzed mobility to meet the various needs of our community The opportunity to develop and expand the existing network of on -street and off-street transportation alternatives within the city is an exciting long-range vision for Denton City leaders recognize that transportation plamung includes addressing the access and mobility needs of pedestrians and bicyclists to work and non -work destinations such as schools, universities, government centers, retail and commercial centers, offices, entertainment venues, churches, recreational facilities, and within local neighborhoods This Master Plan includes a conceptual Mobility Plan that will provide guidance for the development and implementation of pedestrian and bicycle linkages within the following luerarchy Sidewalks, Bicycle & Pedestrian Trails, Bike Routes, and Greenway Corridors As discussed in the published Denton Comprehensive Plan, with supportive land use and transportation policies, walking and bicycling can be practical alternatives to driving (especially for short trips), contribute greatly to the quality and vitality of the street scene, and help achieve environmental goals Pedestrian and bike improvements to intersections, sidewalks, and other facilities can improve access and safety, and are particularly important for children, semor adults, people with disabilities, low/moderate income citizens, and people who choose to use this mode of transportation City leaders should emphasize CIP funds to be utilized where existing land uses do not currently have sidewalk and bicycle linkages New developments will continue to provide these systems as a part of new private development initiatives in both residential and commercial environments The focus is to increase the amount of walking and bicycling that local citizens utilize for alternate modes of transportation This can be achieved by creating desirable, safe, convenient environments that are conducive to walking and bicycling The Denton Comprehensive Plan has outlined several strategies to meet this goal A Create an Urban Trail System to facilitate walking and bicycling as viable transportation choices, provide recreational opportunities, and link major parks and open spaces with Denton neighborhoods B Integrate pedestrian and bike facilities, services, and programs into both citywide and regional transportation systems where appropriate to provide - Pedestrian amenities and weather protection, - Safe and convenient pedestrian and bike access to transit stops, transit centers and stations, - Lighting and security, - Additional improvements for persons with disabilities and special needs, - Bike capacity on buses, rail, and other modes of transportation, - Covered, secure bike parking at transit centers and stations C Recognize the importance of walking in the city and the contribution walking makes to achieve personal mobility and environmental objectives Enhance the pedestrian environment throughout the city D Through implementation of the comprehensive plan and/or neighborhood planning, designate Key Pedestrian Streets within the highest -density portions of urban centers and neighborhood centers Design and operate the streets to be safe and attractive for pedestrians, improve access to transit, encourage street -level activity, and facilitate social interaction Integrate pedestrian facilities into street improvements on these streets E Accelerate the improvement of existing pedestrian facilities and develop and maintain new facilities throughout the city Increase pedestrian activity, enhance pedestrian safety, and promote a pleasant walking environment, with special consideration to pedestrian facilities including recommended school walking routes, access to transit, access for people with disabilities, and access to and within urban center and neighborhood center environments F Provide and maintain direct, continuous bicycle routes, and make all appropriate streets bicycle-fnendly Accelerate development of bike facilities in, around and between mixed -use centers, neighborhood centers, and other key locations Facilitate bicycling, where appropriate, by techniques such as providing separate trails or bicycle lanes The Mobility Plan included herein addresses a hierarchy of potential transportation routes across the overall city The proposed mobility network includes four modes of non - motorized transportation Sidewalks for pedestrian connections along streets, Bicycle and Pedestrian Trails for connections to major destinations, Bike Routes for significant bicycling activities, and Creenway Corridors along existing drainage ways to serve a wide range of trail users Sidewalks The sidewalk system represents the most basic off-street transportation network within the City and should be readily available along city streets and throughout neighborhoods Sidewalks separate pedestrians from the roadway and provide safe places for children to play Sidewalks may be instrumental in reducing the number of pedestrian accidents by keeping pedestrians away from moving vehicles Street furnishings, signs, utility poles, mailboxes, and other objects need to be considered so that pedestrian movement is not impeded The sidewalk is the primary device used for the conveyance of pedestrians and wheelchairs Although Texas law recognizes bicycles as vehicles, it is understood that the sidewalk may be used by bicyclists when designed as a Class H Trail The walkable path of any new sidewalk shall be located away from the main lanes of traffic, preferably more than three feet and typically within a foot of the property line Existing vegetation, steep slopes, drainage crossings and other impediments must be transitioned around Such transitions should be gradual— a pedestrian or wheelchair should not have to make a turn of more than 20 degrees to stay on path Walk -able paths shall be five feet in width and be made of hard surfaced materials such as concrete, masonry, or other concrete block material All walk -able paths shall follow the most recent ADA standards and Texas Accessibility Standards Please note that the above paragraph addresses the walk -able path and not the sidewalk proper It is understood that there may be instances where it is desirable to have a paved pedestrian area significantly greater in size than the utilitarian needs that a walk -able path requires Such areas would include the typical downtown street setting, pedestrian pavilions, and mass transit stops In these areas, the walk -able path should be defined by the absence of obstructions - newspaper stands, furniture, signs, planters, trees wells, artwork and other features proposed should be clear of the walk -able path These features may occupy other parts of the paved areas The sidewalk network is the primary system of pedestrian movement and thus should be given priority consideration in funding and development A review of sidewalks along arterials and collectors and in the vicinity of schools, parks, and neighborhood centers should occur to establish funding priorities Disconnected sidewalk sections in fully developed areas should be connected to ensure a continuous path Development will be expected to install sidewalk in accordance with existing practice and modified with the development code An additional priority area would be to connect trails, and parks to other city parks and recreational facilities throughout the community Bicycle and Pedestrian Trails Bicycle and Pedestrian Trails can provide dual service for both types of non-motonzed transportation Many bicyclists, skaters and scooter users, and other non-motonzed forms of transportation are an afterthought in many street and sidewalk designs The establishment of a trail system in conjunction with bicycle lanes and sidewalk linkages will provide for an effective alternate for short trips, commutes to school and work, and recreational trips The bike and pedestrian trail system shall be established for both utilitarian and recreational purposes These trails shall be eight feet in width without obstructions Trails should link to other bike and pedestrian modes to serve as a conduit for those using the trail for transportation as well as to encourage use of the trails by those who use non - motorized transportation as recreation Such trails may be placed in street right-of-way, but may also occupy non -street areas such as parks and designated off-street right-of- way Similar to sidewalks, the trail should be placed away from the back of curb, three feet or more is preferable The trail shall be designed to accommodate long distance bike riding safely Any proposed trail, and any funding for a proposed trail, should take into account the need to modify existing driveways so that the trail may be used for its intended use ADA and Texas Accessibility Standards shall be followed Trails shall connect major activity concentration points in the city such as the two universities, downtown, parks, shopping districts and employment centers Trails through existing developed areas should consider the restrictions of the existing right of way and not be forced into insufficient right-of-way Additional nght-of-way should be acquired if there is insufficient right-of-way to accommodate a trail Trails shall also be the device utilized withm the greenway corridors Bike Routes Bike routes should be established and linked with bike trails to encourage the use of bicycles and to provide continuous paths between residential, recreational, employment, and shopping areas of the city Bike routes shall generally be considered on collector streets and other streets where the average speed of the traffic does not exceed 40 miles an hour Routes may be designated by signs and by pavement markings and should be clear of fixed obstructions, utility covers, and drainage devices When considering a bike route, consideration should be paid to those routes where on -street parking and drive approaches are rmnimized Routes shall also be considered along paths parallel to heavy traveled artenals and in the outside lanes when designated in order to encourage bicycling as a primary means of transportation Routes shall be in the direction of motorized traffic only and not against the flow of traffic Bike routes can be provided within either an on -street network or off-street network The Institute of Transportation Engineers states in its publication "The Traffic Safety Toolbox" that `Bicyclists make up 1-3% of the commuter trips in most American cities Bicycling itself is bigger There are 96 milhon bicyclists, and 27 5 million of them nde regularly" Route Planning The Pedestrian and Bicyle Linkages Component of the Denton Mobility Plan shows a network of sidewalks, trails, and bike routes that should be considered within the city This should not be seen as a final design New developments should consider paths in the design of the development to connect to the proposed paths as well as facilitate internal movement and movement towards the facilities proposed Staff should consider completing routes and links when rehabilitating or adding to existing streets and sidewalks Funding Cost estimates prepared for the CIP, CDBG or other sources of public funding should consider those obstacles that may prevent the completion of such facilities including drainages, retaining walls, railing, bridges, pavement markings, vegetation removal and nght-of-way/easement acquisition The Mobility Plan proposes a series of designated bike routes that will provide a network across an extended region of Denton Some of these priority areas include providing bike routes from the UNT campus and TWU campus to the various population centers that contribute students, staff, and other people to these campuses Another priority will be to provide bike routes that connect the major parks within the city Eventually, the bike routes should also integrate into the proposed greenway corridors along the creeks and drainage ways Greenway Corridors One of the most visionary aspects of the Mobility Plan is to create a series of greenway corridors along the major drainage ways in Denton These greenway corridors will offer a very exciting diversity of recreational activities within a natural setting and can be used for transportation connections for commuters also Such activities aught include walking/jogging/equestrian trails, nature trails, interpretive areas, bud watching, picnicking, and sightseeing These greenways will need to be carefully coordinated with other city functions such as engineering, drainage, and traffic to ensure that a holistic approach is taken in planning any improvements with the drainage corridor It will also be important to maintain a wide enough corridor to ensure the natural environment is not impacted by potential development activities Several creek corridors have been identified with the Mobility Plan as potential greenways to serve as part of a long-range, non-motonzed transportation network These include Cooper Creek to the north, Pecan Creek in the central portion of Denton, and Hickory Creek in the southern portion of Denton Each of these areas differ in natural character and amount of existing development, but each offer a variety of opportunities for trail and recreational development Opportunities exist to connect to existing trails like the equestrian trails operated by the Cross Timbers Group around Copper Canyon and the Ray Robert Greenbelt trail that ties to US 380 operated by the CORPS(COE) Public Recommendations Input from the public was concentrated primarily in the need for bicycle trails The number one and overwhelming request was for single track dirt bike trails These are low cost and low impact trails cut into natural areas that allow recreation and communing with nature The Dallas Off Road Bicycle Association (DORBA) has committed through our local police contact —Tom Woods to help build these kind of trails in Denton There are also potential sponsors through area bicycle shop connections to community associations like &wanis and others The second largest request was for trails like the White Rock Lake Trail that actually bring Tourism dollars to that area The Rails to Trails is the first start on that type project but more need to be implemented The Greenbelts in the major creeks seem to be the best locations for the multipurpose type trails Long term these can provide access to nature walks including a large committed group of bird watchers who can see more species in Texas than in any other state according to local experts Again, bird watching tours can bring tourism to Denton in a low impact approach that respects the natural environment by depending on it Finally, the City of Denton needs to become more pedestrian and bicycle friendly to encourage the development and use of these modes of transportation This was a primary concern expressed by all those who attended the public meetings Timings and push buttons at intersections will need to have more time allocated to safe crossmgs and vehicles must be prohibited from turning across pedestrian and bicycle movements when they have protected phases Refer to attachment #1-Denton Mobditv Plan-Brcvcle and Pedestrian Linkages Component DRAFT Denton Mobility Plan Pedestri an and Bicycle Linkages Com I nent F N Bicycle Linkages; Legend Mobility Plan --Pedestrian and Bic Exisbrig Ray Roberts Groorbeit Trail E Exisfing sidewalk Roads F[oGdplain Proposed Grearnimy/ Drainage Corridor Lek" 0 Proposed On Road Bike System stream City Limits S Proposed Pedestrian Bricip City of Denton Proposed Pedestrian and Bikeway Conneolon sdMIS Engineering GIS Proposed Rails to Trails Comenflon Parks Created 7/11/00 3000 0 3000 Feet M Proposed Sidwivalk Revised 10/20100,2105/01