STEERING COMMITTEE KEY TAKEAWAYS

Expand the existing network by filling gaps and establishing connections to desired destinations.

Construct more high-comfort facilities, which are more suitable for families and inexperienced bicyclists, throughout the network.

The network should be expanded and improved for the purposes of both transportation and recreation. Users will make different decisions based on trip intent.

Improve wayfinding for more intuitive use of the network. Increase awareness of the current system and its routes.

The material of a bicycle facility communicates to bicyclists whether they’re allowed to use the facility. The perception of most bicyclists is that concrete facilities are reserved for pedestrians only while asphalt facilities can be used by both bicyclists and pedestrians.

Existing shared use paths that don’t meet the new standards for accessibility and width should be improved. Establish a complete, off-street connection from the east to the west side of Columbus.

Focus Groups

Over 50 individuals applied to serve as members of the Steering Committee. While the City did not have room for every applicant on the Committee, the City still wanted to hear from every applicant. Therefore, the City invited the applicants not selected to serve on the Committee to a series of small-group, focus group meetings that took place in March 2019. The Focus Group participants, all passionate about improving the walking and bicycling experience in Columbus, wanted to participate despite not being selected for the Steering Committee. These valuable meetings provided a number of important takeaways that guided the recommendations in this Plan update.

Focus Group Key Takeaways

Bicycle facilities that are physically separated from motor vehicle traffic are preferred to other types of bicycle facilities because they are safer for bicyclists of all ages and abilities and don‘t collect debris.

The development and installation of signage and wayfinding is critically important for Columbus’ bicycle and pedestrian network.

Bicycle lanes collect glass, rocks, and debris. These facilities should receive more frequent maintenance.

A focus of this planning effort should be on making the bicycle and pedestrian system work well for those who use the network for transportation, such as to get to work and shopping centers. Gaps should be eliminated throughout the existing network.

The bicycle and pedestrian network should be enhanced with murals, sculptures, and other pieces of art. The trail should be its own destination.

Conflict between bicyclists and pedestrians on shared spaces sometimes occurs. Dedicated space for each user should be considered.

Community Survey

In the summer of 2019, the City published a survey to learn about the experiences, behaviors, and perceptions of walking and bicycling in Columbus. The public was informed of the survey through a media release and social media. 149 community members responded. Highlights from the survey results are below.

96% of respondents Agree or Strongly Agree that they would like to live in a community where they can walk to meet the needs of their lifestyle.

80% of respondents Agree or Strongly Agree that they would walk more if additional pedestrian facilities existed in Columbus.

96%

Agree or Strongly Agree that they would like to live in a community where they can bike to meet the needs of their lifestyle.

87%

Agree or Strongly Agree that they would bike more if additional bicycle facilities existed in Columbus.

The adequacy of pedestrian facilities. Participants were asked to rate the adequacy of pedestrian features that comprise Columbus’ pedestrian network. The graphs below represent the percentage of respondents who feel these elements are currently adequate.

The top factors discouraging respondents from walking in Columbus today. Percentages reflect the percentage of respondents indicating that the corresponding factor discourages them from walking.

The top 5 Columbus-area locations pedestrians would like to access. Survey participants were asked to select the areas of Columbus and the surrounding region they would most like to access by walking. The top 5 responses are below.

The adequacy of bicycle facilities. Participants were asked to rate the adequacy of bicycle features that comprise Columbus’ bicycle network. The graphs below represent the percentage of respondents who feel these elements are currently adequate.

The top factors discouraging respondents from bicycling in Columbus today. Percentages reflect the percentage of respondents indicating that the corresponding factor discourages them from bicycling.

The top 5 Columbus-area locations residents would like to access by bicycling. Survey participants were asked to select the areas of Columbus and the surrounding region they would most like to access by bicycling. The top 5 responses are below.

Downtown Columbus 1

U.S. 31 Corridor (North of 25th Street) 2

U.S. 31 Corridor (South of 25th Street) 3

Parks (Throughout the City) 4

Bartholomew County Fairgrounds 5

Sharing facilities with other user types. Survey respondents were asked to indicate whether they are comfortable sharing bicycle and pedestrian facilities with other user types.

User experiences on the bicycle and pedestrian network. Survey respondents were asked to describe what they typically experience when bicycling, walking, and running in Columbus. Below are some of their responses.

“When biking in Columbus with my children, I am not comfortable on the bike routes that share the road with motorists. I prefer a separated path and this limits us from traveling to certain locations, such as downtown Columbus.”

“I like to walk but the lack of sidewalks makes it unsafe.”

“Safe routes for walking, running, or biking are not well identified through the downtown area. Effort needs to be made to identify side streets for pedestrians to use and focus investments on making these streets safer and more attractive for walkers and bikers.”

“Excessive debris in bike lanes - especially along 17th Street. The streets get cleaned but the bike lanes are full of hazards.”

“Overall I am very impressed. Few cities the size of Columbus have a trail system like ours.”

“The People Trails are rough and deteriorating.”