RECOMMENDATIONS

Introduction

Ensuring that the bicycle and pedestrian network effectively meets the needs of different users requires the adoption of a comprehensive set of policies that address each aspect of bicycling and walking. This includes new policies specific to the City of Columbus, as well as the incorporation of state and federal policies. This subchapter describes each of the policies that the City has adopted to improve conditions for bicyclists and pedestrians in the community. Collectively, the policies recommended in this plan seek to sustain and enhance walking and bicycling conditions for all users, regardless of skill level, physical ability, or whether they walk or bike for transportation or recreation.

In the following policy statements, the use of “will” indicates that the City is committed to implementing that policy, and the use of “should” signifies a recommendation. 1-01

1. GENERAL POLICIES

In order to create a comprehensive and connected system for bicyclists of all ages and abilities, the “Interested but Concerned” bicycle user group is the target user for Columbus’ bicycle network. Future facility design and implementation will consider the needs of this user group to ensure safe connections throughout the City.

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The City will continue to be opportunistic in its approach to implementing bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, constructing new facilities, where appropriate, when streets are resurfaced, reconstructed, or newly built; when sewer projects are constructed; and when similar infrastructure projects are implemented. The City will also specifically devote resources to implementing bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure separate from road improvement projects when new bicycle and pedestrian facilities will improve safety conditions and establish needed connections in the network.

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This Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan includes a list of identified and prioritized bicycle and pedestrian improvement projects. As the system develops and opportunities arise to implement projects not included in this document, those new projects will be evaluated and prioritized based on need, target user, location, and available funding.

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The City of Columbus will utilize a flexible design approach, as described on pages 71 and 72 of this document, during implementation of projects identified in this Plan. The City’s preferred approach to design flexibility is to make every effort to manage constraints in order to implement facilities that serve the “Interested but Concerned” bicycle user group and/or projects that form a vital piece of the low stress bicycle network before determining that downgrading a facility is necessary.

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As new development occurs both within the City and along the City’s periphery, the City will provide for the extension of the bicycle and pedestrian facility network to serve these areas. The City will consider the context, future development potential of the area, existing bicycle and pedestrian facilities in close proximity, the target design user, and the bicycle and pedestrian facility maps when determining the most appropriate bicycle and pedestrian facilities to be installed with new development.

In order to respond to changing needs and to ensure continuity of Columbus’ expanding bicycle and pedestrian network, the City will consider a series of factors when determining the most appropriate bicycle and pedestrian facility to be constructed as part of new developments. The Subdivision Control Ordinance currently requires that bicycle lanes and sidewalks be installed on all collector and arterial streets that adjoin new developments. This requirement is not consistent with the approach and goals established by this Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan update, and the Subdivision Control Ordinance should also be updated to reflect this new, flexible approach to bicycle and pedestrian facility selection.

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Traffic calming measures should be implemented, where appropriate, citywide. Slower vehicle speeds improve pedestrian, bicyclist, and motorist safety everywhere, even when designated bicycle and pedestrian facilities are not present. (Reference page 101 for a list of possible traffic calming design elements.)

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The City will coordinate with and actively encourage the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), Bartholomew County, and other local, state, and federal agencies to implement bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, where appropriate, when those agencies engage in road improvement projects within the City’s Planning Jurisdiction.

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The City should, when appropriate, engage the public on project-level bicycle facility type selection and other design decisions in order to educate, inform, and collect feedback.

The City should, where appropriate, capitalize on wide streets by narrowing them to construct sidewalks, bicycle facilities, or other missing bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. 1-09

2. ORDINANCE AND COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS

MUNICIPAL CODE RECOMMENDATIONS

Recommendations for Chapter 10.56: Bicycles

Amend Section 10.56.010 (Effect of Violation) of the Municipal Code 2-01

This section of the code states, “These regulations applicable to bicycles shall apply whenever a bicycle is operated upon any street or upon any public path set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles, subject to those exceptions stated herein.” The phrase “set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles...” implies that these regulations do not apply to shared use paths.

Therefore, “path set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles” should be replaced with “shared use and other paths on which bicycles are allowed.”

Repeal Sections 10.56.030, 10.56.040, 10.56.050, 10.56.060, and 10.56.070 of the Municipal Code 2-02

These sections of the Municipal Code describe the requirements for bicycle licenses within the city. These codes have not been applied for many years and do not represent best practices for bicycling.

Repeal Sections 10.08.050 and 10.08.060 of the Municipal Code 2-03

These sections of the Municipal Code address “play streets.” The establishment of play streets has not been exercised for many years and is no longer relevant.

Repeal Section 10.56.160 (Riding on Sidewalks) of the Municipal Code 2-04

This section prohibits bicyclists from riding upon sidewalks in “business districts.” The City of Columbus supports the use of sidewalks by children and inexperienced bicyclists traveling at low speeds when no on-street bicycle facility is available or when an available bicycle facility is uncomfortable for children and inexperienced bicyclists. Therefore, this section of the Municipal Code should be repealed.

2-05 Prohibit motorized vehicles on shared use paths, cycle tracks, and other bicycle and pedestrian facilities providing dedicated space for bicyclists and/or pedestrians.

In Chapter 10.56 (Bicycles) of the Municipal Code, motorized vehicles, with the exception of motorized wheelchairs and electric bicycles permitted by the City to operate on bicycle facilities, should be prohibited from use on all shared use paths, cycle tracks, conventional and buffered bicycle lanes, and sidewalks in order to promote the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians. Authorized law enforcement, emergency medical, and maintenance vehicles should be exempt from this prohibition.

2-06 Designate and regulate the use of electric bicycles (e-bikes) consistent with the 2020 State of Indiana regulations.

Indiana Law designates three classes of electric bicycles:

Class 1: An electric bicycle equipped with an electric motor that provides assistance only when the operator is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance to the operator when the electric bicycle reaches a speed of 20mph.

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Class 2: An electric bicycle equipped with an electric motor that may be used to exclusively propel the electric bicycle (throttle-activated motor) and is unable to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20mph.

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Class 3: An electric bicycle equipped with an electric motor that provides assistance only when the operator is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 28 mph.

Indiana Law indicates that Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes may be operated in any location where human-powered bicycles are permitted, such as shared use paths, bicycle lanes, and cycle tracks. Also, the same rules of the road apply to both e-bikes and human-powered bicycles. Indiana Law prohibits Class 3 e-bikes from operating on bicycle paths or shared use path unless: (1) the bicycle path or shared use path is within or adjacent to a highway or roadway, or (2) the Class 3 e-bike is specifically allowed by the local authority or state agency with jurisdiction.

In the City of Columbus, Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes should be permitted in any location where human-powered bicycles are permitted and must follow the same rules of the road as human-powered bicycles. The City of Columbus should consider prohibiting Class 3 e-bikes on all shared use paths.

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Implement a Safe Passing Law

Many states, including the state of Indiana, have a law requiring motorists to provide at least 3 feet of space when passing a bicyclist. The City of Columbus should add the following language to its code to increase the safety of bicyclists on roadways, “The driver or operator of a motorized vehicle overtaking a bicyclist must pass the bicycle at a safe distance of not less than three feet between the vehicle and the bicycle and must not return the vehicle to the vehicle’s original lane of travel until the vehicle is safely clear of the bicycle.”

Thoroughfare Plan Recommendations

2-08

Revise the Thoroughfare Plan to be consistent with the recommendations in this Plan, including to reflect the complete list of bicycle facility options recommended in this Plan.

Bicycle lanes are currently the only bicycle facility included in the Thoroughfare Plan. The Thoroughfare Plan should include all bicycle facility types, including but not limited to shared use paths, cycle tracks, buffered bicycle lanes, and neighborhood bicycle routes, and it should reference the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan for implementation guidance of bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

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Revise the Thoroughfare Plan to require sidewalks on both sides of all Urban and Suburban local industrial streets.

Sidewalks are an important component of pedestrian access on all streets, including local industrial streets. Sidewalks on local industrial streets provide important connections from higher classification streets to businesses along the local street, and they offer a place for recreation during work breaks.

Subdivision Control Ordinance Recommendations

2-10

Revise the Subdivision Control Ordinance to reflect the recommended changes to the Thoroughfare Plan Design Elements Charts and this Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan.

The Subdivision Control Ordinance includes design standards which reference the Thoroughfare Plan and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Elements of the Comprehensive Plan. Minor and major subdivision design must include implementation of recommended improvements from these plan elements. Therefore, the Subdivision Control Ordinance should be appropriately revised to reflect the recommended changes to the Thoroughfare Plan Design Elements Charts described above and in this Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan.