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BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN Bicycling and walking are not merely a health or recreational activity, but rather a lifestyle choice. Bicycling and walking are self-powered options that provide a real alternative for transportation needs. Although current transportation planning focuses primarily on motor vehicles, incorporating alternative means of transportation, particularly bicycling and pedestrian traffic, has the potential to improve the City’s transportation system for all users. Based on the desire to increase connectivity and to create more walkable developments, the City is gaining momentum in working with developers to create more destinations for walking and biking such as Ovation, Westhaven, Berry Farms, Historic Downtown Franklin and The Factory. As the City continues to invest in bike lanes and multi-use paths, the opportunity exists for all residents to take better advantage of this bicycle-pedestrian network as a mode of travel to and from various destinations in the City.
FIVE E’S OF BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN PLANNING
The collective projects and programs recommended for Franklin can be grouped into one or more of the following interrelated components. Engineering: Engineering refers to the network of pathways that must be planned, designed, and constructed. Education: Once the pathways are in place, cyclists and pedestrians must be made aware of the location and proper use of designated facilities as well as the destinations they connect. Encouragement: People need to be encouraged to bicycle and walk to validate public investment and reap the benefits described above. Enforcement: To ensure safety of all users and the long-term sustainability of the bicycle and pedestrian system, the formal and informal “rules of the road” must be enforced. Evaluation: A regular review of the bicycle and pedestrian network
CONNECT FRANKLIN: A Comprehensive Transportation Network Plan
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