Summary of Walk Audit #1

Photo Location: On the Sand Creek Regional Greenway

While many walk participants expressed a desire to access SCRG by foot, the walk audit experience revealed that the route was challenging. Many improvements are recommended in order for residents to feel safe and comfortable walking, rolling, or biking to access the trails.

The feature that creates the greatest challenge and currently acts as a physical barrier is the Peoria bridge. Because of its steep grade, most walkers, wheelchair users, and bicyclists are likely to avoid walking south on Peoria past I-70. Most of the sidewalks were in good shape, especially the new ones north on Peoria. However, many needed plowing and there were some unprotected and narrow sidewalks and other sidewalks in need of repair. Most notably, the sidewalk just north of the Sand Creek access was extremely narrow and dangerous. Creating a trail access north of this sidewalk would avoid making that dangerous trek.

Most crosswalks were easy to navigate with the exception of a few short lights. Increasing the timing of some of the pedestrian lights would alleviate the anxiety experienced by the walkers. During the walk many individuals were observed using RTD bus stops. Most bus stops did not have shelters or benches. There were many recommendations for new wayfinding and interpretive signs for the SCRG but also clarifying existing signage to the RTD station. The new trees planted and art installations south of Smith Road created a pleasant pedestrian experience. Participants also recommended more benches to sit and enjoy nature once on the SCRG.

Recommendations: ● Peoria bridge: Create pedestrian and wheelchair access across the RTD rail lines similar to what exists on Havana (see photo below). This would allow pedestrians and

wheelchair users to more easily navigate moving south to access the Greenway and access to the RTD station would be more convenient.

● Sidewalks and crosswalks: Ensure snow and ice removal from sidewalks, repair broken sidewalks, and increase the timing of some of the lights at crosswalks. ● Public Transport: Instal benches and shelters at bus stops. ● Wayfinding: Install wayfinding signs indicating location of and distance to the

Greenway; install interpretive signs along the Greenway and include information on First

Peoples. ● Access to the Greenway: Install a trail and signage to the SCRG at the location indicated in yellow in the image below; this would avoid needing to use the dangerous, narrow sidewalk directly to the south of this location. Install more benches along the

Greenway.