Lauren Gersbach, sustainability coordinator for the city, said the plan will identify existing bikeways in Hamilton and propose needed additions to better connect the community both internally throughout the city and externally to major regional trail networks.
“The Bikeway Master Plan serves to increase awareness about bicycle safety for both bicyclists and motorists by designating specific roadways and trails throughout the city as the preferred routes for getting around town on a bike,” she said. “It will give the city an improved network of bikeways that will offer all bicyclists, whether riding recreationally or as a primary mode of transportation, safer routes of travel.”
Gersbach said the proposed network will connect neighborhoods, link parks and schools, and build a better transportation system. The idea behind it also will attempt to increase bike ridership, improve the health of Hamilton residents, and ultimately, improve air quality and the environment, she said.
Vice-Mayor Rob Wile has helped get the Bikeway Master Plan off the ground. Wile and Gersbach both say that it will include recommendations for proper signage on the roadways that indicate shared lanes.
The signage will identify shared motorist/bicyclist usage, properly signing and marking with bike lanes roadways that have been identified for on-street separated travel for bicyclists, and pursuing funding for and construction of future bike path developments.
“Improving the bikeway network throughout Hamilton will absolutely enhance the Great Miami River Recreational Trail. One of the many reasons for creating an enhanced network of bikeways is to connect people to recreational amenities,” Gersbach said. “We are so fortunate in Hamilton to have access to such a beautiful bike path, and the Bikeway Master Plan will identify connections throughout the city so that residents can jump on their bikes and safely ride to a trail.”
As planning moves forward, the city will identify priorities and will begin work to extend the bikeway network to make connections between residential areas, areas of employment and recreational amenities.
“It will also enable visitors coming into Hamilton on the Great Miami River Recreational Trail to exit the trail and ride more easily around town,” Gersbach said. “The hope is those coming through on the bike path will stop in town to visit our parks, shop at our local stores, and eat in our great restaurants.”
Wile and Gersbach said those who have had a chance to weigh in on the proposed Bikeway Master plan seem to agree that an improved network of bikeways throughout Hamilton is needed.
“All areas of the city will benefit from the proposed bikeway network because there are currently so few shared roadways or on-road bike lanes in Hamilton, and because the only off-road bikeway is along the Great Miami River and Ford Canal, all areas of the city will benefit from building out a more robust network,” Gersbach said. “There are areas for improvement wherever you look, and so the Bikeway Master Plan aims to connect as much of the community as possible.”
More community input meetings will be announced in early 2016.
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