A lot of cities we have visited have wonderful paved paths along the river it is so nice to be able to enjoy the beauty
CITY OF BRAINERD NON-MOTORIZED TRANSPORTATION PLAN
DRAFT for December 5, 2016 City Council Consideration
_______, 2016 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Chapter 1—Purpose and Need
3
Chapter 2—Goals and Strategies for Non-Motorized Transportation Plan Implementation
5
Chapter 3—Non-Motorized Transportation Plan Implementation and Promotion
9
Chapter 4—Plan Priorities
15
Maps
22
Appendix
26-93
1. Complete Streets Policy…27 2. Community Survey…31 3. Walkability Audit…59 4. Safe Routes to School Plan… Not Included in Packet
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Chapter One: Purpose and Need
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Purpose and Need for the Non-Motorized Transportation Plan A safe, interconnected cycling and walking system can be a major asset to any community, particularly one as well suited to these activities as Brainerd. The natural environment and the historic street grid are highly conducive for these and other outdoor pursuits. Both natural and man-made corridors provide ideal opportunities for development of a comprehensive system of cycling facilities, pathways, and trails. Even though the larger Brainerd Lakes Area is known for its recreational opportunities, such a system is not well developed in many areas of the city. However, progress is being made. In 2015, the total length of multi-use trail within the city was 10.2 miles. There is also 35.8 miles of sidewalk within the urban area. Although these efforts have been made to improve these non-motorized facilities, a plan is necessary to properly prioritize scheduling and the use of funds. It is not difficult to convince the public that the provision of bicycle and walking facilities makes sense as a community investment. One of the themes emerging from the household survey on walking and bicycle usage is that residents place a high value on cycling and walking features within their communities. Recreational cycling and walking trails have long been seen as an important public investment in the local tourism economy. Many locals have taken advantage of these regional facilities and desire to have better access to biking and walking in their daily lives. Furthermore, if the city is to attract young families and active professionals to reside within the urban area, the creation of non-motorized transportation options will be vital. These facilities, and the activities enabled by them, are good for our health, good for our economy, good for our environment, and good for our quality of life. The facilities can also be implemented without great expense. There is every reason to believe that Brainerd can and should be one of the centers of cycling and pedestrian activity in Central Minnesota. The challenge ahead involves developing a cohesive, integrated plan and identifying sources of funds to implement that plan. This is the goal of the Brainerd Non-Motorized Transportation Plan (NMTP). This 2016 Plan hopes to take the development of such systems to another level. It identifies a comprehensive network, with a focus on the bicycle system. Implementation of the Plan will be a win-win on multiple fronts, and a strong partnership between the city and other local governments, MN-Dot, and the citizens of Brainerd can make it happen. Although many efforts have been made in recent years to improve these non-motorized facilities, a plan is necessary to properly prioritize scheduling and the use of funds.
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Chapter Two: Goals and Strategies for Non-Motorized Transportation Plan Implementation
5
City of Brainerd Non‐Motorized Transportation Plan Goals and Strategies for Implementation 1. Institutional changes that create a community culture to embrace non‐motorized transportation alternatives. Policies, Plans and Initiatives Implement the City Council strategic initiative to create more walkable and bikeable neighborhoods. Develop a non‐motorized transportation plan by the end of 2015. Adopt a Non‐motorized Transportation Plan and integrate the Plan with Brainerd’s Comprehensive Plan for land use decisions. Maintain a Walkable Bikeable City Committee advisory to the City Council. Adopt a Complete Streets Policy. Partner with ISD 181 to promote, support and implement the Safe Routes to School Plan to create more opportunities for student walking and bicycling. Community Awareness and Education Develop a public information awareness program for safe non‐motorized transportation. Develop and implement a promotional program to educate non‐motorists and motorists about local and state non‐motorized and motorized transportation ordinances and state laws. Partner with public access TV to provide periodic non‐motorized education sessions and public service bulletins. Create educational posters for display at high‐traffic areas such as the library and local grocery and convenience stores. Partner with local landlords to distribute information to residents each fall and spring. Create and promote a “Getting Around Brainerd” webpage that encapsulates relevant ordinances, transit routes, and safety tips. Partner with the transit system to reach out to bus system users, including providing area maps at bus stops. Partner with wireless local businesses, and the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau to raise awareness of visitors to the City. Distribute press releases when significant non‐motorized transportation and accessibility achievements are made. Annually present to local civic organizations and other community groups about the non‐motorized transportation plan and achievements that have been made in implementing the plan. Community Safety Partner with local organizations to offer courses on how to operate a bicycle safely. Partner with the High School and Drivers’ Education providers to educate new drivers about interactions with bicyclists and pedestrians. 6
2. Design, construct and maintain an interconnected non‐motorized transportation system that is safe, continuous, accessible, convenient, efficient and easy to use. Provide non‐motorized transportation links between all major key destinations (such as parks, schools, downtown, hospitals and clinics). Provide a non‐motorized network that includes features such as sidewalks, trails, bicycle lanes and safe road crossings. Ensure that each intersection has visible and consistent street signs to aid navigability. Eliminate gaps in the non‐motorized transportation system. Identify needed safety improvements to existing sidewalks, bike lanes, paved shoulder lanes, separated paths, intersections and crosswalks. Develop a year‐round maintenance program for Brainerd’s non‐motorized facilities that identifies the expected level of maintenance for each facility and the department responsible for the maintenance. Adopt and publish MNDOT construction standards for non‐motorized facilities. 3. Revise City Ordinances and policy to include definitions of and reference to non‐ motorized transportation. Update the general parking and loading requirements to require bicycle parking and distinguish bicycle parking from motor vehicle parking. Institute design standards for bicycle parking. Update current parking quantity requirements to ensure bicycle parking is provided. Review current ordinances regarding landscaping and fencing to ensure that pedestrians are visible to vehicles at potential points of conflict, such as crosswalks, alleys, and driveways. Snow and ice removal ordinances and policies shall be clear, consistent, ensure that mobility and accessibility are preserved and shall be enforced. Create standards for openings and fixtures in sidewalks, such as vaults and utility accesses. Strategically enforce traffic ordinances, such as turn signal use, encroachment on crosswalks, speed limits, bicycle use, and pedestrian right‐of‐ways. 4. Connect Brainerd with neighboring cities. Support the establishment and improvement of critical multimodal transportation linkages between jurisdictions throughout the County. 5. Use non‐motorized travel to improve community health, safety and lifestyle. Partner with Crow Wing Energized to increase active living opportunities and active lifestyles. Create opportunities for residents and businesses to participate in transportation network‐building, such as provision of public bicycle parking and public benches for pedestrians. 7
Design and install a non‐motorized transportation way‐finding system. Conduct walkability and bikeability audits.
6. Establish Brainerd as a League of American Bicyclists Bike Friendly Community. Achieve Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly Community status from the League of American Bicyclists by 2016 and become Gold certified by 2020. 7. Build a community skate park. Build a skate park by 2020. Develop a skate park fund. 8. Develop and fund a list of prioritized investments that implement this Plan and maintain the system. Integrate this Plan with the annual Capital Improvement Plan. Establish a non‐motorized transportation and trail fund. 9. Develop a General Public Education Strategy Develop and implement a promotional program to educate non‐motorists and motorists about local and state non‐motorized and motorized transportation ordinances and state laws. Partner with public access TV to provide periodic non‐motorized education sessions and public service bulletins. Create educational posters for display at high‐traffic areas such as the library and local grocery and convenience stores. Partner with local organizations to offer courses on how to operate a bicycle safely. Partner with local landlords to distribute information to residents each fall and spring. Create and promote a “Transportation in Brainerd” webpage that encapsulates relevant ordinances, transit routes, and safety tips. Partner with the transit system to reach out to bus system users, including providing area maps at bus stops. Partner with wireless local businesses, and the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau to raise awareness of visitors to the City. Partner with the High School and Drivers’ Education providers to educate new drivers about interactions with bicyclists and pedestrians. Distribute press releases when significant non‐motorized transportation and accessibility achievements are made. 10. Conduct a goal setting meeting each year to review the past year’s progress, set forth goals for the following year. A presentation on progress and goals shall be given at least annually to the City Council. 8
Chapter Three: Non-Motorized Transportation Plan Implementation and Promotion
9
Implementation and Promotion Adopt a “Complete Streets” Policy. Resolution adoption – March 2, 2015. Grant pedestrians the right-of-way when using street crossings without a stop sign or traffic light for oncoming traffic, known as unsignalized crossings. Amend the language of the bicycle registration ordinance to remove the mandatory registration clause. Ordinance adoption Planning Commission Incorporate bicycle parking into zoning & development guidelines. Update the general parking and loading requirements to require bicycle parking and distinguish bicycle parking from motor vehicle parking. Ordinance revision Planning Commission Institute design standards for bicycle parking. Ordinance adoption Planning Commission Update current parking quantity requirements to ensure bicycle parking and motorized vehicle parking levels are sufficient. Ordinance adoption Planning Commission Review current ordinances regarding landscaping and fencing to ensure that pedestrians are visible to vehicles at potential points of conflict, such as crosswalks, alleys, and driveways. Ordinance revision Planning Commission Review snow and ice removal ordinances and policies for clarity, consistency, and adequacy to ensure that mobility and accessibility are preserved. Factsheet created Engineering Department
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Empower residents and businesses to participate in transportation network-building, such as provision of public bicycle parking and public benches for pedestrians. Ordinance adoption Resolution support Engineering Department Review and revise the current sidewalk occupancy standards and permit process. Ordinance adoption Resolution support Engineering Department Create standards for openings and fixtures in sidewalks, such as vaults and utility accesses. Ordinance adoption Resolution support Engineering Department Update sidewalk construction standards to allow use of permeable pavements, such as brick, concrete pavers, permeable concrete, recycled rubber pavers, and other materials. Ordinance adoption Published factsheet Engineering Department Accurate and complete guidelines for working with the Engineering Department for trees planted in the boulevard. Ordinance adoption, Published factsheet Engineering Department Consider compact, higher-density, mixed-use land use designations during land use planning decisions and in the Comprehensive Plan. Planning Commission Adopt and publish AASHTO construction standards for non-motorized facilities. Adoption and Publication Engineering Department Encourage the use of safe and consistent construction/design standards for new nonmotorized facilities that conform to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Ensure that each intersection has visible and consistent street signs to aid navigability. Creation and implementation of a sign audit and repair schedule 11
Engineering Department Monitor the transportation system to identify and mitigate safety problems. Creation and implementation of an audit cycle. Planning Department Empower residents to participate in the code enforcement process. Factsheet distribution Building Department Planning Department Prioritize maintenance projects that bridge service or infrastructure gaps, improve and maintain critical links between both modes and locations, and attend to equity issues. Potential projects scored as part of Planning Commission review Planning Commission Initiate a system of proactive, targeted maintenance enforcement on major routes and intersections. Creation and implementation of an infrastructure audit cycle. Building Department Aggressively enforce snow removal standards on non-motorized facilities such as bike lanes and sidewalks. Number of snow-related complaints received Building Department Strategically enforce traffic ordinances, such as turn signal use, encroachment on crosswalks, speed limits, bicycle use, and pedestrian right-of-ways. Number of traffic crashes involving a pedestrian or bicyclist Create a transportation commission that includes members of the Planning Commission, the Parks & Recreation Commission, the EDA Board of Directors, and other stakeholders. Support the establishment and improvement of critical multimodal transportation linkages between jurisdictions throughout the County. Resolutions of support Planning Commission Project dependent Preserve current and planned rights-of-way for the transportation system. Planning Commission 12
Work with the City Engineering Department and the Crow Wing County Engineering Department to review the appropriateness of speed limits, left turns, and turning radii throughout the City. Work with MNDOT to evaluate light timing and traffic light sensors and revise and/or adjust to improve safety. Engineering Department Work with MNDOT prior to the Hwy 210 bridge reconstruction to explore options to provide a safe non-motorized transportation crossing. Engineering Department Mississippi Riverfront Committee Coordinate public parking in the Central Business District. Coordinate site plan review with the on sites that are adjacent to a major bus route. Planning Commission Encourage local community organizations and businesses to adopt portions of the community trail network to periodically clean up trash and debris. Work with, local community organizations and local businesses to improve the accessibility, usability, and attractiveness of bus stops. General Public Education Strategies Include information about walking, biking, and taking transit within mailings, such as property tax bills, water bills, and Engineering Department announcements. Partner with public access TV to provide periodic non-motorized education sessions and public service bulletins. Create educational posters for display at high-traffic areas such as District Library branches and local grocery and convenience stores. Work with local organizations to offer courses on how to operate a bicycle safely. Work with local landlords to distribute information to residents each fall and spring. Create and promote a “Transportation in Brainerd” webpage that encapsulates relevant ordinances, transit routes, and safety tips.
13
Work with the on outreach to bus system users, including providing area maps at bus stops. Work with Wireless local businesses, and the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau to raise awareness in visitors to the City. Partner with to distribute information about opportunities for walking, biking, and taking transit within ---- as part of welcome events, student orientations, and other special events. Work with the High School and Drivers’ Education providers to educate new drivers about interactions with bicyclists and pedestrians. Promote and support such programs as Safe Routes to School, to Downtown, Pursue national certifications, such as the League of American Bicyclist’s “Bike-Friendly City” award. Distribute press releases when significant non-motorized transportation and accessibility achievements are made.
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Chapter Four: Plan Priorities
15
Projects Tier 1 (2017-2019) Maintenance
Estimated Cost
Locations: Total ADA Compliance
Estimated Cost
Locations: Total Crosswalks
Estimated Cost
Locations: Mill Ave and N St. NE Mill Ave and H St NE w/ activator SW 4th St and Laurel St w/activator button S 7th St and Oak St Woodland Good Samaritan to Buffalo Hills Park on Buffalo Hills Ln
Total Sidewalks
Sq. Ft.
Locations: E St. from 1st Ave NE to 8th Ave NE G St between 1st Ave NE and 3rd Ave NE H St from 1st Ave NE to 3rd Ave NE H St from 8th Ave NE to 13th Ave NE N St from 14th Ave NE to Mill Ave 1st Ave NE from G St to H St 4th Ave NE from Washington St to C St 10th Ave NE from Washington St to I St Willow St from S 6th St to 13th St SE Quince St from S 8th St to 13th St SE SW 4th St to May Street to SW 6th to College Dr 4th Ave NE from M St to H St S 8th St/S 9th St from Quince to Willow St
7,350 3,000 3,180 3,385 11,465 2,000 3,385 6,105 10,485 18,295 14,710 13,075 8,715
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Estimated Cost $20/Sq. Ft.
Total
110,625
*Underlined Segments are Safe Routes to School funds
Multi Use Trail
Sq. Ft
Locations: East side of NW 4th St from Jackson St to Hwy 210 Multi use trail and/or sidewalk of 13th St SE from Hwy 210 to Thiesse Drive (east side of 13th St SE)
Total
Estimated Cost $4-$10 Sq. Ft
20,330 105,510
125,840
Bike Lanes
Estimated Cost
Locations: Co Rd 20 from Jackson to Beaver Dam Rd Willow St (5th St) from S 6th St to College Drive Total
0
Other
Estimated Cost
Locations: Sharrow symbols in both directions on designated bicycle routes Total
0
17
Projects Tier 2 (2020-2023) Maintenance
Estimated Cost
Locations: Total ADA Compliance
Estimated Cost
Locations: Total Crosswalks
Estimated Cost
Locations:
Total Sidewalks
Sq. Ft.
Locations: Gillis Ave from Washington St to B St 2nd Ave NE from F St to G St Mill Ave from Washington St to E St 13th Ave NE from N St to Hwy 210 B St from 2nd Ave NE to 4th Ave NE C St from Gillis Ave to 3rd Ave NE F St from 3rd Ave NE to Mill Ave 9th Ave NE from N St to Q St 4th Ave NE from Washington St to C St L St from Mill Ave to 9th St L St from 12th Ave NE to 14th Ave NE J St from 12th Ave NE to 13th Ave NE Norwood St from 9th St SE to 12th St SE Tamarac St from S 6th St to S 7th St
1,600 1,615 2,750 10,715 1,550 15,465 950 4,845 4,065 4,450 3,320 1,615 1,750 1,500
Total *Underlined Segments are Safe Routes to School funds
18
101,680
Estimated Cost $20/Sq. Ft.
Multi Use Trail
Sq. Ft
Locations: 28th St SE from Oak St to Oak-Ridge Rd Co Rd 20 from Jackson St to Beaver Dam Rd
Estimated Cost $4-$10 Sq. Ft
26,560 26,480
Total
53,040
Bike Lanes
Estimated Cost
Locations: Jackson St to Excelsior Rd (work with Baxter)
Total
0
Other
Estimated Cost
Locations:
Total
19
0
Projects Tier 3 (2024-2027) Maintenance
Estimated Cost
Locations: Total ADA Compliance
Estimated Cost
Locations: Total Crosswalks
Estimated Cost
Locations:
Total Side Walks
Sq. Ft.
Locations: 14th St SE from Norwood St to Pine St S 6th St from Willow St to Cedar St Cedar St from S 6th St to the trail Buffalo Hills Ln from Greenwood St to Ridge Dr Northtown St from Wild St to McKay Rd NW 7th St/James St/Baxter Dr from Jackson St to Paul Bunyan Trail East River Rd from Laurel St to Washington St 11th St SE from Oak St to Pine St 12th St SE from Norwood St to Pine St 15th St SE from Rose wood St to Oak St 17th St SE from Norwood St to Oak St 19th St SE from Norwood St to Oak St Rosewood St from 13th St SE to Jaycees Park 28th St from Oak St to City Limits Pine St from S 5th St to S 7th St Pine St from 16th St SE to Jaycees Park Front St from S 9th St to S 10th St 15th St SE from Norwood St to Oak St 16St SE from Norwood St to Pine St Complete Northside Gaps Total *Underlined Segments are Safe Routes to School funds
20
6,600 3,970 10,495 7,255 3,595 6,600 3,845 1,700 3,430 6,015 3,040 1,520 5,815 16,730 3,230 2,050 525 1,650 3,300 45,490 136,855
Estimated Cost $20/Sq. Ft.
Multi Use Trail
Sq. Ft
Locations:
Estimated Cost $4-$10 Sq. Ft
36,930
State Hwy 25 from Hwy 210 to 28th St Oak Ridge Rd from 28th St to Wright St Wright St from S 6th St to 13th St SE Industrial Park Rd from S 6th St to 13th St SE Buffalo Hills Trail to Birch Ridge Dr Rotary Park to Buffalo Hills Trail Beaver Dam Rd from Co Rd 20 to Wise Rd
43,430 29,450 30,810 13,560 67,180 77,250 Total
298,610
Bike Lanes
Estimated Cost
Locations:
Total
0
Other
Estimated Cost
Locations:
Total
21
0
MAPS
22
Priorities Map
23
Brainerd’s Bike Trails and Parks
24
Safe Routes to School Plan
25
APPENDIX
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BRAINERD COMPLETE STREETS POLICY VISION This Complete Streets Policy incorporates the simple and basic concept that a network of streets and roadways should be designed and operated to be safe and accessible for all transportation users whether they are pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders or vehicular motorists. Transportation shall include all multi-modal users regardless of age or ability. PURPOSE/BENEFIT Complete streets will create transportation corridors that are safe, functional and aesthetically attractive for all users as supported by the following principles: 1. Safety The guiding principle of Complete Streets is to provide safety for all road users. 2. Public Health The City of Brainerd (the City) can promote public health and physical activity through the built environment. 3. Access and Transportation Equity Not all residents of the City drive a vehicle. Many rely on safe alternative modes of transportation such as walking or biking. 4. Affordable Transportation Choices Gas prices are constantly fluctuating and alternative modes of transportation should be supported. 5. Economic Development Walking and biking offer additional means to access businesses and encourage economic development and present desirable options for visitors and tourism within the city. 6. Environment Complete Streets supports many transportation options that help lessen dependence on oil and promote cleaner air. Complete Streets can foster higher density development which preserves natural spaces, enhances property values and increases economic vitality. 7. Cost Effectiveness Designing roads with all users in mind from the beginning saves costly retrofits. 8. Quality of Life/Social Capital Walkable neighborhoods increase community interaction and create sense of community pride.
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9. Quality of Community Space Complete Streets includes aesthetic improvements of the public right of way. POLICY 1. The City will seek to enhance the safety, access, convenience and user comfort of all ages and abilities, including pedestrians (including people requiring mobility aids), bicyclists, transit users, and motorists through the design, operation and maintenance of the transportation network so as to create a connected network of facilities accommodating each mode of transportation and recognizing that all streets are different and that the needs of various users will need to be balanced. 2. Transportation improvements will include facilities and amenities that are recognized as contributing to Complete Streets, which may include sidewalks, off street multi-use trails, on street bike lanes, street and sidewalk lighting; shared-use lanes, and pedestrian safety improvements such as median refuges or crosswalk improvements; improvements that provide ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant accessibility accommodations, street trees, boulevard landscaping, and street furniture. 3. Those planning and designing street projects will give due consideration to bicyclists and pedestrians, from the very start of planning and design work. This will apply to all roadway projects, including those involving new construction, reconstruction, or changes in the allocation of pavement space on an existing roadway (such as the reduction in the number of travel lanes or removal of on-street parking). 4. Bicyclists, transit, and pedestrian transportation users shall be considered in street construction, re-construction, repaving, and rehabilitation projects, except under one or more of the following conditions: a. A project involves only ordinary maintenance activities designed to keep assets in serviceable condition, such as mowing, cleaning, sweeping, spot repair, concrete joint repair, or pothole filling , or when interim measures are implemented on temporary detour or haul routes. b. The City determines there is insufficient space to safely accommodate new facilities. c. The City determines there are relatively high safety risks. d. The City Council may exempt a project due to cost considerations if: The Long Range Transportation Plan’s Average Daily Traffic projection is less than 1,000 vehicles per day. Or: The street is designated as a Local Street in the City’s Transportation Plan.
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The City Council determines that the construction is not practically feasible or cost effective because of significant or adverse environmental impacts to streams, flood plains, and remnants of native vegetation, wetlands, steep slopes or other critical areas. 5. It will be important to the success of the Complete Streets policy to ensure that the project development process includes early consideration of the land use and transportation context of the project, the identification of gaps or deficiencies in the network for various user groups that could be addressed by the project, and an assessment of the best way to balance the needs of all users. The context factors that should be given high priority include the following: a. Whether the corridor provides a primary access to a significant destination such as a community or regional park or recreational area, a school, a shopping/commercial area, or an employment center; b. Whether the corridor provides access to or across a natural or man-made barrier such as a river or major thorough fares, such as Mill Avenue, Washington Street (Hwy 210), S 6th St (B371), Oak St or College Drive. c. Whether the corridor is in an area where a relatively high number of users of non-motorized transportation modes can be anticipated; d. Whether a road corridor provides important continuity or connectivity links for an existing trail or path network; or e. Whether nearby routes that provide a similar level of convenience and connectivity already exist. 6. The design of new or reconstructed facilities should anticipate likely future demand for bicycling and walking and should not preclude the provision of future improvements. [For example, under most circumstances bridges (which last for 75 years or more) should be built with sufficient width for safe bicycle and pedestrian use in anticipation of a future need for such facilities]. IMPLEMENTATION The Complete Streets policy will become effective upon approval of the City Council and will be implemented through the following practices: 1. City street construction and reconstruction projects shall be reviewed at staff level by the City Engineering Department and City Planning Department to determine appropriate level of complete street implementation. 2. The City will work with governmental agencies such as Crow Wing County and Minnesota Department of Transportation to encourage incorporation of the City’s Complete Street policy into street and road projects under their jurisdiction. 29
3. Update City’s Comprehensive Plan to include Complete Streets policy. 4. City Staff will continuously educate themselves, Walkable Bikeable City Committee, City Council, and Planning Commission members about best practices and costeffective measures to design and construct Complete Streets. 5. Year round accessibility for pedestrians and transit users will be accommodated by means of city enforcement of citizen responsibility for maintaining sidewalks— clearing them of ice and snow during the winter months. 6. The City will maintain a comprehensive inventory of the pedestrian and bicycling facility infrastructure integrated with the Capital Improvements Plan and will carry out projects to eliminate gaps in the sidewalk and trail networks. 7. Complete Streets may be achieved through single projects or incrementally through a series of smaller improvements or maintenance activities over time. The City will develop implementation strategies that may include evaluating and revising manuals and practices, developing and adopting network plans, identifying goals and targets, and tracking measures such as safety and modal shifts to gauge success. 8. The City will identify incomplete streets that may compromise safety or create physical barriers to pedestrians, transit and bicyclists within the city. Those streets will be improved with priority consideration, sooner than the planned redevelopment when at all possible. 9. The City will generally follow accepted or adopted design standards when implementing improvements intended to fulfill this Complete Streets policy but will consider innovative or non-traditional design options where a comparable level of safety for users is present. 10. Institute a means to measure performance and success of Complete Streets policy. Examples may include: a. The length of new sidewalks and bicycle facilities in the city. b. The number of children who travel to school by walking or bicycling. c. The mode share of transit, walking, bicycling.
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CITY OF BRAINERD RESULTS OF 2014 HOUSEHOLD SURVEY EXPLORING WALKING, BIKING & RELATED ISSUES
CITY COUNCIL James Wallin, Mayor Dolly Matten, Alderwoman Mary Koep, Alderwoman Chip Borkenhagen, Alderman David Pritschet, Alderman Kelly Bevans, Alderman Gary Scheeler, Alderman Dale Parks, Alderman
WALKABLE BIKEABLE CITY COMMITTEE Eleanor Burkette, Co-Chair Edward Shaw, Co-Chair Jessica Bleichner Janet Burton Jeff Czeczok George Fruth Sarah Gorham Nila Patrick Laura Rathe Patricia Townsend
November 2014, Brainerd, Minnesota University of Minnesota-Extension and University of Minnesota-Morris provided technical assistance for survey data entry, online survey installation and report creation. City staff and the Committee were responsible for all other aspects of survey design, promotion and management.
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CITY OF BRAINERD RESULTS OF 2014 HOUSEHOLD SURVEY EXPLORING WALKING, BIKING & RELATED ISSUES In early-2013, the City Council set a goal that Brainerd, Minnesota will become a more bicycle and pedestrian friendly city. Later that year, the Council appointed the Walkable and Bikeable City Committee and tasked the group to use planning, policy, issues education, information gathering and other methods as requested by the Council to work with city, neighborhood, school and other partners to carry out the Council’s adopted strategic plan focus to develop walkable and bikeable neighborhoods for the City of Brainerd. Although only recently created and appointed by the City Council, the Walkable Bikeable City Committee has already successfully accomplished several work items and projects, to name a few:
Reviewed the Brainerd’s ordinances and regulations related to walking and biking. Provided input on issues as requested by City Council, such as, S. 6th Street and Willow Street. Reviewed Bike & Pedestrian Plans of other small, Northwoods cities. Met with the City Engineer to discuss a range of issues. Begun connecting with local skaters and skateboarders. Carried out a successful Walk & Wheel Night. Raising awareness of bike, walk and related issues in the community. Launched a 2014 Household Survey.
This last project involved carrying out a survey of city households to better understand local opinions, preferences and perceptions related to bicycling, skateboarding/skating, and walking in the city. Mail and online versions of the questionnaire were made available. While the survey had some design issues, and the total response of 322 was relatively low, citizens’ answers to the questionnaire will help the city identify priorities, and may suggest policies and solutions to the City Council. Participation in the survey was completely confidential – although respondents had the option of supplying contact information so they could receive updates from the committee. This in no way compromised the confidentiality of their survey responses. The City Council and the Committee thanks all who participated for their valuable time and for sharing their ideas and opinions! Thank you! In this report, the basic results of the survey are shared and described. More detailed responses to selected “open-ended” or “other” questions are placed in Appendix A. at the end of the document. There were 5 questionnaire sections: Walking, Skateboarding, Bicycling, Places for Outdoor Activities, and General Questions.
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WALKING
Q1. How often do you walk for the following reasons?
Respondents supplied one answer for each frequency category. The Totals column only refers to reported activities, not those in the Never column.
Exercise/Fitness Travel to/from Work/School Errands Taking Walks with Family/Pets Recreation and Fun
Never
Rarely
16
50
1-2 Times a Week 85
3-4 Times a Week 90
5-7 Times a Week 60
154 88
49 66
17 59
17 38
28 22
111 185
38 20
49 55
84 83
61 75
50 46
244 259
Totals 285
Exercise/Fitness is the most popular reason to walk, followed by Recreation/Fun, walks with family and/or pets, and errands. A fairly large group of respondents reports never walking to/from work or school.
Q2. Where would you like to walk from your home and/or work? Work Transit Stop School Shops Park/Recreation Facility Community Facility(s) Other* *See Appendix A for full list.
93 37 59 129 200 124 43
Top walking destinations desired by survey participants include Park/Recreation Facility, Shops, and Community Facilities. “Other” category entries for walking include many different destinations such as malls, businesses, homes of family/friends, and trails. Some cited physical or age limitations to walking.
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Q3. What obstacles and/or concerns prevent you from walking more frequently?
Respondents were encouraged to check all items that applied to their situation. Many cars/car speed Weather concerns Not enough lighting Destinations too far away I am not able to walk Lack of sidewalks I don’t feel safe I must carry things I travel with small children Walkways in poor condition I don’t have enough time None of the above Other* *See Appendix A for full list.
136 84 55 139 8 151 47 45 34 71 51 17 48
Lack of sidewalks, distance to destinations, dealing with cars, weather concerns, and walkway conditions topped the list of reasons that people in the city do not walk more frequently. Surprisingly, fully 47 respondents indicated they “don’t feel safe” when walking. “Other” responses entered include critters especially dogs and mosquitoes, winter infrastructure – sidewalks, bridges, roads – are not maintained for walker safety or mobility, some report physical or age-related limitations, dangerous intersections and drivers, lack of sidewalks in some areas, among other reasons listed.
Q4. Please check all the seasons in which you walk: Spring Summer Fall Winter
283 282 282 124
Fairly strong responses for spring, summer, and fall with just over half of all respondents indicating that they walk during these seasons. The number walking in winter falls to 124 or about 38 percent.
Q5. If you do not walk all year, please indicate all reasons for this: Temperature/Weather Walkway Condition Traffic Other
145 80 26 33 34
Clearly, Temperature/Weather is the top reason that limits year-round walking for survey participants, followed by Walkway Condition. Those indicating “Other” reasons, reinforce weather and walkway condition issues with a focus in their added remarks on snow and ice on the sidewalks and lack of sidewalks. 10 respondents identified personal physical challenges as the reason they do not walk year-round.
Q6. What is the average distance of your walk in miles? This survey item produced a walking range of 0 – 20 miles. The average walk distance reported is 2.5 miles.
Q7a. Please briefly describe your 2 most FAVORITE places to walk in Brainerd: Favorite Place to Walk #1: Top places include Gregory Park, the Paul Bunyan Trail, Kiwanis Park, Buffalo Hills Park, and Northland Arboretum plus more general references to area parks, trails, schools, Downtown and other locations. Favorite Place to Walk #2: Choices in this second category include a lot of the same ones
mentioned as “most favorites” except with more mentions of Brainerd’s Downtown and “my neighborhood.”
Q7b. Please briefly describe the 2 most DIFFICULT places to walk in Brainerd: Responses to both items in 7b repeat some of the same areas.
Most Difficult Place to Walk #1: Route 210/Washington Street, 6th Street especially South 6th
Street, areas which lack or have deteriorated sidewalks, Downtown areas, northeast Brainerd areas, and other areas. Most Difficult Place to Walk #2: Route 210/Washington Street, Northeast Brainerd, areas in and around the Route 371 corridor, areas which lack or have deteriorated sidewalks, getting from Brainerd to Baxter and vice-versa, areas in and around the Westgate Mall, and other areas.
SKATEBOARDING
Q8a. Do you skateboard, in-line skate, neither? Skateboard Inline Neither
20 34 231
Of those filling out the questionnaire, 20 (less than 7 percent) are skateboarders, 34 or 12 percent are inline skaters, and 231 (81 percent) report not engaging in these activities.
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Q8b. If you skate or skateboard, where do you carry out these activities? Local Streets/Sidewalks Paul Bunyan Trail Buffalo Hills Trail Northland Arboretum Other locations in Brainerd Other locations in Region
28 37 7 7 10 6
BICYCLING
Q9. Do you have a bicycle? 300 survey participants responded to this question. 255 respondents (85 percent) of these interviewees reported that they have a bicycle. 45 respondents, the remaining 15 percent, reported that they do not. Q10. How often do you ride a bike for the following reasons? Respondents checked one frequency category for each reason.
Never
Rarely
Daily
23 117 195 103 106 27
66 51 7 53 46 58
20 11 2 8 5 21
Exercise/Fitness Travel To/From Work/School Stunt Riding Errands or Other Transportation Bicycling with Children Recreation or Fun
1‐3 Times a Week 99 18 2 31 39 92
Several Times a Month 55 25 3 30 28 59
Totals 240 105 14 122 118 230
The totals are for self-reported activities. Exercise/Fitness and Recreation or Fun are the most popular reasons for bike riding in Brainerd. The largest number of respondents who choose to bike for these reasons are active 1-3 times a week.
Q11. Please check the seasons in which you bike:
Respondents were encouraged to check all seasons that apply to their situation. Season Spring Summer Fall Winter
Count 223 250 227 13
Not too surprising that bikers are most active in the summer, somewhat less so in the fall and spring, and that most choose not to bike in the colder months. 36
Q12. If you do not ride your bike all year, please indicate why:
Respondents were encouraged to check all reasons that apply to their situation. Temperature/Weather Walkway/Road/Bike Lane Condition Traffic Other
188 92 47 35
Temperature and weather are the dominant factors identified in this questionnaire item, although the condition of walkways, roads and bike lanes was also chosen by a fairly large number of participants. Respondents selecting the “Other” category reinforced the available choices above but also cited a list of concerns including physical and age related limitations, more specific winter-related barriers, and their involvement with other activities – recreational and otherwise.
Q13. What is the average distance of your rides in miles? This question generated a biking distance range of 0 – 30 miles. The average bike ride distance reported is 6.8 miles.
Q14. Where would you like to ride a bicycle from your home? Respondents were encouraged to check all of their ride preferences.
Work 120 Park/Recreation Facility 172 Transit Stop 21 Community Facility* 103 School 59 Shopping 115 Place of Worship 43 Other 49 *Such as City Hall or Senior Center Top destinations for bikers include Park/Recreation Facilities, Work locations, Shops, and Community Facilities. “Other” destinations identified include connecting to trails, visiting family and friends, reaching a variety of places – restaurants/coffee shops, library, Northland Arboretum, and just getting around their neighborhood. One enthusiast notes that “EVERY place should be accessible by bicycle.”
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Q15. What obstacles and/or concerns prevent you from bicycling more frequently?
Respondents were encouraged to check all concerns that apply. Many Cars/Car Speed Weather Concerns Not Enough Lighting
157 118 41
Insufficient Bike Parking Destinations Too Far Away Lack Of Bikeways I Don't Feel Safe
90 66 154 60
Not Enough Time I Travel With Small Children Condition Of Walkways, Roads, Bike Trails/Lanes I Must Carry Things Lack Of Secure Bike Parking
44 26 97
Other
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39 67
Obstacles and/or concerns about Cars, Weather, the Lack of Bikeways, Conditions of different Infrastructure, and Insufficient Parking Options top local bikers’ list. “Other” concerns identified include dangerous drivers and intersections, a lack of nearby trails, physical and age related limitations, and dogs and mosquitoes.
Q16a. Please briefly describe your 2 most FAVORITE places to bicycle in Brainerd: Favorite Place to Bike #1: With 85 mentions, the overwhelming #1 place to bike in Brainerd is the Paul Bunyan Trail. (The trail is of course shared with many jurisdictions, but Brainerd has a piece of it and is the pivot point for new trail segments running south to Crow Wing State Park and east to Crosby.) The second most popular preference is a general reference to “trails.” Specific trails listed include the Buffalo Hills Trail, the Downtown trail segment, and the Southeast Brainerd Bike Trail. Another favorite place to bike is the rider’s neighborhood. Parks in general and specific parks, such as Gregory and Kiwanis, received numerous mentions. Favorite Place to Bike #2: Although fewer responded to this item than the previous one, some of the patterns are similar with the Paul Bunyan Trail again topping the list with the most mentions. Other areas and destinations identified include Northland Arboretum, Downtown, various bikers’ neighborhoods including North/Gregory Park, Northeast, and areas in Baxter, biking along the Mississippi River, along with a wide variety of additional places.
16b. Please briefly describe the 2 most DIFFICULT places to bicycle in Brainerd: Most Difficult Place to Bike #1: The top most difficult places to bike identified, from most to least number of mentions, are crossing or traveling along Washington Street/Route 210, a general blanket reference to local streets some using words such as “everywhere” and anywhere,” Downtown Brainerd, Northeast Brainerd, Baxter’s 371 business corridor, Northwest Brainerd, South 6th Street, South Brainerd, and a few respondents who reported that there are no difficult places to bike. A long list of various additional places receiving fewer votes was listed. A total of 161 places were listed. Most Difficult Place to Bike #2: Places listed for the #2 spot, ranked most mentioned to least,
include Washington Street/Route 210, Northeast Brainerd generally and specific locations, places in South Brainerd, Baxter’s 371 business corridor and nearby areas, Northwest Brainerd, Downtown, Southeast Brainerd, along with a list of diverse places that make for difficult biking. 38
PLACES TO WALK, SKATE, SKATEBOARD, & BIKE
Q17. Which area recreation trails have you used?
Respondents were encouraged to check all recreation trails that they have experienced. Paul Bunyan State Trail Buffalo Hills Trail Arboretum Cuyuna Lakes State Trail (partially completed)
247 97 175 86
The Paul Bunyan Trail and Northland Arboretum are trail favorites in the area.
Q18. From the list below check the top 3 potential policies, programs and projects that in your opinion would improve walking and/or biking opportunities in Brainerd.
NOTE: Online respondents re-ordered the entire list to express their policy, program and project preferences. Additional paved multi-use paths
191
Increased traffic law enforcement
41
More on-road bike lanes Increased maintenance and clearing of sidewalks, especially during the winter months More places to securely park bicycles Less wait time for walkers and bikers crossing MN State Highway 210/Washington Street Safe Routes to School programs
170 121
Need for maps and signage Other*
41 26
63
Walking and bicycling education/promotion programs Better access to public transit
25
54 44
Make available workplace shower/changing area *”Other” summary immediately below. See full list in Appendix A.
22 16
A real mix of “Other” ideas were offered in response to this questionnaire item ranging from more consistent walkways on a given street to the importance of lighting to building a skyway over Washington Street at 5th Street.
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GENERAL QUESTIONS
Q19. How old are you? Respondents from the age of 12 to 94 got their walking, biking and skating ideas into the mix. The average survey participant was 49 years of age. The median age – the midpoint of all ages reported – was 50. Age Category Number Percent* 10 to 19 years 7 2% 20 to 29 years 30 10% 30 to 39 years 64 21% 40 to 49 years 45 15% 50 to 59 years 79 26% 60 to 69 years 44 15% 70 years & over 33 11% Totals 302 100% *The percent column represents 100% of the age groups reporting survey participation. The 9 years of age and under category is understandably not represented here. The number and percent breakdowns above are not generally reflective of the City of Brainerd’s population profile in the 2010 US with those in their 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s showing a stronger engagement with these outdoor recreation, public safety, etc. issues than Census data would suggest. That said, people in these age groups are raising families and entering their early retirement years, so perhaps it makes sense that they are engaged. The low response rate for the
Q20. Gender of Respondents: Number Percent Male 95 31% Female 210 69% 305 100% Totals Again, this is a rather different breakout than the US Census where the male/female split is 48/52. This may highlight strong female interest in the topics addressed in this questionnaire.
Q21. Do you own a car? Number Percent Yes No Totals
285 19 304
94% 6% 100%
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Q22. Residency Status & Zip Code:
Respondents could check only one response. Status
Number Percent
Year-Round Seasonal Not a Resident Totals
225 3
74% 1%
75 303
25% 100%
Respondents were asked to identify their Zip Code. Only 81 of the survey participants chose to respond. Zip Number 47906 1 56401 24 56408 1 56425 16 56441 3 56442 1 56443 1 56449 5
Zip Number 56455 2 56465 4 56468 8 56472 6 56473 6 56474 1 56479 1 56560 1
Q23. What would like to share with the Walkable Bikeable City Committee about how to make our community more walkable and bikeable? What would you like to share about skateboarding/skating and/or a skate park? In summary, a number of themes emerge from this final open-ended questionnaire item. Respondents address the importance of: 1. Appreciation for what’s been done so far to support outdoor recreation options in Brainerd and support for the Committee’s work. 2. Maintaining, improving and expanding on what we have to address better access, public safety, etc. for bikers, walkers and skaters. 3. Installing additional trails, sidewalks, and other infrastructure. Building on what we have to create a more bike, walk, skate friendly community. 4. Planning and developing significant new infrastructure and facilities to support outdoor recreation in the city.
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Some respondents are less supportive sharing a range of concerns about the cost and inconvenience of potential improvements. Skating and skate park ideas elicited both support and apprehension. Some comments, although perhaps important, fell outside of the scope of the survey; these can be placed in a Parking Lot, captured but separated from other responses. All responses to this last questionnaire item are listed in these categories in Appendix A. Responses that included several different ideas were separated into different categories. APPENDIX A. ANSWERS TO OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS
Q2. Where would you like to walk from your home and/or work? Other responses:
Would be nice to have some nice trails. Can't Friend's house. Lake/state forests Bank N/A I'm pretty handicapped. Retired - use car In Neighborhood Mall Walker Medical EX: Dentist, Eye Dr…. Does not apply Just around neighborhoods Church Just to walk no destination Bike Trail Westgate I don't like to walk. Library Just in neighborhood or schools Don't walk Mall Family and Friends close by Downtown businesses Home N/A Doctors’ Appointments (weather permitting) Friends, family home None. restaurants trails YMCA East mall country Coffee Shops trails in woods Around the c Grocery store
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Q3. What obstacles and/or concerns prevent you from walking more frequently?
Lazy Icy streets in winter Laziness Lack of green space and interesting destinations. Mosquitoes in the river bottoms. Lots of people going thru stop signs and red lights. I live in the country. Walk for pleasure. I schedule other activities. Kidnappers, Rappers. Have arthritis in my feet I often run in Northeast Brainerd and have no concerns Not enough sidewalk infrastructure in old Brainerd and Baxter Need to give other people rides Walk inside We live in rural area - walk to PB trail from my house. Old age and bad knees mosquitoes are so bad It hurts my back. Big angry dogs, intersections without stop signs. Noise from traffic, Mosquitoes and rain, heat or extreme cold No ambition most days Mosquitoes are so bad in Brainerd. 28th St worst street in Brainerd Health situation Bugs People don't have off street parking, plus no sidewalks so we would have to walk in street around parked cars. Work Feel unsafe because cars in crosswalk and not give pedestrians right of way - especially during school drop-off/pick-up times. See legend Sidewalks narrow Unsafe intersections dogs Sidewalks night work insects/bugs Dogs! Not enough time I live out of town prefer biking Sand on roads!! too many not secured dogs restaurants Loose Dogs in neighborhood In winter walk ways are not shoveled so I must walk in street. Especially the bridges that cross the river.
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Sidewalks start and stop abruptly and arbitrarily. Crosswalks at busy intersections are nonexistent, and rarely observed by motorists. There is a strange negative stigma that walking carries in Brainerd. In the winter, snow is piled up in such a manner so that when it melts, it floods the sidewalk approaches. Bridges are nearly impassible in the winter. Travel by car Can't walk Cars Winter is just dangerous I walk on a treadmill in winter due to temp and ice conditions. No sidewalks and they don't shovel or plow them anyway if there are sidewalks. It hurts my back Mosquitoes Use indoor treadmill for safety and weather reasons Not able to walk Don't want to fall No walkway, dangerous streets Sidewalks rarely shoveled/plowed Handicapped We still walk just not safely, I never allow kids to walk alone cause of lack of sidewalks. A lot of places no side walk so stuck walking on curb or in bad/snow weather in/on the road Time Snow on sidewalks
Q16a1. Please briefly describe your most favorite places to bicycle in Brainerd.
Northside Paved trails. If I had a bike - Arboretum as I have walked on the trail. North Brainerd neighborhood Paul Bunyan Trail The new Kiwanis Park to buffalo hills trail - fantastic! Gregory Park Trail Schools/churches Bike Trail Paul Bunyan - paved Library Paul Bunyan Trail Paul Bunyan trail. Paul Bunyan Segments of Paul Bunyan Trail Kiwanis Gregory Park area. Paul Bunyan Trail. Paul Bunyan Trail Parks in Brainerd. Paul Bunyan bike trail. Bike trail through downtown Brainerd. Downtown Brainerd. 44
East Side along Washington corridor. To CLC/college drive Paul Bunyan Trail. Neighborhood Everywhere Downtown Brainerd. The shop Neighborhood. Northeast Brainerd Parks PB Trail Paul Bunyan State Trail Paul Bunyan trail Around neighborhood Over to NE Brainerd Paul Bunyan Buffalo Hills area Paul Bunyan Trail Trails - safer - no traffic Buffalo Hills Trail To the library Park area East Brainerd Mall Personally I like all the trails and roads that have wide shoulders. PB trail Paul Bunyan Trail The park SE Brainerd Trail East Brainerd - Cub New Buffalo Hills Trail to the CNC campus for work Kiwanis park Trails Trail Just around town Trails Bike trail Arboretum Paul Bunyan Trail Bike Trail Anywhere w/less traffic Trails Mille Ave. over the bridge to Wise Rd to Trail Park/Mill fields Paul Bunyan Train Buffalo Hills lane to Oak St. Trail Paul Bunyan Trail Arboretum 45
Bike trails in town and Paul Bunyan trail Northward and over to Baxter In my neighborhood Paul Bunyan Trail Paul Bunyan Trail Boom Lake Park Paul Bunyan Trail Paul Bunyan Trail Buffalo Hills Trail Paul Bunyan Trail Paul Bunyan Trail Paul Bunyan Trail Crosby Paul Bunyan Paul Bunyan trail Park Paul Bunyan Trail PB Trail Bike trails Neighborhood Around my neighborhood Up and down our street On Paul Bunyan trail! It is safe and nice. Paul Bunyan Trail Gregory park Path Buffalo Hills out to Paul Bunyan Trail. NE Brainerd Paul Bunyan Trail Buffalo Hills trail Kiwanis Paul Bunyan Trail Baxter Paul Bunyan trail Kiwanis To the parks Downtown. Paul Bunyan Trail Gregory Park Paul Bunyan trail Paul Bunyan trail PBT Paul Bunyan Trail Paul Bunyan Trail Buffalo Hills Trail arboretum Paul Bunyan Trail Paul Bunyan Trail Everywhere Paul Bunyan Trail Paul Bunyan trail 46
north Brainerd College Ave. SE bike trail paved railroad bed on the bike trails Mall Paul Bunyan trail Paul Bunyan trail Paul bunion trail Paul Bunyan trail anywhere Paul Bunyan Trail Gregory Park Paul Bunyan Trail Paul Bunyan Trail Paul Bunyan Trail bike trails Parks Paul Bunyan trail Paul Bunyan Trail PB Trail gull dam PB trail Trail Gull Lake Rec Area PAUL BUNYAN TRAIL mall and Airport Paul Bunyan Trail PB Trail Neighborhood Paul Bunyan trails Trails Paul Bunyan Trail neighborhood downtown N. Brainerd PB Trail Memorial Cemetery Paul Bunyan trail Kiwanis Park home area arboretum neighborhood My neighborhood Paul Bunyan Trail Paul Bunyan trail Paul Bunyan Trail Northside 47
Paul Bunyan trail Paul Bunyan trail Paul Bunyan trail PB Trail bike trails Paul Bunyan Trail trails Paul Bunyan Trail trail Kiwanis park New south brd trail Along river PBT Riverside Drive Buffalo Hills Trail Paul Bunyan Paul Bunyan Trail Trails From Kiwanis to Buffalo Hills Paul Bunyan trail Baxter trail off Inglewood Evergreen cemetery
Q162a. Please briefly describe the most difficult place to bicycle in Brainerd.
Northeast Brainerd 371 business There aren't any Hwy 25, between the holiday station and the river. Walgreens Streets Church and schools Industry dark after dark lights. Many roads since no sidewalks and if there is sidewalks, there are broken in my neighborhood. Across town Downtown Downtown. Route 210 Crossing Washington st/Hwy 210 in Center of City Southeast - you get pulled over for being on sidewalk! Difficult to find routes that are safe from car traffic. Crossing the main Hwy/road Near 371/210 intersection. Alongside 210. Excelsior rd. Ace Hardware area. East side along Washington corridor. To cross 210 48
Everywhere else. To work (home to Garfield Elem) 210 between airport and Acensus 13th St Downtown Brainerd There are way too many uncontrolled intersections NE & SE Brainerd Over Washington bridge to get to Paul Bunyan Trail Everywhere, I was hit by a car last year and made my bike difficult to ride. Hwys From the east to west side of river. Up town Washington street Down 210/Washington Over Mississippi bridge Cross Mill Ave Again the area from Kiwanis's park to S 4th St. Downtown Downtown High school West Gate mall Downtown Lum park NE Brainerd South 6th street South Sixth St. NW 4th St. by civic center Mckay Road None Washington street No sidewalk on Mille Ave. by moonshine and by bridge and park - scary! to work S. 6th St 13th St from fairgrounds to 210 South 6th St. Everywhere in Brainerd and Baxter Washington St. Streets in NE Through downtown to connect trails Around 210 Winter sidewalks Mille Ave City Road 3 Eighth street I live a ways out of town N/A Hwy. 77 - too much traffic Beaver Dam Rd Down Washington Street 371 Corridor 49
28th street Brainerd Getting too the trail. Streets Don't know Downtown NE Brainerd Everywhere else highway Oak street Our neighborhood in NE. Side streets in Brainerd Washington Street Bridge over Mill Ave 210 corridor Washington Street Downtown Downtown Along 210 S. 6TH ST. W. Brainerd Washington McKay road ne Brainerd Northtown to PBT Downtown NE to Arb on roadways none 210 Downtown None In Town City Roads Fairview Rd, Baxter Brd to Baxter Washington street 13th St & oak, north On so. Brd. streets near civic center Downtown 210 Mill Ave around neighborhoods cross 210 or 371 To Baxter Washington St Downtown Industrial Park area Downtown 50
Paul Bunyan Trail anywhere in town Housing areas none Washington St. everywhere everywhere roads in town to work northeast down Washington bridge S. 6th St. 5th Ave NE crossing 210 S 6th St Most places Mall Southeast South Brainerd 371 streets 371 corridor To and from PB trail downtown Anywhere in the city Washington St bridge Any roadway frontage road by Cub across 210 in town 371 North Baxter to a grocery store Along river Crossing the bridges Downtown Brainerd along 371 Brainerd and Baxter business districts Business Areas NE Brainerd in general. Downtown Washington street
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Q18. Identify the top potential policies, programs and projects that in your opinion would improve walking and/or biking opportunities in Brainerd.
I think lighting is a very important factor. The streets are terrible. Please fix all the potholes on the street. We don't need a bigger curb. Build overhead Skyway (14-16' clearance) over Washington Street at 5th St. and RR tracks. Direct connect of North and NE Brainerd to City Hall, PO, court house, Public library, BHS. Crossing 210, didn't check box because it's not a big deal while biking and I'd still prefer fluid traffic. Keep existing on-road lanes for bikes only. Rest Stops. Rest stops along the trail with bathrooms. Where do you expect girls to pee?! Sidewalks, streetlights on 13th Add paths along river or lakes. Think Minneapolis. Brainerd does not focus on public space. Lots of access for boats - none for bikes/walking. Signal for crossing Mill Ave at 5th St. Cars don't wait for walkers to cross In town, there are sidewalks, and then there are none. Make the walkways consistent down a street. City should spray to get rid of the mosquitoes. More sidewalks Don't walk or bike No snow More time Teach Bike Riders what stop signs are Safer Lanes on curb sidewalk repair increased pet laws Legal Place to skateboard SKATEPARK! safe crossing Excelsior and 371
Q23. What would you like to share with the Walkable Bikeable City Committee about how to make our community more walkable and bikeable? What would you like to share about skateboarding/skating and/or a skate park? APPRECIATION FOR WHAT’S BEEN DONE SO FAR; ENCOURAGEMENT FOR COMMITTEE’S WORK Just that even though I have to cross 371 to get to the Buffalo Hills Trail I absolutely love it. I can safely ride my bike to work and it is just peaceful and beautiful with lots of trees and wildlife. Thank you city of Brainerd! The Paul Bunyan trail is nice for recreating. Thank you, the buffalo hills Trail is so appreciated. Thank you for your efforts. I walk almost daily and truly enjoy the scenery and sidewalks that I use. I commend you for attempting to improve the trails, sidewalks, etc. to make walking/biking another asset to our community. 52
Keep working toward your goal. Thank you for addressing this issue. Keep up the good work! Thanks for doing this. I am sorry I don't get out more! I enjoy the area whenever I am out!
MAINTAIN, IMPROVE AND EXPAND ON WHAT WE HAVE FOR BETTER SAFETY & ACCESS FOR BIKERS, WALKERS, OTHERS The walkable-bikeable I think lighting would be a great issue as there are plenty of places to ride but lighting is bad. Highway 25 south of the river is very dangerous for bikers - no shoulders, heavy traffic. There needs to be a short bike trail access between Wonderland Park Rd and Lum Park. "911" operators need to stop saying "There's nothing we can do" when drivers disregard pedestrians in crosswalks and endanger bikers. I've heard this on 2 occasions and gave them the license numbers both times. Please walk street light crossing to see if they are working. Wal-Mart crossing is not functioning in order no side walking in crossing lot. More law enforcement It is very important to consider needs of pedestrians and bicyclists when planning for and upgrading roadways. Creating safe crossings or roads and designated bike/walk paths creates safe and welcoming spaces for everyone. Keep roads/sidewalks clear. Lights - need more. The Paul Bunyan Trail is great however getting to it from my house is relatively dangerous since I have to bike in the road to get there. Signage on existing trails. Safer trails on 6th and Washington. Live just outside the city limits, to east like to bike to town to do errands. Biking would be much safer with designated lane/trails and signage along main corridors. Also law enforcement should do a better job enforcing all traffic laws including bicyclists - education of all users! On-road bike lanes are used as parking and turn lanes. How do we raise awareness or enforce bike-lanes? It's hard to ride bike or walk to locations because road conditions are inconsistent. Many people bike and walk in the evening and are difficult to see - the corner of Horwood and 13th Area in particular. Some areas are busy with traffic but lack shoulders or space on side to ride The Island drive city area is quite removed from the rest of the city. Access from home to the west around Arhen's hill on River side (county rd.) DR is dangerous walking or biking. There are "shoulder" bike trails to the west on the Riverside Dr. that we use. If the city owns the sidewalks, they should get out to clean them after each snow. There are a lot of people that do not shovel there walks because age, health, lazy, etc. It's funny, they do not belong to us but we get fined if we don't keep them clean plus have to pay to fix them up. Make sure walkers and bikers are more safe while traveling, because I, Joesph Carl Winger got hit by a car while crossing 4th and Washington in Oct. of last year, 2013. Please work to make this area safer - more pedestrian and family friendly. Living outside of the city of Brainerd my son and I bike to Brainerd and Baxter often. We have to ride on Hwy 210 for a short distance and try to take backroads when we can. We go behind the Brainerd mall instead of in front of it, but that road (E street) has many pot holes. We also try to stay off of sidewalks, if possible. Another trouble spot for biking is 53
coming into Brainerd from the north on CASH 3 (Mill ave NE). There is not much room for a bike on the side and cars are going very fact. Another trouble spot that we take often is (and this might be in Baxter) is golf course drive. It is a two lane with no shoulder for bikes to ride on. Once trails are installed, keep them maintained and cleaned/cleared off after winter and rain storms. Less traffic and more safety in crossing the highway. I had my daughter fill out the questionnaire because she is more apt to use any improvements you make - Amy Peters As a side note, someone really needs to clean up the alleys in the downtown shopping(bar) area. Alleys are filled with old mattresses and bicycles and garbage. Be more considerate to those who choose to use longboard skateboards as their mode of transportation. I've been stopped and harassed many times by the Brainerd police for nothing, just because I was riding my board. Keep in mind I always obey traffic laws and am very considerate towards motorist. Increased laws governing skateboarders & bikers. Most do not pay attention to area traffic expecting they always have the right of way which increases potential accidents. There are no on-road bike paths. Drivers do not watch for bicyclists, especially at intersections. This makes it very dangerous to bike with kids. There are so many loose dogs in the city limits that we get really nervous to walk around town. I run 5-6 days a week year round. The streets are 95% of where I run. Sidewalks are terrible places to walk or run in winter. I think it might work to have some designated walk bike type lanes on the streets. Parks could salt sidewalks trails? Updates to neighborhoods fix issue 1 on survey. Wish I could feel safe leaving my bike outside of work area. Bikes have been stolen in the area so I won't bike to work. 210 crossing is a constant worry for me and my family. Over the years there has been multiple accidents More bike lanes on the roads and/or better bike paths would make biking to and from home to other locations more feasible. Currently I will not bike in the city of Brainerd due to poor road conditions. The Washington street bridge is dangerous for bikers Sidewalks need to be in good condition. If there are bumps or severe cracks it makes walking dangerous. Paved trails for biking are awesome--you can never have too many of those! make it safer to get around town on bikes I would like to see more paved sidewalks for walking and/or biking. safe crossing for 210 and 371 a great idea Lighting so people feel safer and are safer so no falls, slips, etc. Re-configuring timing of crosswalks, I was at a crosswalk today with a man in a motorized scooter and he didn't get 1/2 way across the intersection before the walk signal changed. What are people with kids supposed to do? Wouldn't it help overall health if people could walk for leisure without fear of getting hit by a car? I hope for now and future can get as many of these issues resolved within budget and not "kicking the can" to next session/etc. Thank you. It is a lot of work for my husband and I to load our bikes and our 5 children's bikes on our trailer so we can get to the Paul Bunyan trail. It would be nice if it connected to our neighborhood along mill Ave/Lum park or Hwy 25 North to Merrifield. We are concerned
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about traffic on Mill and our side streets, there's a lot of speeding and hot roading especially delivery cars, and young drivers and icy roads. Enforcement and education of crosswalk laws. Hard to cross to Post Office, etc. Stop lights needs to be longer with walk sign - South 6th is bad! Please more bike lanes with traffic control/law enforcement. I believe more trails that are maintained year round are the key to continued use. Spray for mosquitoes in summer so we can be outside. We have a concern about the damage already done by snowmobiles on the new Buffalo Hills trail. That trail is great. Walking is good for any age. We need more sidewalks not more bike routes. Will you please post and enforce on the trails that those walking their dogs must pick-up the feces. (Big fine maybe?) I walk a lot and this is a big problem. Law enforcement required respect of sidewalks and crosswalks (patrolling and ticketing). Can we spray for mosquitoes in town? May be more pedestrian crossings and less time to wait at stoplights. You need to look at sidewalk on Mill Ave to bridge. Poor lighting and no sidewalks. It has been very scary for walkers and drivers. Someone will get hit there if we don't do something. By sunshine Bethlehem church ad memorial park. There could be a bike club adult and/or children or both, families. Clearing walkway in winter and sidewalks. My biggest concern is winter travel - unshoveled ends of sidewalks into street and general lack of sidewalks in many areas. Put traffic lights in dangerous intersection. Walking would improve with sidewalk maintenance and/or availability. Ideas for Pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods: Marked crosswalks and sidewalks on busy streets aside from downtown (such as Fir Street, H St, and 1st Ave). Protected cross walks on Mill Ave (say H St and 5 or L Street). Resident of St. Mathias Township - shops, banks and has Brainerd as a social hub. Include Safe Routes to school as part of walking and bicycle routes. Focus on routes of 2-3 miles (walk) or 5-8 miles (bike) near the city, as most people can only take 1/2 to 1 hour for a daily activity they can do several times a week!
NEED FOR ADDITIONAL TRAILS & SIDEWALKS We really need more sidewalks. Bike trails and sidewalks. Sidewalks are very important especially along busy streets and around schools. It would be nice to have sidewalks in all neighborhoods Make more bike paths. More sidewalks. Once clearly publicized North/South and East/West path would help understand what is available. Bicycles are a completely adequate, reliable, and energy-efficient mode of transportation. It is time that Brainerd starts treating them as such, and putting in the infrastructure necessary to allow people to feel safe while riding bicycles. It is very difficult to walk or bike anywhere from our home due to lack of sidewalks and intersections that are not marked from any direction. It is a shame because we live within walking distance to most places we frequent, but I have small children and cannot endanger them. The biggest problem areas we encounter are 13th St SE, 210, and Downtown. The 55
Depot on 13th St and 210 is so pretty and historical, a walking path there would be very enjoyable. And, definitely more sidewalks are needed throughout. Add more sidewalks in town and maybe all the way to the 371/210 intersection. So many people walk the busy streets because there are no sidewalks.
PLANNING, DEVELOPING & UPGRADING RECREATION-BASED INFRASTRUCTURE A lot of cities we have visited have wonderful paved paths along the river it is so nice to be able to enjoy the beauty and not have to walk through brush. A walking path along the Mississippi river on the Northside of Brainerd We need a skate park like Crosby! Most of the roads I bike are appreciably wide; a few more distinctly marked bike lanes would be good. A connector trail to/from Paul Bunyan that goes around Brainerd would be great. Sidewalks: sidewalks connecting to Arboretum. I run 30-50 miles per week and struggle to find safe places to run due to lack of walkways. I feel, after having lived in the cities for a while, that Brainerd seriously needs to upgrade and update its Bicycle and walking trails/paths/sidewalks. If we had a least a few main walkways throughout town they would be used extensively. We have a good start with the roundabout walkways now we just need that throughout the city. Brainerd does not focus on public space. Lots of access for boats - none for bikes/walking. I would love to use/see more walkways and bike paths especially to show off the beautiful nature Brainerd has. More paved bike lanes, trails, and secure bike areas. Invest in trails like Baxter did - connect neighborhoods and communities by making them more useable and friendly. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to give an opinion. I think it would be nice to have an indoor track for walking in the winter months open to the public promoted. To me, sidewalks would be the biggest improvement for walking. I work in Baxter along the 371 corridor, and we try to walk on the frontage road, but are constantly dodging traffic. Our only choice is to drive to the Arb and walk the trail. Nice, but not convenient! Collaborate with Mississippi River steering committee - link trails. On new construction, paved biking/walking trails should be part of the plan. In currently developed areas marked bicycle lanes should be added as well as an education component for drivers and cyclists. Looking ahead is the most financially responsible approach. Brainerd needs more trails like Baxter. People move to that area because of that. The old sidewalks to not work well for biking or rollerblading. More trails by the Y and the high school... people would use them! More sidewalks Developing of the area by the Mississippi is a great idea. Brainerd needs to promote our resources. As a child growing up in Brainerd I spent many hours enjoying that area. Our community should look to areas like little falls and Minneapolis where successful complete streets programs have been implemented. If you build it, the riders/walkers will come! I would like a trail along the river. Check out Hutchinson, MN, Very bike/walk friendly - residents also respectful of those walking and riding even along roads. A natural trail along the river starting at the dam would be great! 56
SKATE & SKATEBOARDS – PROS & CONS Should be an area designated for skateboarding. Aren't there more important things for Brainerd to consider other than biking and walking trails? More stores - annual flea market anything to generate more business. If something isn't done it won't be long and tumble weeds will be blowing in the streets of Brainerd. Skateboarding is a real big thing today and brings in lots of revenue for tournaments and such. We have a skate park near our home and we appreciate the fact that there is a place for teens to do this so that they are not doing it all over town. I would like to see kids be able to use skates or skateboards for transportation to school and friend's houses to increase their health and independence. I don't understand why it's so hard for them to be able to keep a skate park, either, unless it's a liability issue. Spend the budget on bikes and walking trails, forget the skate park. Skate parks tend to have a less then reputable crowd around. What happened to the skate park? I thought the city had one. Trails are fun and all, but a good skate park to skate at without being hassled by local police would be ideal. It gets old driving to Crosby to skate the skate park when there should be one in Brainerd. Thank you for reading, sincerely Jake Increased laws governing skateboarders & bikers. Most do not pay attention to area traffic expecting they always have the right of way which increases potential accidents. In line skating, the roads out here are horrible, more chances of falling and breaking something. A skate park would be a huge waste of money. Skateboarding is a fad that is on the decline. Do the research! Make it [Skate park] well lit and patrolled. Keep skateboarders off the streets - for cars only. I do not care about skateboarding, but Crosby's skate park is right by the police department with very few negative incidents. I think a skate park would be wonderful for youth. Personally, I don't see a need for a skate park, but more inline skating trail options are needed. I would support a skateboarding park to give kids and young adults more things to do to enjoy the out of doors. OUTDOOR RECREATION-BASED IMPROVEMENTS ARE NOT NEEDED, ARE MISGUIDED People visit our area for the lakes and resorts that have areas to ride bikes. I think spending money for local people to ride to the store of to work is futile. We all want more, but questionnaires like this need to include costs. People's opinions are going to be different when trade-offs/priorities/new taxes/etc. impact providing these services, infrastructures, maintenance, etc. We cannot afford more programs taxes are too high now. I have to drive through downtown Brainerd to get to the trail going up north - sometimes quite difficult Sidewalk by churches on Gregory South side is crumbling. Need to maintain infrastructure we have - roads, sidewalks. Walking is good for any age. We need more sidewalks not more bike routes. 57
Some of this energy and expenses and concern should be used for more important city concerns like potholes, filling the empty buildings down town! I walk almost daily on NE Brainerd as do numerous other individuals and families. I don't see the need for sidewalks as the kids and adults are our riding, skating, walking and playing in the streets. I like that feeling it is up to drivers to remain alert. Why put the burden of sidewalks on taxpayers! I would like to see the city work with the DNR on fixing up Lum Park Beach/park. It was once a wonderful place for all ages to swim. Look at Baxter and what they have done with Whipple beach.
PARKING LOT Have people clean their sidewalks and yards. We are 82 years old, have 2 acres on Rive Lake, a pontoon, flowerbeds, 10 large concrete pots of flowers to care for, and a large lawn to mow. So we really don't have time for much else. So, we'll leave "responses" to our young families. Sincerely, Dee and Gil Vansteenwyk. Bikers I have encountered have been very courteous. This was sent to our home owner's association so it was answered for 12 individuals. This does not apply to me. I don't walk, bike, etc. My son would love something like that! Sorry I can't help you with. I'm pretty handicapped. This was sent to a church. I am the secretary. Do not send Questionnaires' here! Thanks. Survey does not pertain to our situations - age/health Retired and Handicapped. I suggest you stamp the envelopes you expect people to return. I have stamps and can afford them, not everyone can. You should pay postage on the return envelops for your surveys in the future. May get a better response! The round-abouts are a disaster. When I find out who approved this expenditure. I will vote you out of office.
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CITY OF BRAINERD COMMUNITY‐WIDE WALK AUDIT REPORT 2016
This community‐wide walk audit report is intended to provide a framework on which the City of Brainerd can continue building a community that provides suitable pedestrian and bicycle options for all residents.
Region Five Development Commission 200 1st St. NE Suite 2, Staples, MN 56479
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City of Brainerd Community‐Wide Walk Audit Report| Connecting the trip to work, home or play. . . With Safety, Health, Community and Choice.
Published by the Region Five Development Commission For the City of Brainerd (2016)
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What is a Community‐Wide Walk Audit? A walk audit is an unbiased examination/evaluation of the walking and biking environment.
What is the purpose of a Community‐Wide Walk Audit? The general purpose of an audit is to identify concerns for pedestrians and bicyclists related to the safety access, comfort and convenience of the environment. In addition to identifying problem areas, an audit can be used to identify potential alternatives or solution such as engineering treatments, policy changes, or education and enforcement measures.
How Does Region Five Assist with Community‐Wide Walk Audits? The Region Five Development Commission has successfully conducted several community walk audits for communities throughout the five county region. The Region Five Development Commission assists local units of government or schools in all stages of creating a walking audit, including developing a planning team, facilitating public informational meetings, facilitating planning team work sessions, conducting local walk‐audits, drafting the planning document/report, and assisting in the adoption process.
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City of Brainerd Community‐Wide Walk Audit Planning Team 2016
______________________________________________________________________________ Brainerd City Council Chip Borkenhagen Brainerd City Staff Mark Ostgarden Jessie Friehammer Phillip Haugen (Intern) Walkable Bikeable Communities Committee Eleanor Burkett Mary Aegerter Community Members Consultants and Lead Staff Tad Erickson, Region Five Development Commission Natalie Gille, Minnesota Bike Alliance 62
Contents
______________________________________________________________________________ 62 |Planning Team 63|Contents 64|Overview 68|The Five “E” Approach 70|Planning Process 72|Walk Audit Observations & Recommendations 90| Maps 92| Resources 94| Plan Adoption 63
Overview Audits involve a review of all the data for a location or travel corridor analyzed by a multi‐disciplinary team independent of the site or project being audited. Informal audits can be performed by any individual or community group. More formal audits (i.e., those that follow a standardized set of audit procedures) can also be conducted; these are usually performed by a multi‐disciplinary team of trained professionals, including engineers, planners, transportation researchers, pedestrian and bicycle specialists, and others. A multi‐disciplinary team will often allow a fresh look at traffic conditions at a location or along a corridor.
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National Trends According to recent census data, the percent of American workers who walk to work is a paltry 6.5 percent; adding in those who bicycle increases the amount by 1.3 percent. Additionally, only 34 percent of Americans reported walking to destinations such as jobs, shopping, school, or other recreational activities. So, why aren’t Americans walking as much anymore? Perhaps the factor having the most impact on the decline of walking in America was the development of the interstate highway system, which gave rise to post‐WWII suburbanization in the 1950’s. This enabled Americans to not only move outward from the city center into suburban neighborhoods, but to trek across the country literally from coast to coast. In turn, this hyper‐mobility also changed commerce bringing about new possibilities in supply chaining, and logistics management; ultimately resulting in huge distribution centers being developed on the fringes of communities. These development patterns resulted in suburbanization and concentric rings of development emanating further and further from the original city center. While this model of development has its pros and cons; supporters and detractors, a few elements are undeniable. Fewer and fewer residents lived in grid style neighborhood blocks and could walk to the corner grocer, or walk their children a few blocks to the school. Increasingly families were commuting from the suburban neighborhoods into the city center for work and picking up milk and groceries midway between at the super grocer just off the interstate. The net effect: less walking and more vehicle miles traveled.
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Health Despite the well‐established physical and emotional benefits associated with regular participation in moderate physical activity, most Americans are not getting enough of this important and life sustaining behavior to reduce their risk of various illnesses. The more than 50 million Americans with disabilities, who are demonstrably at much greater risk for developing health problems associated with a sedentary lifestyle, are getting even less physical activity because of the numerous barriers they face in doing so. One very important way to avoid the hazards of unhealthy living is to obtain a regular dose of physical activity. • People who are physically inactive have an increased risk of colon and breast cancer. One study showed a 40% decrease in cancer mortality in persons who were physically active compared to those who were inactive. • Physical activity helps prevent insulin resistance, the underlying cause of type 2 diabetes. A recent study reported that for every 2 hours that a person watched TV, the risk of type 2 diabetes increased 14%. • Regular physical activity helps reduce the risk of cognitive decline. One study reported that there was a 50% reduction in the risk of dementia in older persons who maintained regular bouts of physical activity. • People who are sedentary have the highest rate of heart attack. In the Nurses' Health Study, women who were physically active 3 hours or more per week (half an hour daily) cut their risk of heart attack in half. • Stroke, which is often referred to as a brain attack, affects approximately 730,000 people annually. Data from the Aerobics Research Center in Dallas, Texas, found that physically active men lowered their risk of stroke by two‐ thirds. And in the Nurses' Health Study, physically active women decreased their risk of stroke by 50%. • Lack of physical activity increases the loss of lean muscle tissue, making activities of daily living (dressing and bathing) and instrumental activities of daily living (grocery shopping, performing transfers) much more difficult to perform. Loss of vital lean muscle tissue also makes it more difficult to maintain body weight. • Bones, like muscles, require regular exercise to maintain their mineral content and strength. Bone loss progresses much faster in people who are physically inactive. • People who don't perform regular physical activity are more likely to become depressed. Physical activity is a good way to reduce mood swings and helps a person maintain a sense of emotional wellbeing. 65
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People who don't get regular physical activity are more likely to gain excess weight. One study showed that an hour of walking daily cut the risk of obesity by 24%.
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People who get regular physical activity have a more efficient immune system, which helps ward off various diseases and illnesses such as colds and the flu.
Children today are simply not getting enough physical activity, contributing to growing rates of obesity and obesity‐related health problems, such as diabetes. Over the past 40 years, rates of obesity have soared among children of all ages in the United States, and approximately 25 million children and adolescents (more than 33%) are now overweight or obese or at risk of becoming so. Kids are less active today, and 23% of children get no free time physical activity at all. The prevalence of obesity is so great that today’s generation of children may be the first in over 200 years to live less healthy and have a shorter lifespan than their parents. Today, approximately one‐quarter of health care costs in United States are attributable to obesity, and health care costs just for childhood obesity are estimated at approximately $14 billion per year. People living in auto‐oriented suburbs drive more, walk less and are more obese than people living in walkable communities. For each hour of driving per day, obesity increases by 6%, but walking for transportation reduces the risk of obesity. Walking one mile to and from school each day is two‐thirds the recommended sixty minutes of physical activity a day. Children who walk to school have higher levels of physical activity throughout the day.
______________________________________________________________________________ Safety Oftentimes community infrastructure that has been primarily designed with the automobile in mind as its main user, neglects to consider the needs and safety of other modes of transportation. Walk audits enable communities to re‐focus a community’s attention on the needs and safety of pedestrians through observations and recommendations on infrastructure and policy improvements that improve safety for all residents many of whom already walk or bicycle in unsafe conditions. Pedestrians are more than twice as likely to be struck by a vehicle in locations without sidewalks. In 2009, approximately 23,000 children ages 5‐15 were injured and more than 250 killed while walking or bicycling in the United States. 66
From 2000‐2006, 30% of traffic deaths for children ages 5‐15 occurred while walking or bicycling.
The medical cost for treating children’s bicycle and pedestrian fatalities cost $839 million in 2009 and another $2.2 billion in lifetime lost wage costs.
______________________________________________________________________________ Environment Not only has childhood health and safety suffered as a consequence of increased driving, but the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that transportation is the fastest‐growing source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the United States. Greenhouse gases are components of the atmosphere that contribute to the greenhouse effect and global warming. Passenger vehicles account for approximately half of all U.S. transportation sector’s greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), transportation energy use is expected to increase 48 percent between 2003 and 2025, despite modest improvements in the efficiency of vehicle engines. This projected rise in energy consumption closely mirrors the expected growth in transportation GHG emissions and bodes poorly for future environmental integrity. Unfortunately, children are particularly vulnerable to air pollution because they breathe faster than adults and inhale more air per pound of body weight. Outside of almost any elementary school at arrival and dismissal time one is likely to witness parents and caregivers converging in their vehicles around the school. According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA): “Mobile sources, both on‐road vehicles and off‐road vehicles and equipment, are significant contributors to air pollution in Minnesota. EPA’s 2008 emissions inventory shows that on‐ and off‐road mobile sources account for approximately half of the total amount of NOX, SO2, PM2.5 and VOCs emitted in Minnesota, and contribute significantly to the formation of ground‐level ozone. Transportation accounts for roughly 25% of greenhouse gas emissions in Minnesota.” Reducing the incidence of parents driving their kids to school and increasing the number of students walking, bicycling, or using other active modes of transportation not only improves childhood physical health, but is a relatively simple way to improve the air quality surrounding schools and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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The Five “E” Approach The Five “E” Approach is a method used by transportation planners nationally that covers five key areas including: Engineering, Education, Enforcement, Encouragement and Evaluation. Following is a summary of each “E” element. ______________________________________________________________________________ Engineering Engineering strategies including planning and implementing physical improvements that make it safer and more attractive to walk and bicycle to school. Engaging planners and engineers is crucial to successfully implementing safety improvements. It’s also important to reach out to the community to educate neighbors about the benefits and importance of any proposed improvements. Example of engineering strategies may include: Adding traffic calming crosswalks, sidewalks, bicycle lanes or other infrastructure that improves safety for walking and bicycling. Installing bike racks at schools. Completing a school walking and bicycling audit and a school travel plan. ______________________________________________________________________________ Education Education about SRTS helps build support among kids, parents, teachers and community members. To craft education messages, first identify your goals and audiences. Do people need to know more about the benefits of walking or bicycling? Would maps of routes to the school help more people walk or bicycle? Would walking or bicycling safety information get kids and parents more excited about walking and bicycling? Example Education strategies may include: SRTS maps that show suggested routes to walk and bicycle to school. School bicycle rodeo that teaches safe bicycling skills. Curriculum focused on the benefits of walking and bicycling. Seminars or events that educate parents about the benefits of walking and bicycling. Traffic safety education. Public education for safety improvements. 68
____________________________________________________________________________ Encouragement Encouragement is closely tied to education strategies, but is more focused on getting people to try walking and bicycling to school and celebrating and rewarding people for their efforts. Encouragement activities are more effective if the physical environment works for walking and bicycling to school. Example Encouragement strategies may include: Organizing events such as “Walk and Bike to School Day” to encourage families to try walking & bicycling to school. Creating walking school buses that allow kids to walk together with adult volunteers. Utilizing contests or incentives to encourage walking and bicycling to school. ______________________________________________________________________________ Enforcement Enforcement strategies help reduce unsafe behaviors by drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists and encourage all road users to obey traffic laws and share the road safely. Enforcement can be expensive, so it is best used strategically in conjunction with the other strategies. Example Enforcement strategies may include: Partnership with law enforcement to target problem intersections for enforcement. Educational “stings” to teach motorists about laws regarding yielding to pedestrians. Installation of digital speed signs that display travel speed of passing vehicles. ______________________________________________________________________________ Evaluation Evaluation is very important to a successful SRTS initiative and should be considered from the very beginning of planning. Ask yourself, how do we define success for our efforts and how can we measure or document our progress? Evaluation will likely include a combination of quantitative information, such as counts of how many children are walking and bicycling, and more qualitative information, such as success stories from families who have chosen to walk and bicycle more. Example Evaluation strategies may include: A school walking and bicycling audit and a school travel plan that includes specific goals. Bicycle and pedestrian counts that show bicycling and walking rates over time. Data about vehicle crashes near the school, traffic speeds or traffic volumes. 69
Planning Process The City of Brainerd, contracted with the Region Five Development Commission, facilitates and manages a planning team, to conduct a community wide walk audit. The observations and recommendations put forth for the group are herein recorded in this report. ______________________________________________________________________________ Methodology Region Five Development Commission Staff has conducted several walk audits for communities and schools throughout the regions five county area and has received expert training in all aspects of conducting a successful community wide walk audit from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). As consultant, Region Five staff worked with Brainerd City Staff to develop a planning team to provide oversight of the overall planning process as well as to provide vital input regarding issues and barriers to pedestrian safety, to identify areas of concern as well as to set forth a vision that will guide future pedestrian transportation planning in the City of Brainerd. Once the planning team was in place, strategic routes needed to be identified for the planning team to audit. Region Five Staff, selected several routes based on usage, design and input from city staff. Some of the criteria used to select routes included asking if the route was a logical pedestrian route to a destination. For example does the route have a logical terminus from a residential area to another destination such as a job, park, school, shopping area etc.? Furthermore, the Brainerd Engineering department was asked to provide input on the selection of routes to be analyzed on the walk audits. The purpose of getting input from the engineering department was twofold: 1. Gain expert insight from professionally trained engineers, and 2. Provide feedback to the engineering department regarding pedestrian improvements on routes that may be slated to be repaired, re‐constructed or otherwise improved. Once the routes were selected, the planning team would divide the routes into manageable sections and develop a walking schedule that would enable every mile of selected routes to be audited. Finally, a walk auditing checklist developed in coordination between the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) was selected to be the standard tool by which each route was audited and each planning team member recorded their observations. An example of the walk audit checklist is provided as an appendix to this report. ______________________________________________________________________________ 70
Planning Team The Brainerd Walkable Bikeable Communities Committee (WBCC) was tasked with filling the role of the planning team. In addition to this committee, members of the public were also welcome and invited to participate in all meetings and walking audits. The planning team was designed to both articulate the pedestrian needs of the community as well as develop strategies and recommendations going forward. The planning team was comprised of several key stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise including elected officials, educators, professional planners, bicycle and pedestrian advocates as well local transportation planners. Planning Team Members met a total of 7 times throughout 2015. The Planning Team reviewed the final draft of this report and recommended it for approval to the Brainerd City Council on _______2016. ______________________________________________________________________________ Meetings The Planning Team held a series of working sessions to determine issues and barriers and to conduct the Walk Audit. - (MDH) Walkable Communities Workshop November, 2014 - Preliminary Staff Meeting (R5DC & City Staff) February, 2014 - Follow up Conference Calls April, 2014 - Kickoff Meeting City Hall June, 2015 - Walk Audit #1, City Hall June, 2015 - Walk Audit #2, City Hall July, 2015 - Walk Audit #3, City Hall August, 2015 - Work Session, City Hall October, 2015 - Report Adoption ______, 2016 ______________________________________________________________________________
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Walk Audit Observations & Recommendations The planning team developed a list of routes to be covered by the Community‐wide walk audit. Certainly, not every street in the city was audited simply due to the limits of time and resources. However, sampling of routes both in type and geography were selected to best represent the walkability of the City of Brainerd. ______________________________________________________________________________ Below is a list of all the routes included in this audit report: Community Walk Audit Route List
Community Walk Audit Route List Southeast Southwest Northwest Other th Quince Street Buffalo Hills 4 Street NW Washington Lane Street H Street Fir Street Willow Street Industrial Park Jackson Street Road th th N Street 7 Street 13 Street SW Northtown Street 4th Street 6th Street McKay Road 7th Street 13th Street ______________________________________________________________________________ Walk Audit Checklist Members of the planning team were provided walk audit checklist forms which were developed in coordination between the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and Blue Cross Blue Shield BCBS). The checklist which is included at the end of this plan as Appendix A, has spaces for planning members to record their observations in several categories including: 1. Do you have room to walk? a. Sidewalks broken, cracked or blocked. b. No sidewalks, paths or shoulders. c. Snow, gravel or leaves, cover the walking route. 2. Is it easy to cross streets? a. Traffic signals do not allow enough time to cross. b. Crosswalks/traffic signals needed. c. View of traffic blocked by parked cars, trees, plants, or snow banks. 3. Do drivers behave safely? a. Back‐up without looking. Northeast D Street
North Bluff Avenue
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b. Drive too fast. c. Speed up to make traffic lights, or drive through red lights. 4. Do pedestrians behave safely? a. Do not cross at cross walks or with traffic signal. b. Do not look both ways before crossing. c. Do not walk on sidewalks or shoulders facing traffic. 5. Is the route pleasant? a. Needs grass, flowers trees. b. Scary dogs. c. Not well lit. d. Littered or dirty. ______________________________________________________________________________ Observational Lenses In addition to these categories planning team members were encouraged to also consider each route through different lenses such as the perspective of a small child, who may or may not be able to see over parked cars. Another lens through which the planning team considered each route was the perspective of someone with disabilities or wheelchair bound. For example are sidewalks compliant with the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)? Do sidewalks slope laterally in order to accommodate the slope of a driveway when the sidewalk should remain flat and the driveway apron should begin beyond the sidewalk? ______________________________________________________________________________ Managing Transportation Needs with Limited Time and Resources With limited time and resources the planning team understands that they will not be able to address all concerns on all the roadways on which residents wish to walk or bike, however by addressing logical termini through a systematized process designed to address as many needs as possible, the planning team sought to identify as many issues and barriers to walking and biking as possible. One final caveat before delving into the Walk Audit Observations is the issue of limited resources. In a perfect world, each street would be newly paved with state of the art electronic signage, all motorists would obey all traffic laws and all pedestrians would have as many route options as could be imagined with sidewalks on every street. All the sidewalks would be self‐heating and snow and ice would melt away on its own making shoveling a thing of the past. Of course this does not accurately reflect the current reality in which transportation construction and materials costs are rising alongside the level of traffic and congestion. To further complicate matters other stressors such as Federal Transportation funding constraints 73
limit the ability of local units of government to maintain their transportation systems much less expand them to meet the increased needs of their residents. Rising transportation costs, ever increasing transportation needs and less funding available is a scenario that is playing out in communities all across the nation. It is important to remember that even within the world of transportation, several user groups view transportation needs in many different ways and planners and local officials are faced with very difficult tradeoffs regarding how to prioritize the growing list of needs. Therefore, plans such as this help to inform decision makers on areas of greatest priority. There are several routes that the planning team reviewed that do not warrant any physical improvement due to low volume of traffic, condition or width of roadway etc. It is neither a practical nor wise use of public funds to recommend sidewalks on all roads. ______________________________________________________________________________
Northeast Sector D Street, From Gillis Avenue to 5th Avenue NE Sector Northeast Name of Segment D Street, From Gillis Avenue to 5th Avenue NE Observations Traffic Low/Moderate Volume Traffic Low Traffic Speed along entirety of route. Speed Pedestrian Moderate Pedestrian traffic (especially towards Cub Foods) Traffic Roadway Narrow Roadway along entirety of route. Description Sidewalk No sidewalks along entirety of route. Description Lighting Minimal lighting along entirety of route. Description Aesthetic Pleasant Park‐like feel along entirety of route. Description Additional Observations Perpendicular sidewalks at 2nd Ave NE with aprons along 2nd Ave NE. Perpendicular sidewalks at 3rd Ave NE with ADA compliant aprons in all directions. Perpendicular sidewalks at 4th Ave NE with aprons in all directions except East/West on the south side of D St. NE. Recommendations 1. Cub Foods is a major traffic generator in the NE part of Brainerd, both in terms of vehicular traffic and pedestrian traffic. D St. NE is one of the more direct routes to/from Cub Foods from the East. Consider installing ADA compliant sidewalks and stripped crosswalks at all intersections from 1st St. NE to 5th St. NE and on to connect to Cub Foods. 74
H Street, from 1st Avenue NE to 13th Avenue NE Sector Northeast Name of Segment H Street, from 1st Avenue NE to 13th Avenue NE Observations Traffic Moderate Traffic Volume Volume Traffic Moderate Traffic Speed. Speed Pedestrian Traffic Roadway Moderate width of roadway. Description Sidewalk No sidewalks on the western portion of the segment up to 3rd Ave. NE. From 3rd Ave. NE Description to 4th Ave. NE a sidewalk exists along the south side of H St. NE to accommodate students at Lowell Elementary School. Beginning at 4th Ave. NE a sidewalk with a moderate boulevard begins along the North side of H St. NE. and continues to 8th Ave. NE where it terminates. There is a painted crosswalk at the intersection of H St. NE and Mill Ave. Lighting Description Aesthetic The entirety of the route is quite pleasant with a park like feel. Description Additional Observations After Mill Avenue, traffic volumes and speeds along H St. NE. drop off slightly. Beginning at 8th Ave. NE, no sidewalk exists for the remainder of H St. NE. Recommendations 1. Consider extending the sidewalk along H St. NE from 4th Ave. NE to 1st Ave. NE and south 1 block to connect to the existing sidewalk network at Evergreen Ave which runs down along “cemetery hill”. N Street Sector Northeast Name of Segment N Street Observations Traffic Moderate traffic volume. Volume Traffic Moderate traffic speed. Speed Pedestrian 75
Traffic Roadway Moderately wide roadway from Mill Ave to 11th Ave. NE. Description From 11th Ave. NE to the end of the segment the roadway is considerably narrower. Both traffic volumes and traffic speeds drop off slightly due to the proximity from Mill Ave and the narrowing of the roadway. Sidewalk No sidewalk exists along the entire route. Description Lighting Minimal lighting. Description Aesthetic Very pleasant park like atmosphere along entirety of route. Description Additional Observations This segment begins with a crosswalk across Mill Ave that connects only to a sidewalk apron. Recommendations 1. Consider constructing sidewalk from Mill Ave to 11th Ave. NE. The segment of N St. NE with the highest traffic volume and traffic speeds is the segment closest to Mill Ave. Additionally a sidewalk from Mill to 11th Ave. NE would connect to park destinations, one at the Mill Ave ball fields and the other at the green space/ball backstop located at 9th Ave. NE and N St. NE. Furthermore the reasoning behind extending a sidewalk from Mill Ave to 11th Ave. NE would be to not only connect the parks at Mill and 9th Ave. NE but also to potentially connect to sidewalks coming up from Garfield School along 11th Ave NE in the future. 4th Ave. NE Sector Northeast Name of Segment 4th Avenue NE Observations Traffic High traffic volumes exist due to access onto TH 210, as well as intensive use commercial Volume establishments on both sides of 4th Ave NE from TH 210 to B St. NE. However, beginning at B St. NE both traffic volumes and speeds drop off considerably. Traffic volumes and speeds drop off slightly from H St. NE to M St. NE. Traffic Beginning at B St. NE both traffic volumes and speeds drop off considerably. Speed Traffic volumes and speeds drop off slightly from H St. NE to M St. NE. Pedestrian Traffic Roadway Description Sidewalk Additionally a sidewalk with a moderate boulevard begins along the west side of 4th Ave. Description NE. Midway between B St. NE and C St. NE a sidewalk with a moderate boulevard begins along the east side of 4th Ave. NE. Both sidewalks have sidewalk aprons in all directions at C St. NE. Marked painted crosswalk exists for Lowell Elementary school at both G St. NE and H St. 76
NE. Both sidewalks and boulevards continue from C St. NE The sidewalk along the west side of 4th Ave. NE terminates at H St. NE while the sidewalk along the east side of 4th Ave. NE extends past H St. NE along a marked crosswalk to join the sidewalk running along the North side of H St. NE. The remainder of 4th Ave. NE has no sidewalks from H St. NE. to M St. NE. Lighting Minimal lighting exists along the entirety of the route with the exception the block Description between G St. NE and H St. NE (Lowell Elementary). Aesthetic Very pleasant park like atmosphere along entirety of route. Description Additional Observations 4th Ave. NE begins at the controlled intersection of TH 210. Recommendations 1. Consider improving lighting along entirety of route with the exception of the block between G St. NE and H St. NE which is already adequate. 7th Ave. NE Sector Northeast Name of Segment 7th Avenue NE Observations Traffic Low traffic volumes. Volume Traffic Low traffic speeds. Speed Pedestrian Low Pedestrian Traffic. Traffic Roadway Narrow roadway. Description Sidewalk No sidewalks exist along the entirety of route. Description Lighting Minimal lighting. Description Aesthetic Very pleasant park like atmosphere along entirety of route. Description Additional Observations 7th Ave Ne begins at E St. NE and terminates at M St. NE. 7th Ave. NE doglegs slightly to the west at H St. NE. Recommendations 1. Low traffic volumes and speeds do not warrant installation of sidewalks at this time. 13th Ave. NE Sector Northeast Name of Segment 13th Avenue NE Observations Traffic Moderate traffic volumes exist due to access onto TH 210 and higher intensity 77
Volume
commercial uses along 13th Ave. NE between H St. NE and I St. NE. Beyond I St. NE both traffic volume and traffic speed drop considerably. Beyond I St. NE both traffic volume and traffic speed drop considerably.
Traffic Speed Pedestrian Traffic Roadway Moderate roadway width exists from TH 210 to N St. NE. Description Beyond N St. NE the roadway narrows considerably until its termini at a cul‐de‐sac, further reducing traffic speeds. Sidewalk No sidewalk exists along the entirety of the route. Description Lighting Minimal lighting exists particularly between O St. NE and the 13th Ave. NE termini. Description Aesthetic Very pleasant park like atmosphere along entirety of route. Description Additional Observations 13th Ave. NE begins at TH 210 and terminates at a cul‐de‐sac just North of O St. NE Recommendations 1. Low traffic volumes and speeds do not warrant installation of sidewalks at this time.
North Sector Bluff Avenue Sector North Name of Segment Bluff Avenue Observations Traffic Low/Moderate traffic volume. Volume Traffic Low/Moderate traffic speed. Speed Moderate traffic speeds in relation to the design speed where Bluff Ave doglegs slightly to the north. Pedestrian Moderate Pedestrian traffic. Particularly near Essentia Hospital, and around 7th and 8th St. Traffic NE. Roadway Bluff Ave. begins at 3rd St. N and terminates at Terrace Ave which is at the intersection of Description 10th St. N. Fairly narrow roadway from 3rd St. N to 7th St. N. The roadway narrows considerably at 7th St. N and continues as a very narrow roadway for the remainder of the route where it terminates at the tri‐intersection of Bluff Ave, Terrace Ave, and 10th St. N. 78
Sidewalk A narrow sidewalk and large boulevard begins at 3rd St. N and terminates at 6th St. N. Description No sidewalk exists from 6th St. N to 10th St. N. Lighting Minimal Lighting exists along entirety of route. Description Aesthetic Very pleasant park like atmosphere along entirety of route. Description Additional Observations Traffic generators along this route include Essentia Hospital which is located a block off of Bluff Ave on 3rd St. N. Other Traffic generators in the area include Whittier Elementary School, Gregory Park, and Triangle Park. A stop sign exists on Bluff Ave at the intersection of 5th St. N and Bluff which helps slow traffic down. Recommendations 1. Consider extending the sidewalk and boulevard from where it ends at 6th St. N eastward one block to 7th St. N. At this point Bluff Ave. turns slightly to the North. Further extend the sidewalk along the South side of Triangle Park. This would connect the sidewalk network from the west part of Bluff Ave to the sidewalk network of Fir St. to the East while providing pedestrian access and safety features to Triangle Park. 2. Consider installing a striped crosswalk connecting the sidewalk recommended above to Triangle Park. 3. Consider installing speed bumps on Bluff Ave at 7th St. N. and on Bluff Ave at 8th St. N. Terrace Ave Sector North Name of Segment Terrace Avenue Observations Traffic Low traffic volumes. Volume Traffic Low traffic speeds. Speed Pedestrian Traffic Roadway Terrace Ave is very narrow for the entirety of its short route. Description Sidewalk A sidewalk and boulevard exists along the entirety of the north side of Terrace Ave. Description Lighting Minimal Lighting exists along entirety of route. Description Aesthetic Very pleasant park like atmosphere along entirety of route. Description Additional Observations Terrace Ave begins where Bluff Ave ends at 10th St. N and terminates at Evergreen Ave. Due to the majority of Terrace Ave being located on a steep hill that connects to Evergreen Ave. traffic speeds are not much of an issue. 79
Recommendations 1. Low traffic volumes and speeds do not warrant installation of sidewalks at this time. Fir Street Sector North Name of Segment Fir Street Observations Traffic Low/Moderate traffic volume. Volume Traffic Low/Moderate traffic speed Speed Pedestrian Traffic Roadway A painted crosswalk exists at Fir St. and 8th St. N. Description Sidewalk For the first block of Fir St. (from 8th St. N to 9th St. N, no sidewalk exists on the south side Description of Fir St. N. , however a sidewalk and boulevard does exist along the north side of Fir St. Sidewalks long both north and south sides of Fir St. N begin at 9th St. N and continue to 10th St. N. At 10th St. N both sidewalks continue but there is no longer space for the boulevard along the north side. Sidewalks on both sides (with a boulevard along only the south side) continue to 11th St. N. Lighting Minimal Lighting exists along entirety of route. Description Aesthetic Very pleasant park like atmosphere along entirety of route. Description Additional Observations Fir St. Begins at the tri‐intersection of Bluff Ave, 8th St. N and Fir. (Bluff Ave essentially turns into Fir St at this point). Both Traffic volume and speed can be moderate at times because Fir St. is part of a segment that acts as the main route connecting the North neighborhoods to the NE neighborhoods. Recommendations 1. Consider installing striped crosswalks at the intersection of Fir St. N and 9th St. N. This would provide continuous linkage for pedestrians walking east on the south side of Fir St. N who’s destination is Gregory Park or Whittier Elementary School, or conversely those walking from either of these destinations heading west to Fir St. N.
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Southeast Sector Quince Street Sector Southeast Name of Segment Quince Street Observations Traffic Moderate to High traffic volumes exist on Quince from where it begins at the High School Volume to 8th St. S. After 8th St. traffic volumes begin to decrease. Traffic Low to Moderate traffic speeds exist along Quince between 6th St. S and 13th St. SE. Speed Pedestrian Moderate pedestrian traffic along Quince, particularly from 5th Street SE to 13th Street SE. Traffic Low pedestrian traffic from 13th Street to the termination of the roadway. Roadway Quince St. is of moderate width from its beginning to 8th St. S. After 8th St. S the roadway Description narrows considerably. Painted marked crosswalks exist at the controlled intersection of Quince and E. College Dr. This intersection is equipped with timed crossing signals. The controlled intersection of Quince and 6th St. S is also equipped with painted crosswalks and timed crossing signals. Sidewalk It can be difficult to determine where School parking lot/roadways end and where Description Quince begins but there are suitable sidewalk connections from School property to sidewalks on Quince. Sidewalks exist on both sides of the very beginning of Quince where Quince leaves school property. The sidewalk on the south connects to the Trail running along the N/E side of East College Dr. The sidewalk along the north side of the very beginning of Quince connects to sidewalks running along the east side of College Dr. heading north. Sidewalks continue on both sides of Quince from E. College Dr. to 6th St S with the sidewalk on the south side of Quince having a moderate boulevard. Sidewalks with boulevards exist along both sides of Quince from 6th St. S to 8th St. S. No sidewalks exist along Quince St. from 8th St. S to 13th St SE Sidewalks with boulevards begin again along both sides of Quince beginning at 13th St. SE and continue on to 15th St. SE. From 15th St. SE to where Quince terminates at 16th St. Se no sidewalks exist along either side of the roadway. 81
Lighting Minimal Lighting exists along entirety of route. Description Aesthetic Very pleasant park like atmosphere along entirety of route. Description Additional Observations Quince St. begins at a cul‐de‐sac located at Brainerd High School and terminates at 16th St. SE near Jaycees Park. Major traffic generators along Quince include - Brainerd High School, - Connation to CLC at E. College Dr. - Downtown connection via 5th St. S. - Downtown connection via 6th St. S - Downtown Connection via 7th St. S. - Downtown Connection via 8th St. S. - Jaycee Park - Quince is one of only 7 routes that connect the SE part of Brainerd to any parts west of the abandoned rail line. (Others include Front St., Oak St., Willow St., Brook St., Wright St. and Industrial Park Road but most are farther south and not really connected to the downtown.) Recommendations 1. Consider improving lighting along entirety of route. 2. Low traffic volumes and speeds at areas where sidewalk gaps currently exist do not warrant installation of sidewalks at this time. ______________________________________________________________________________ Willow Street Sector Southeast Name of Segment Willow Street Observations Traffic Volume Moderate traffic volume for the entirety of the route. Traffic Speed Moderate traffic speeds for the entirety of the route. Bike/Pedestrian Increased bike and pedestrian traffic exists along willow, and is expected to increase in Traffic light of the addition of a bike lane on Willow Street. Roadway Moderate roadway width for the entirety of the route. Description A striped bike lane exists along the south side of the entire route along Willow. A marked crosswalk and signage exists where the Buffalo Hills Trail crosses over Willow. Sidewalk Sidewalks along both sides of Willow exist from where it begins at 4th St. SE and Description continue to 6th St. S. At 6th St. South a sidewalk exists along only the north side of Willow for approximately 82
½ a block before terminating. No sidewalks exist along the remainder of the route, with the exception of a sidewalk along the south side of Willow from 11th St. SE to 12th St. SE serving St. Andrews Catholic Church. Lighting Minimal Lighting exists along entirety of route. Description Aesthetic A mostly pleasant park like atmosphere along entirety of route. Description Additional Observations Willow St. begins at the intersections of Vine St., Willow St. and 4th St. S. and terminates at 13th St. SE. Recommendations 1. Consider installing a sidewalk along the south side of the entire route along Willow. This would connect the SE neighborhoods to the Buffalo Hills Trail, to destinations along 6th St. S and provide continuous access to the High School, library, and Boom Lake Park. 13th Street SE Sector Southeast Name of Segment 13th Street SE Observations Traffic Moderate to Heavy Traffic volumes Volume Traffic Moderate traffic speeds from Industrial Park Rd’/and County Rd 117 to Willow St. Speed Low/Moderate traffic speeds from Willow to TH 210. Pedestrian Moderate pedestrian traffic exists along the entirety of the route, but there are Traffic insufficient bike/pedestrian facilities to accommodate current bike/pedestrian volumes. Roadway Roadway has wide shoulders that run along both sides of the entire roadway segment, Description with the exception of the last few hundred feet approaching TH 210 and small segments approaching the BNSF Railroad crossing. Sidewalk There are no sidewalks along the entire roadway segment with the very brief exception Description of a quarter block between Norwood St. and Maple St. Lighting Adequate lighting exists along the majority of the route. Description Aesthetic Portions of the route have a park like feel. Others do not. Description Additional Observations 13th St. SE begins at the intersection of Industrial Park Rd and Cty Rd 117 and terminates at TH 210. A very narrow strip of asphalt exists just above the curb on the west side of 13th street from the BSNSF railroad tracks to TH 210. A “cow path” has been formed along the west side of 13th St. SE from TH 210 Major traffic generators include access to Brainerd Industrial park, high intensity commercial and industrial use traffic, Crow Wing County Fairgrounds, and the intersection of 13th St. SE and Oak St. The controlled intersection of 13th St. SE and TH 210 is equipped with painted crosswalks, signalized 83
crossings and sidewalk aprons. Recommendations 1. Consider installing sidewalks with boulevards on both sides of 13th St. SE from TH 210 to Wright St. 2. Consider installing a sidewalk with boulevard on the east side of 13th St. SE from Wright St. to the front gates of the Crow Wing County Fairgrounds.
Southwest Buffalo Hills Lane Sector Southwest Name of Segment Buffalo Hills Lane Observations Traffic Low/Moderate traffic volume depending the time of day. Volume Traffic Low traffic speeds towards the eastern end of Buffalo Hills Lane. Speed Moderate traffic speeds towards the western end of Buffalo Hills Lane. Pedestrian Moderate pedestrian volume towards the eastern end of the roadway, but less and less Traffic as one heads west. Roadway The eastern end of Buffalo Hills Lane is a very narrow roadway. Description Buffalo Hills Lane widens considerably heading west beginning at Graydon Ave. Sidewalk No sidewalks exist on either side of the road from the eastern termini until Greenwood Description St. Beginning at Greenwood St and heading west, a sidewalk on the south side of Buffalo Hills Lane begins and runs for several hundred yards. Lighting Very little lighting exists on the sparsely populated eastern end of Buffalo Hills Lane. Description Minimal Lighting exists along entirety of route. Aesthetic Very pleasant park like atmosphere along entirety of route. Description Additional Observations Buffalo Hills Lane begins at the end of Mississippi Dr. and terminates at the intersection of Business 371. Also beginning at Greenwood St. and heading west, a trail on the north side of Buffalo Hills Lane begins and runs the remainder of the route to Business 371. Recommendations 1. Consider installing a striped crosswalk on Buffalo Hills Lane at the beginning of the trail at Greenwood St. 2. Low traffic volumes and speeds along eastern portion of Buffalo Hills Lane do not warrant installation of sidewalks at this time. Consider construction of sidewalks if/when roadway is widened or improved. Industrial Park Road 84
Sector Southwest Name of Segment Industrial Park Road Observations Traffic Moderate to High traffic volumes. Volume Traffic Moderate traffic speeds. Speed Pedestrian Currently minimal bike and pedestrian traffic exists along this segment. Traffic Roadway Industrious Park Road is a wide roadway in order to accommodate heavy intensity Description commercial and industrial use traffic. Sidewalk No sidewalks exist along the entirety of the route. Description Lighting Adequate lighting exists along the entirety of the roadway. Consistent with use and Description zoning. Aesthetic This segment has an industrial park like look and feel which is consistent with the use and Description name of the roadway. Additional Observations Industrial Park Road begins at Business 371 and terminates at 13th St. SE/Co. Rd 45. A trail exists along the north side of Industrial Park Rd. from Business 371 heading west for about a tenth of a mile until it connects to the Buffalo Hills Trail. Recommendations None for this segment
Northwest 4th Street NW Sector Northwest Name of Segment 4th Street NW Observations Traffic High traffic volumes are present along the entirety of the roadway. Volume Traffic Moderate traffic speeds exist along the entirety of the roadway. Speed Pedestrian Low bike/pedestrian traffic. Likely due to lack of bike/pedestrian facility along entirety of Traffic route. A “cow path exists along the west side of the entire roadway segment. Roadway Wide road with two lanes in both directions. Description Sidewalk There are no sidewalks along the entire roadway segment. Description Lighting Minimal lighting from James St. to Jackson St. Description Aesthetic Segment has a very busy feel as it’s at one of the highest traffic volume intersections in Description town which is consistent with the use. Additional Observations 85
4th St. NW begins at TH 210 and terminates at Jackson St. There are painted crosswalks at the controlled intersection of 4th St. NW and Washington St that include timed signalized crossings. A “cow path exists along the west side of the entire roadway segment. Recommendations 1. Consider installing a sidewalks along the east sides of the roadway from TH 210 to Jackson St. 2. Consider installing sidewalk along the west side of the roadway from TH 210 to James St. 3. Consider improving lighting from James St. to Jackson St. Jackson Street Sector Northwest Name of Segment Jackson Street Observations Traffic Moderate traffic volume. Volume Traffic Moderate traffic speed. Speed Pedestrian Moderate bike/pedestrian traffic volume exists along the entirety of segment. Lack of Traffic bike/pedestrian facility is apparent. Roadway Narrow to moderate roadway width. Description The Main traffic generators for Jackson St. include: ‐Connections to TH 210 via 4th St. NW. ‐ Connections to Wise Rd. via Co. Rd 20. ‐ Brainerd Area Civic Center ‐ Proximity to commercial center and shopping i.e. Walgreens, Wells Fargo Etc. ‐ Westgate Mall ‐ Minnesota Auto & Driver’s License. Sidewalk No sidewalks exist along the entire roadway segment. Description Lighting Adequate lighting exists along this segment. Description Aesthetic This segment has a pleasant wooded like feel as it transitions from the urban center to Description the rural areas. Much of this segment is adjacent to the Northland Arboretum land and is wooded. Other portions of this segment are developed with primarily commercial uses and some moderate residential uses. Additional Observations Jackson St. begins at the point where Excelsior Rd ends which is at the cross street of 7th St. NW. It runs from this point until it comes to a “T” at Co Rd 20 and 4th St. NW. Recommendations 1. Consider installing a trail along the north side of Jackson Street and continuing on the north 86
side of Excelsior Rd. Ideally this trail would connect to the Paul Bunyan trail and the Northland Arboretum. 2. If/When the above mentioned trail is constructed; suitable crosswalks should be added on both Excelsior Rd. and Jackson St to provide access from the trail to commercial establishments and attractions such as Westgate mall. 3. If/When the above mentioned trail is constructed, consider working with the County to extend the trail along the north side of Co. Rd 20, Riverside Dr. and or Beaver Dam Rd. Northtown Street Sector Northwest Name of Segment Northtown Street Observations Traffic Very low traffic volume. Volume Traffic Very low traffic speeds. Speed Pedestrian Moderate bike/pedestrian traffic volumes exist. Traffic Roadway Narrow Roadway. Description Sidewalk A sidewalk exists along the north side of the roadway from Beaver Dam Rd to Wild Ave. Description There are no sidewalks along either side of the road from Wild Ave. to McKay Rd. Lighting Adequate lighting exists along entirety of route. Description Aesthetic Very pleasant park like atmosphere along entirety of route. Description Additional Observations Northtown St. begins at Beaver Dam Rd and terminates at McKay Rd. Recommendations 1. Consider installing painted crosswalks at Warrior Ave. at Wild Ave., and Westridge Cir. McKay Road Sector Northwest Name of Segment McKay Road Observations Traffic Low to moderate traffic volumes depending the time of day. Volume Traffic Moderate to High traffic speeds. Speed Pedestrian Lots of pedestrian users despite no pedestrian infrastructure. Traffic Roadway Very narrow shoulder on both sides of the roadway. Description Sidewalk No sidewalk exists along entirety of route. 87
Description Lighting Very little lighting is consistent with the low density of housing along McKay. Description Aesthetic Very pleasant rural park like atmosphere along entirety of route. Description Additional Observations McKay Rd begins at Riverside Dr. and terminates at Birchwood Lane. Recommendations 1. Consider widening shoulders on both sides of roadway to provide some pedestrian infrastructure.
Other Washington Street Sector Other – Segment Runs the entire width of city. Name of Segment Washington Street Observations Traffic Very high traffic volume along entirety of route. Volume Traffic High traffic speeds along entirety of route. Speed Pedestrian From 5th Ave NE to Lum Park pedestrians can use the Mississippi River Trail. Traffic The first opportunity pedestrians have to cross over Washington Street is at 4th St. NW (no crossings at 8th St., 7th St., 6th St., or 5th St. The next opportunity for pedestrians to cross Washington St. is at 4th St, N. (no opportunity to cross at Chippewa, 1st, St. N, 2nd St. N, or 3rd St. N. The last opportunities for pedestrians to cross over Washington St can be found at the controlled intersection of Mill Ave, Washington ST. and state Highway 25 where there is a timed signalized crossing and painted crosswalk. Roadway Wide roadway. Description Sidewalk The sidewalk along the north side of Washington St. extends from its beginning at 8th St. Description NW all the way to 10th St. N whereupon it takes circuitous route through the middle of the block to Kingwood St. before returning to Washington St. The sidewalk on the north side of the road continues on from Kingwood St. all the way to 5th Ave. NE. The sidewalk on the south end extends from its beginning at 8th St. NW to just shy of the intersection of Washington St. and Kingwood St. The sidewalk on the south side of Washington St. is quite narrow in most places. No sidewalk exists along the south side of Washington St. from 13th to where Washington St. terminates. A “Cow path” exists from 13th St. SE to where Washington St. terminates. Lighting Adequate lighting exists along entirety of route. 88
Description Aesthetic This segment has a very auto oriented suburban sprawl feel to it and has a high Description proliferation of signs. Additional Observations Washington St. begins at 8th St. NW and runs the width of Brainerd terminating at the Eastern city limits. At the controlled intersection of 4th St. and Washington there are striped crosswalks, and timing controlled signalized crossing lights. At 6th St. N there is a controlled intersection with crosswalks on the south, west, and north sides as well as timed signalized crossings. 8th St. N provides another controlled intersection with painted crosswalks and timed signalized crossings. Additional crossings can be found at 13th St. SE that includes painted crosswalks, and timed signalized crossings. Another crossing can be found at the controlled intersection at 4th St. NE. Recommendations 1. Consider options to widen the sidewalk along the south side of Washington St. 2. Consider additional opportunities for pedestrians to cross Washington St.
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Maps ______________________________________________________________________________ City of Brainerd Map 90
Resources This plan is intended to be a starting point; a framework on which the community can use to guide future pedestrian planning and ultimately implementation. The following is a list of resources to support future work from the Federal level to the local level. ______________________________________________________________________________ Minnesota Department of Transportation http://www.dot.state.mn.us/ National Center for Safe Routes to School http://www.saferoutesinfo.org/ Safe Routes to School National Partnership http://saferoutespartnership.org/ Federal Highway Administration http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ National Highway Traffic Safety Administration http://www.nhtsa.gov/ International iWalk to School http://www.iwalktoschool.org/ Center for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/ 91
Minnesota Department of Health http://www.health.state.mn.us/ State Health Improvement Program (SHIP) http://www.health.state.mn.us/ship/ Region Five Development Commission http://www.regionfive.org/ Resilient Region| The Central Minnesota Sustainable Development Plan http://www.resilientregion.org/
Plan Adoption 92
______________________________________________________________________________ City of Brainerd Resolution of Adoption
Published by the Region Five Development Commission For the City of Brainerd (2016)
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