Why Create a Bicycle Master Plan?
More and more people are choosing their bicycle as an alternative or supplemental form of transportation. According to the U.S. Census American Community Survey, in the Washington Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) mode share for bicycle trips to work doubled from 0.3% in 2000 to 0.6% in 2012. Note that these numbers do not capture people who ride to work once or twice a week or who ride recreationally.
As a mode of transportation, bicycles have numerous benefits. Bicycling promotes good health, has little environmental impact, is economical, and provides travel options for those unable or unwilling to drive.
While biking may not be for everyone, this plan establishes a vision of making biking available for people who choose to travel by bicycle. This vision is driven by policy guidance adopted in the City's Comprehensive Plan, which states that the City should, "Provide a network of bicycle routes that connects the City’s commercial areas and neighborhoods, transit facilities, schools, regional bicycle facilities, and designated bicycle routes in neighboring jurisdictions".
Public Engagement Schedule
The table below lists the schedule for public engagement for the plan update.