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Chapter 6: Transportation / 55 <br />Elk River Comprehensive Plan <br />Trails <br />As noted in the introduction of this chapter, there has <br />been notable change in the transportation network <br />over time. At one point, sidewalks and trails were <br />recognized for recreational purposes and not for <br />serving a transportation purpose. That thought <br />process is changing. Today there is recognition that <br />most trips start and/or end with someone walking <br />and bicycle commuting rates are increasing within the <br />state. Because of the evolving role of the trail and <br />sidewalk systems, it is important to address them <br />in both the transportation and parks and recreation <br />sections of the Comprehensive Plan. <br />Figure 6-6: Existing Trails and Sidewalks shows the <br />existing trail and sidewalk system. As shown in the <br />fi gure, the existing system does not link the entire <br />community. There are a number of gaps within <br />and between neighborhoods and major destinations <br />such as schools, parks, other recreational areas and <br />shopping nodes. There are, however, areas within <br />the community that currently have a robust sidewalk <br />and trail system in place. The areas with the most <br />connected trails and sidewalks are in the older <br />downtown areas and in newer developments that <br />have occurred over the past decade. Areas that are <br />more rural generally lack trail and sidewalk facilities <br />and areas that developed between 10 and 25 years <br />ago are also less likely to have trails and sidewalks <br />in place. These areas developed in an era when <br />communities were not constructing sidewalks or trails <br />as part of development. <br />RiverRider Public Transit <br />RiverRider Public Transit provides door to door service <br />for all trips. Any resident in Elk River is able to use <br />this service for any transportation need – trip to the <br />doctor, shopping, work, school, etc. The fare is <br />based on the destination. Rides must be scheduled in <br />advance. RiverRider is a typically referred to as a dial- <br />a-ride service. <br />Veterans Services – Medical Center <br />Transportation <br />The Sherburne County Veterans Service operates <br />a 12-passenger van for the expressed purpose of <br />providing transportation to and from the Minneapolis <br />VA Medical Center. This service is limited to veterans <br />who are unable to transport themselves. There is also <br />service to the St. Cloud VA Medical Center; however, <br />this is done through volunteer drivers in their own <br />cars. This service is free. Hours are limited, and rides <br />must be scheduled at least 48 hours in advance. <br />Sherburne County Volunteer Driver Program <br />The Sherburne County Volunteer Driver program <br />provides necessary rides for clients of Sherburne <br />County when no other transportation is available. <br />Necessary appointments include: medical <br />appointments, social services, mental health and other <br />purposes approved by the county. Seniors 65+ may <br />qualify for the program according to maximum income <br />guidelines. Service hours are limited.