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68 / Chapter 6: Transportation <br />Elk River Comprehensive Plan <br />Bicycle and Pedestrian Connections and Crossings <br />In addition to the long-term planned improvements on US 10 and US 169 which <br />include crossings and connections for pedestrians and bicyclists, the City has identifi ed <br />a number of future trails and sidewalks (Figure 6-7) to address the lack of trails and <br />challenging roadway crossings in some areas of the community. As shown on the map, <br />the recommended trail network is quite extensive and comprehensive. However, there <br />is not any prioritization to the network so it is challenging to identify which segments <br />will provide the most benefi t for users and thus should be prioritized for implementation. <br />One of the ways that the City can improve connections and crossings for pedestrians <br />and bicyclists is to recognize walking and bicycling as a transportation mode as well <br />as a recreational activity. By elevating these facilities as a means of transportation, <br />there are additional opportunities through grants and planning to prioritize connections <br />that serve a transportation or dual purpose. It is recommended that the City’s Park, <br />Trails and Open Space Plan identify crossing and connection priorities. Recommended <br />priorities should be based off of criteria developed as part of the process and should be <br />incorporated into both plans. <br />Implementation <br />There are things the City can do on an ongoing basis that will improve conditions for <br />pedestrians and bicyclists and enhance the network. Activities include: <br /> ·Incorporate sidewalk and/or trail provisions as part of the subdivision ordinance and <br />plat review criteria. <br /> ·Incorporate sidewalk and/or trail facilities as part of construction and/or <br />reconstruction on all collector and arterial roadways. <br /> ·Incorporate adequate shoulders on collector and arterial roadways for commuter <br />cyclists. <br /> ·Include American with Disabilities Act improvements when repairing or constructing <br />roadways <br /> ·Incorporate countdown timers and audible commands as part of new traffi c signal <br />construction and traffi c signal replacement (MnDOT has upgraded most of the traffi c <br />signals on its network). <br /> ·Incorporate best design practices for bicycle and pedestrian facilities at intersections <br />and at any mid-block crossings. <br /> ·Consider lighting needs for system users when facilities are developed. <br /> ·Apply for grants to help build the sidewalk and trail network. <br /> ·Work with Sherburne County and MnDOT to implement improvements on their <br />roadway networks.