CEDAR FALLS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE ACCOMMODATION


In addition to reducing traffic conflicts between motorists, the relocation of the frontage roads allows more room to accommodate pedestrians traveling along and across University Avenue. Figure 11.8 shows a close up of a section of University to show detail of the pedestrian and bicycle paths. For pedestrians moving linearly along University Avenue, the concept provides the option of either a conventional sidewalk that runs parallel to the road, or a meandering path on the south side of University that serves as an attraction in itself, with generous landscaping or ar- tistic pieces along the edges. The medians on either side of the left turn lanes on University provide two separate refuge areas for pedestrians crossing the street. Contrasting colored crosswalks make pedestrian crossings more noticeable to mo- torists. Shorter north-south paths connect the University avenue sidewalks to the strip center.


If University Avenue is reduced to four lanes to improve driving safety, the left-over right-of-way could be used for bicycle lanes. Proposed bicycle lanes are separated from motor vehicle traffic by a green buffer for the central part of each block. As the bike lanes approach intersections, they cross over the vehicle right turn lane, and travel through the intersection alongside forward-moving car lanes (Figure 11.8). Studies have shown that although bicyclists are usually safer on separated paths, at intersections it is safer for the bike lane to move adjacent to car traffic so that bi- cyclists are more visible to motorists. To make this system work properly, signage would direct bicycles to travel in the same direction as the car traffic, according to their side of the street. West-bound bicycle traffic would travel on the north bike lane, while east-bound bicycle traffic would travel on the south lane. Keeping single direction flow of traffic for bicycles makes drivers less likely to hit a bicyclist during turning maneuvers.


MOVING FORWARD


University Avenue is a state highway and funding for any redevelopment project will be determined by the Iowa Department of Transportation. The concept above provides a vision that explores the potential of this commercial corridor. A lane re- duction would first and foremost improve safety for motorists, and could provide the added benefit of allowing pedestrian and bike accommodation, and improving marketability in the area. Taking the road from six to four lanes could also reduce road maintenance fees in the long run. These goals will only be achieved with a comprehensive vision such as that outlined above.


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