EXISTING BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN NETWORK OBSERVATIONS

The following describes key physical observations about Columbus’ existing bicycle and pedestrian network.

Existing

Shared Use Paths

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The existing network of shared use paths consists of scenic trails within parks and along rivers, as well as paths adjacent to the roadway.

Existing

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Several segments of the shared use path network are located adjacent to rivers. This provides a scenic route for users but also presents challenges to both maintenance and access. There are sections of the shared use path network that are impassable after even minor flood events. These same sections of the network get covered in mud and experience pavement settling, requiring maintenance attention.

Some segments of the network are located in areas that lack frequent activity. These areas may be considered unsafe by some users, especially at times of little sunlight.

Some sections of the network have begun to show their age with pavement cracks and root upheaval.

Many sections of the shared use path network are less than 10 feet wide, some sections as narrow as 4 - 6 feet wide. Most newly constructed shared use paths, formerly called sidepaths, are 8 feet wide which was likely the standard at the time of construction. Other narrow sections of path are located in Mill Race Park, Noblitt Park, and Tipton Lakes. The current standard for two-way shared use paths is a minimum of 10 feet wide to accommodate bidirectional pedestrian and bicycle traffic.

The existing network of bicycle lanes consists of conventional and buffered bicycle lanes.

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BICYCLE ROUTES

SIDEWALKS EXISTING The downtown area is very walkable and pedestrian-friendly.

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. 44 COLUMBUS BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN PLAN

Overall Network

EXISTING Aside from a few signs along Columbus’ bicycle routes, the bicycle and pedestrian network lacks systemwide wayfinding. The lack of signage and wayfinding is especially evident where shared use paths terminate into a sidewalk or street. These situations leave bicyclists unsure where to continue their trip and how to safely reconnect to the shared use path in other locations. Due to a lack of wayfinding, the bicycle and pedestrian network mostly does not provide directional, mileage, and destinationrelated information for its users.

Columbus’ bicycle and pedestrian network consists of a variety of facility types, which at times, impacts the fluidity of the network for bicycle users. Along a single route from origin to destination, bicyclists are often forced to make multiple transitions between on- and off-road facilities. The lack of wayfinding on the network complicates these transitions.