Regional Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trails Master Plan - sacog

Master Plan Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trails 27
However, bicycle and pedestrian facilities are often considered a local commitment rather than
a regional or statewide transportation need. There are still many challenges in the Sacramento
region that can benefit from regional coordination and collaboration. Engaging at the regional
level permits greater information sharing about the variety of ways communities have solved or
mitigated issues surrounding the following challenges:
• Lack of sidewalks and bicycle infrastructure in urban areas, especially in the vicinity of
schools and transit stops;
• Lack of safe bicycle storage facilities at work sites and transit stations;
• Lack of continuous facilities to enable direct walking and bicycle trips without necessitating
circuitous routing;
• Narrow rural roadways with poor sight distances and narrow or no shoulders to accommodate
bicyclists and pedestrians;
• Barriers created by natural (e.g. rivers and wetlands) and man-made (e.g. large freeway
interchanges) impediments;
• High speed/volume roadways, such as major arterial roads, that are uncomfortable for use by
bicyclists even when bike infrastructure is provided; and
• Streets and corridors that do not provide access for pedestrian and bicycle transportation.
While these opportunities and challenges are not unique to the Sacramento region, the solution
each community is able to develop will respond individually to the wants and needs of our
region’s residents.
When Highways are Main Streets
Making pedestrian and bicycle improvements
along a state highway can add a layer of
complexity to projects, but also allows for
greater coordination with Caltrans. Like
many other cities along state highways,
City of Wheatland frequently works with
Caltrans staff to make improvements along
State Route 65, which bisects the city and
serves as Main Street. The City and Caltrans
have collaborated to install traffic signals,
sidewalks, and curbs along SR 65 using
funds from the federal Safe Routes to School
program and the State Highway Operation
and Protection Program.
Educating bicyclists, pedestrians,
and motorists about safe
travel behavior is an important
component to integrating all
modes into one transportation
system.