Park Woodlawn Area Plan - Charlotte-Mecklenburg County

Part 3:AppendixPark Woodlawn Area PlanTransportationCharlotte-MecklenburgPlanning DepartmentBenefits of SidewalksFrom the Federal Highway Administration’s Designing Sidewalks and Trails for Access• Pedestrians have an easiertime pushing shoppingcarts, luggage and otherwheeled devices• All pedestrians are able tochoose trail experiencesthat best suit their needs,skill level and desiredexperience• Parents are able to moreeasily push children instrollers on sidewalksand trails with accessiblesurfaces• Young children can usecurb ramps when ridingtheir bicycles• Children, parents andschool systems benefitfrom sidewalk networkswith visible pedestriancrossings and other safetyfeatures• Children learnindependence by having asafer place to travel• A good system ofsidewalks may allow olderpedestrians who no longerdrive to walk to servicesand socialize in theircommunity, while offeringa continued independentlifestyle• Businesses can load andunload goods more easily• Wide sidewalks canbe gathering places inneighborhoods andbusiness districts, andoffer space for familyand friends to walk andsocialize together• Wide sidewalks inbusiness communitiesoffer an opportunity fortrees, landscaping andother amenities thatcreate an inviting place forcustomers to shop and dobusiness• Well-maintainedsidewalks and trailsencourage exercise andprovide the benefits of ahealthy lifestyleBenefits of BicyclingBicycling provides an alternative to congested streets, a cleaner environment and contributes to improved physicalhealth and mental well being. See Map 16. As in other cities, more people in Charlotte are discoveringthese and many other benefits of bicycling. In recognition of its efforts to improve itsbicycle environment, the City of Charlotte was recognized by the League of AmericanBicyclists as a 2008-2012 Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) at the bronze level.Helpful information on cycling can be found on the City ofCharlotte Transportation website at the link below:http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/Transportation/PedBike/Pages/Home.aspxDRAFT January 15, 201389