In a recent government meeting, city officials outlined plans for enhancing mobility and accessibility in Taylor through two key initiatives: an Active Transportation Plan and an ADA Transition Plan.
Leslie from HDR presented the Active Transportation Plan, which aims to improve non-vehicular mobility, focusing on bicycles and pedestrians. The plan will begin with an evaluation of existing conditions, assessing sidewalks, trails, and bicycle facilities across the city. This initial assessment will categorize these facilities based on their condition, providing a foundational understanding of current infrastructure. The analysis will also include a review of pedestrian and bicycle crash data from the past five years to identify necessary safety improvements.
The plan will culminate in the development of a \"kit of parts,\" detailing what sidewalks and shared-use paths should look like in Taylor, alongside typical sections for ten priority streets. This comprehensive approach will not only outline the desired infrastructure but also provide cost estimates to inform the city's Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Additionally, the update will explore funding opportunities and best practices to advance these projects.
Simultaneously, the ADA Transition Plan will focus on ensuring accessibility within the public right-of-way. The initial phase will involve a self-assessment of facilities in the downtown area, evaluating compliance with ADA standards for sidewalks, curb ramps, and other public amenities. The assessment will extend to eight city parks and the city trail system, identifying barriers to compliance and proposing solutions.
Both plans will include community engagement through public meetings and online surveys, ensuring that residents are informed and involved in the process. City officials emphasized their commitment to transparency and collaboration as they work towards improving mobility and accessibility for all residents in Taylor over the next year.