Page 104 - parks-master-plan

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A long-standing part of the City’s planning philosophy has been that

connectivity through bike paths and pedestrian trails is important to the development of the concept of community. Additional benefits of such connectivity are opportunities for fitness and health, a reduction in automobile traffic and a reduction in carbon emissions.

Dublin’s bikeway system can be more accurately described as a multipurpose pedestrian way, allowing for walking, jogging, bicycling and inline skating. Providing this system is a key factor in encouraging residents to use alternative means of transportation for local destinations.

Linking the neighborhoods, schools and local destinations makes it possible for residents to walk or bike rather than rely totally on automobiles. The bikeway system also gives residents a convenient means of visiting much of the City park system that might otherwise be unknown to them.

Existing Conditions

Dublin has 88 miles of bike paths, which are used by all ages and demographics. Residents overwhelmingly praise the system: In the 2006 Community Satisfaction Survey, 87.3 percent of those responding gave the system excellent or good ratings. Bike paths are a desirable amenity; proximity to them can increase residential property values.

As part of a its “healthy community” goal, City Council has directed staff to close bikeway system gaps so residents can reach destination points and easily travel between subdivisions through parks or on the bikeway network.